SIMI VALLEY : Councils Protest Mixed-Use Zoning

Simi Valley’s four Neighborhood Councils are opposing a zoning change that would allow more apartments in the city’s business districts.

City planners have long advocated mixed-use zoning as a way to combat the city’s shortage of affordable housing.

In May, planners designed a proposal to rezone parts of Los Angeles Avenue and Tapo Street to allow residences and businesses to share the same buildings.

But Neighborhood Council members throughout the city are protesting such construction, saying it would urbanize a suburban community.

“They have all voiced concerns about mixing housing with certain types of businesses,” said Randi Joseph, Neighborhood Council coordinator for the city.

The councils are particularly concerned about mixing housing with businesses that sell alcohol or keep long hours, Joseph said.

If the City Council approves the rezoning despite their opposition, three of the Neighborhood Councils have suggested modifications to the ordinance.

Included in the changes is a proposal to prohibit liquor stores, movie theaters, dry-cleaning facilities and day-care centers. The councils also asked that business hours be limited from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled to consider the ordinance at its Aug. 17 meeting. It will then go to the City Council for final consideration.