MOORPARK : Council Views Reworked Project

The Moorpark City Council this week got its first look at a retooled development that calls for 552 homes and commercial development on about 500 acres.

The council this week began taking public testimony on Carlsberg Financial Corp.’s proposed development in southeast Moorpark. After hearing from about a dozen speakers--nearly all of whom spoke in favor of the development--the council tabled the matter until its meeting Wednesday.

Carlsberg originally received city approval to build 405 units three years ago but found that that project was not financially feasible and requested that they be allowed to build more houses on the property.

“Economically, from a business standpoint, a project has to work,” Moorpark Chamber of Commerce President Francis Okyere told the council. “We cannot again try to stuff something down someone’s throat.”

Environmentalists have objected to the current version of the project, mainly because they say the developer is not doing enough to protect two rare plants recently found on the site. However, no environmentalists spoke out against the development at the council meeting.

Moorpark Mayor Paul Lawrason said the council will probably give the public a few more opportunities to comment on the project and then begin to work through the details that could lead to approval.