CAMARILLO : Planners OK Helipad, Parking Structure

The Camarillo Planning Commission has voted to approve a helicopter pad and parking structure at the proposed 61-acre Wellpoint Health Network project between the Ventura Freeway and Adolfo Road, west of Conejo Creek.

Commissioner Bill Liebmann voted against the project Tuesday, objecting to Wellpoint’s need for a helicopter pad, the pad’s proximity to a day-care center and the nearness of a parking structure to another business. The measure passed 4 to 1.

“I felt with the airport a five-minute drive away, there really was no showing of need to have a helistop at that location,” Liebmann said Wednesday. “Another problem is that the helicopter pad is less than 150 yards away from the day-care facility. I feel that it is a significant safety issue for those kids.”

The project had previously been approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. Because the helicopter pad was changed from the southwest corner of the project to the southeast corner, the change had to be approved by the Planning Commission. The final design of the parking structure was also approved Tuesday.

The City Council, which approved the project June 14, will be asked in September to approve Tuesday’s change of the helicopter pad location.

The Wellpoint Health Network complex could ultimately employ 7,200 workers, becoming the largest employer in Camarillo. The $180-million project calls for construction of 14 buildings, ranging from three to four stories high, a six-story parking structure and a helicopter pad to ferry executives to and from meetings.

The site will serve as a sales and policy management headquarters for Wellpoint, a subsidiary of health insurance giant Blue Cross.