OXNARD : Housing Project Clears 1st Hurdle

The Oxnard City Council allowed a developer Tuesday to move forward with a controversial plan to build 716 homes--159 of which would be designated for low-income families--in an agricultural area designated to be exempt from development.

The site of the proposed 132-acre Channel Islands Estates development is currently outside the city’s boundaries and in an area that Oxnard, Camarillo and Ventura County set aside as a greenbelt.

For the project to take place, the land would have to be placed in Oxnard’s sphere of influence by the Local AgencyFormation Commission, a state agency that deals in jurisdictional matters. Camarillo and the county would also have to approve the deal.

An environmental report must be completed before the council gives the proposal final approval.

“What is redeeming about this project that would propel this current council to go through all these machinations?” Councilman Andres Herrera asked.

The developer, Affordable Homebuilders Inc., has pushed for the project by arguing that it is providing what Oxnard needs most: low-cost housing.

The council voted 4 to 1 to allow the plan to move forward. Councilman Michael Plisky cast the dissenting vote, arguing that Oxnard should not promote affordable housing at the sake of a greenbelt.

‘I’m very pleased that the council decided to support affordable housing for the people of Oxnard,” said Lynn Jacobs, president of Affordable Homebuilders. “We feel that all the necessary steps can be completed.”