CAMARILLO : Redevelopment Agency Suggested

A subcommittee of the Camarillo City Council on Tuesday agreed that pursuing a redevelopment agency would be a viable way to raise money to improve the city’s old commercial district.

Following an hourlong presentation by redevelopment consultant Frank J. Spevacek, Mayor David Smith and Councilman Stanley Daily told City Manager Bill Little that the entire council should consider the project next month.

“I hear no negatives, really,” said Daily, a member of the city’s economic development committee. “I’m ready to give staff the direction [to move ahead].”

Spevacek unveiled a proposed redevelopment district that includes most of the Ventura Freeway corridor throughout the city. It covers 925 acres and would generate up to $23 million for city use over the next 45 years.

A redevelopment agency generates revenue by funneling new property taxes generated within the district into a central account. Those funds can be used to improve buildings or construct projects.

Little said it is important to realize that such a district will not solve all of the city’s problems.

“The one thing you want to avoid is promising everything to everybody, because you just can’t do it,” he said. “Twenty-three million [dollars] over 45 years is not that much money.”

Little did say, however, that revitalizing the city’s commercial core along Ventura Boulevard would be one of the redevelopment agency’s primary goals.

The Camarillo City Council will consider creating the agency at its Jan. 10 meeting.