OJAI : City Delays Action on Krishnamurti Site

The Ojai City Council has delayed a proposed land deal with the Krishnamurti Foundation of America, opting to await the outcome of a statewide ballot that would allocate almost $2 billion to buy parklands.

The Krishnamurti Foundation asked the City Council to acquire the development rights to a 72-acre lot the group owns in exchange for permission to build 12 to 15 residential units on a smaller parcel nearby.

But council members, under intense pressure from dozens of audience members at Tuesday night’s meeting, refused the offer.

“I have heard nothing of any urgency that would encourage action until after that time,” Councilman James D. Loebl said before making a motion to delay any action until after the June ballot.

Andrew Stasse, who represents the foundation, said his client has no intention of developing the site any time soon. He said the group was approached by county planners in the midst of an area plan update and asked to submit land-use recommendations.

The city of Ojai is involved only because the land abuts the city borders and is included in the Ojai sphere of influence. It would need to be annexed by the city if it is developed.

The June ballot would ask voters to approve bonds of almost $2 billion to buy and preserve open space. Ojai would receive $3 million if the initiative passes, money that would be spent to purchase the Krishnamurti site if the foundation is willing to sell it.

Mayor Steve Olsen said that if voters fail to approve the bond, the city should investigate passing its own local bond to finance acquisition of the site.

The acreage lies just north of California 33 by the city’s western boundary and is considered by residents to be an attractive entryway to the city.