MOORPARK : Builder Pulls Back From Annexation

A developer who appeared to be close to an agreement with the city of Moorpark to proceed with annexation of nearly 4,000 acres pulled back from negotiations Wednesday and hinted at taking another approach to developing the land.

Messenger Investment Co., which owns the property northeast of the city limits, on Wednesday faxed a letter to the city requesting removal from that evening’s City Council agenda and asking that the tentative agreement, or memorandum of understanding, be referred back to a council subcommittee.

The document outlines cash payments from the company to the city and the planning process that could eventually lead to Moorpark’s annexation of the land and the construction of 3,000 new homes. The memorandum has already gone through 10 drafts, officials said.

Messenger Vice President Gary Austin said the company is considering another route to development, a “pre-annexation development agreement,” which would allow it to pursue city approvals without making a commitment to become part of Moorpark.