Port Hueneme : City Backs Revised Plan for RV Resort

The Port Hueneme City Council has unanimously backed a revised proposal to construct a recreational-vehicle resort at the southeast tip of Hueneme Beach.

The latest plan calls for a 100-foot buffer zone between the proposed 143-space RV site and the J Street drainage canal, which environmentalists have said is habitat for the endangered California least tern.

While expressing support for the changes Wednesday, the council put off a final vote on the matter after Community Development Director Tom Figg said the proposal needs further review. Council members voted to support Figg’s request that money earmarked for the RV park not be allocated elsewhere while the city attempts to complete the plan.

Figg said he sought to postpone the final vote after meeting with representatives of the state Department of Fish and Game and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who plan to review the latest proposal. Figg said he hopes to hear from the wildlife agencies within two weeks so the council can vote on the matter March 3.

In addition to the buffer zone, the new plan delineates an agreement between Port Hueneme, the city of Oxnard and Southern California Edison--all of which own beach property south of the proposed development--requiring them to monitor wildlife habitat for two years after the resort is completed.

Figg said the council will have to hold a public hearing on a revised environmental impact report for the resort in late April or early May.

Before the meeting, the RV resort drew fire from property owners near the proposed development.

Citing figures on average RV resort occupancy rates from parks in California, Tom Brigham, president of the Surfside III condominium owners, said the city would not bring in the $400,000 annual income officials have projected.