OJAI : Krishnamurti Land Deal to Be Reviewed

A deal that would spare 72 acres from development but allow 12 to 15 homes on neighboring property will be reviewed tonight by the Ojai City Council.

The plan was submitted by the Krishnamurti Foundation of America, a charitable trust that spreads the writings and teachings of its philosopher founder, J. Krishnamurti.

The foundation owns about 150 acres just west of the city, some of which is slated for eventual annexation. Under the plan, the trust would give development rights to the 72-acre parcel just north of California 33 to the city of Ojai or the Ojai Land Conservancy.

In exchange for the promise to keep the acreage as open space, however, the foundation would receive zoning concessions that would allow housing units on a neighboring 25-acre lot.

The plan has drawn criticism from many residents, who feel that all the land should remain undeveloped. Nearly a dozen speakers opposed the deal at a Planning Commission meeting in November.

But Andrew Stasse, a consultant retained by the foundation, said the proposal is a good deal for both sides.

Stasse said that under current zoning, his clients could develop 25% of both lots.

“What the Krishnamurti Foundation of America wants to do is develop a plan that has environmental integrity but also retains the value of the land,” he said.

Complicating the issue is a statewide bond measure on the June ballot that would set aside almost $2 billion for parkland acquisition and restoration. If the bond issue wins approval, Ojai could receive as much as $3 million that could be used to buy the Krishnamurti land.

“I’d like to wait until after June to make any decisions and hope for the best for the initiative,” Mayor Steve Olsen said.