VENTURA : City Wants Historic Pool Left Uncovered
The Ventura City Council has changed its mind about covering up an archeological find at the Peirano Market.
On Monday, the council voted unanimously to try to keep the underground, historic, tile-lined pool visible to the public. The council last week voted 5 to 2 to cover the lavanderia , saying it would be easier to sell or lease the building, which the city owns, if the pool is not available for public viewing.
But Mayor Gregory L. Carson changed his mind minutes after last week’s vote and called for reconsideration of the vote.
After listening to citizens plead for the lavanderia to be open to the public, the council compromised and decided that it needs to be protected. The lavanderia would be open to public view at least temporarily, and might later be with a wood floor.
After a buyer or lessee is found for the building, which is now vacant, the final decision about the lavanderia would be made, said Everett Millais, the city’s community development director.
The pool, which measures 26 by 30 feet, may have served as the San Buenaventura Mission’s laundry and was found underneath the 115-year-old store during excavation at the site in September, 1991. The building is located at 204 E. Main St.
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