OJAI VALLEY : Planning Panel to Vote on Golf Course

A controversial golf course and clubhouse proposed by a Japanese broadcasting tycoon for the Ojai Valley comes before the Ventura County Planning Commission for a public hearing and final consideration on Thursday.

The county Planning Department staff has recommended that the commission approve the 18-hole golf course and clubhouse on 204 acres known as the Farmont Golf Club.

But regardless of whether the commission approves or rejects the project, its decision probably will be appealed to the county Board of Supervisors, said Mary Alice Henderson, commission chairwoman.

The proposed project has drawn opposition from area residents and environmentalists who have said that the clubhouse is too big and would draw too much traffic into the Ojai Valley.

But most written comments have been in favor of the resort, which was first proposed more than five years ago.

The Planning Department has received 66 letters in support of the project, including one petition with 191 signatures, said Pat Richards, a county planner. There have been 18 letters in opposition.

“Those who want to discuss any of the issues, including the environmental issues regarding Farmont, should attend,” he said.

The commission will hear the issue at 8:30 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors’ hearing room at the County Government Center in Ventura.