VENTURA : Redevelopment Area Expanded

Ventura County supervisors Tuesday approved an expansion of the redevelopment area in downtown Ventura, a move expected to generate nearly $90 million for the city over the next 30 years.

The supervisors approved the plan to expand the 155-acre redevelopment area to 290 acres. This will enable the city to generate more revenues from future development projects to pay for downtown improvements.

Under state law, cities can designate certain areas as blighted. Property taxes from new or expanded development in these areas is then returned to the cities to help pay for capital improvements.

The action required county approval because some of the money will be diverted from the county to the city.

Ventura’s current redevelopment zone is situated between California 33 and Palm Street, and the Southern Pacific railroad tracks to the north of Main Street. The new area covers about 20 square blocks from Palm Street to Ash Street, as well as a parcel between San Jon Road and Harbor Boulevard.

Ventura’s Redevelopment Agency may use the additional revenue generated by the expansion to build a downtown parking garage as well as a number of housing projects.

The City Council is expected to give final approval to the expansion Monday.