CAMARILLO : Condemnation Urged for Parcel

The Camarillo Planning Commission is recommending that the City Council condemn a parcel of land in the Barry Street neighborhood to build 16 affordable rental units.

Commissioners unanimously approved the condemnation proposal Tuesday for four adjacent lots owned by Socorro Valasquez along Barry Street and Glenn Drive.

After condemning the property, the city would purchase it for fair-market value, about $500,000, with federal funds, Planning Director Tony Boden said.

Commissioner Les Meredith said the Valasquez property, which comprises less than an acre, was recently up for sale, and that condemnation will probably be friendly.

Boden said the city would probably donate the property to a housing agency, which could then mortgage the land to obtain construction financing.

The city would have final say over what type of apartments are built, but the housing agency would manage the apartments, Boden said.