VENTURA : Neighbors to Discuss Development Plan

Ventura officials and developers of a proposed large residential and commercial project on Ventura Avenue will hold a public meeting today to discuss the project with nearby property owners.

The Neel and Huntsinger families and Kinko’s--the national copy service company headquartered in the neighborhood--want to develop their land by filling vacant lots and razing a lemon grove to make way for 330 residential units, a park, business offices and industrial buildings.

If the development is approved by the Ventura City Council, it could substantially upgrade the old industrial area, said Bill Neel, one of the major property owners involved in the project.

Although the project would be developed on about 50 acres, a total of 78 acres could potentially be rezoned from industrial to residential, Assistant City Planner Phil Johnson said.

The area is bounded by Stanley Avenue on the south, Seneca Street on the north, Ventura Avenue on the east and California 33 on the west. About 13 parcels could be affected if the proposal is approved, Johnson said.

Industrial businesses would be able to continue operating, but would be restricted from expanding, he said.

The neighborhood, which is dominated by the Kinko’s headquarters, is a mishmash of vacant lots, industrial businesses, and storage lots for old cars and buses.

The City Council is scheduled to consider the project and rezoning the area later this month.