The Facts on Farmont Plan

I want to correct misleading statements about the Farmont Golf Club project made in a Letter to the Editor on April 16.

First, the 1987 plan for a project derisively called “Camp David West” by opponents was not Kagehisa Toyama’s idea. In an attempt to avoid cross-cultural misunderstanding, Mr. Toyama retained several advisers who were asked to design a plan that would be compatible with Ojai’s traditions and that would provide substantial community benefits. Unfortunately, these former advisers misjudged the attitudes of Ojai Valley’s residents.

Second, the present Farmont proposal involves an outright dedication in perpetuity of all future development rights on more than 70% of the Farmont property. This dedication will become a cultural and natural preserve. An offer of dedication has been made to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy for the management and stewardship of this land. The Conservancy is presently considering Farmont’s proposal.

Approximately 240 of the remaining 400 acres will be maintained in an “agricultural preserve” which would be restricted to growing fruits and/or vegetables. The remaining 160 acres are within the Rancho Matilija subdivision and are subject to their CC&Rs;, as well as to county zoning regulations which only allow for subdivision of this acreage into four low-density 40-acre lots with the potential for construction of only one house on each of the four lots.

Third, the letter portrays Mr. Toyama as posing as a golf purist and an environmentalist to gain acceptance in the Ojai Valley. In fact, Mr. Toyama, who is 73, has been a golf enthusiast and supporter of environmental preservation for his entire adult life. His deals and philosophies are not new, nor were they conceived to “sell” his golf course idea. He sincerely felt that people in Ojai would want to know his story. He told it honestly and from the heart.

STEVE CRAIG

The Planning Corporation

Santa Barbara

Editor’s Note: Mr. Craig is an environmental consultant to the Farmont Corp.