CAMARILLO : Panel to Decide on Business Park Plan

Planners in Camarillo will decide tonight whether a developer can build a 16-building business park on vacant lots at Balboa and Cortez circles.

Pardee Construction Co. has had approval since 1974 to develop eight large industrial buildings on the 11-acre property, Pardee spokesman Bill Teller said. But the company now wants city approval to instead build 16 smaller structures.

In today’s poor economy, it’s easier to find small companies that need an industrial building than larger businesses that need more spacious buildings, Teller said.

“The smaller businesses are continuing to grow in this country,” he said.

One resident living near the building site has objected to city planners, asking that a small section of the lot be left vacant for a neighborhood park.

Debra Pettit said Monday that many residents of the Fairfield I housing tract enjoy the vacant Pardee property as a place to take hikes, ride bikes and walk their dogs.

“We’re not asking for a big park, just a small patch of land,” she said.

But city planning officials have denied the request, saying the neighborhood already has other parks.

Teller said the company has not considered reserving any open space within the business park.

The Planning Commission will consider the Pardee development at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.