Camarillo : Panel Opposes Plan for Theater Near Airport

The Ventura County Aviation Advisory Commission has recommended against a 3,000-seat movie theater proposed for a lot near the Camarillo Airport, saying the threat of a catastrophe was too great.

The commission, which advises the Camarillo Airport Authority, voted 4 to 2 Thursday against Edwards Cinema’s proposal. But the plan can still be approved by the Camarillo City Council.

If built, the 12-theater complex would be about 9,000 feet from the touchdown point on Camarillo Airport’s runway, just outside an aircraft approach area that the Federal Aviation Administration says must be kept clear.

“The emotional argument which was made by (Airports Administrator) Marshall MacKinen was that an airplane could go astray and hit the theater in the middle of a crowded 9 p.m. movie sequence,” said Wally Boeck, the commission’s chairman. “If that happened, you’re going to have a monumental disaster on your hands.”

Boeck said he thought there still was room for a theater complex on the undeveloped Koll Leonard property. “If they move it a little farther away, I’m sure they would find more flexibility on our part,” he said.

Before the matter was discussed by the aviation advisory commission, the proposal was approved by the Camarillo Planning Commission. The Airport Authority will consider the matter Thursday and its ruling will face approval by the City Council.

Mayor Charlotte Craven said she would rely heavily on the advice of the FAA. “If this is clearly outside of the area that the FAA says is unsafe, then I think I would be in favor of approving the project,” she said.