OXNARD : Hearing to Weigh Plan to Convert Old Hospital

The Oxnard City Council will hold a public hearing Thursday to discuss whether the city’s General Plan should be amended so a developer can convert the former St. John’s Hospital into a high-density, low-cost apartment complex.

Mercy Charities Housing California, a nonprofit developer sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, is hoping to develop two separate sites in Oxnard.

A 104-unit housing project for low-income families and senior citizens would be located at 5th Street and Hobson Way across from the old Oxnard High School.

The other would convert the former St. John’s Hospital building into a massive apartment building.

The public hearing will focus on possible rezoning of the property from general-commercial to high-density-residential zone, allowing as many as 381 dwellings on the 10.2-acre site.

Mercy Charities has argued that the developments would help alleviate a shortage of low-cost housing in Oxnard.

But some nearby residents oppose the project, saying they fear their neighborhood would become overcrowded.

The Oxnard City Council previously agreed to lend the developer $135,000 to help move forward with the plans, and the developer is asking the city to share part of the expected $12.4-million cost.

The nuns plan to ask the city for a contribution of less than $1 million for each project, according to Sister Diane Clyne of the San Francisco-based developer.