Harbor Development Decision Delayed

The Ventura Port District has waited more than four years to develop a vacant 20-acre parcel in Ventura Harbor--and it is going to have to wait a few months more.

The City Council postponed this week a request by the district to change the zoning on oceanfront property at the harbor’s northeast end that would allow a residential development to go forward.

Port district officials want to build condominiums or some other type of housing project on the land to help invigorate the harbor economy.

And although the Planning Commission has already signed off on zoning changes, the proposal was not embraced by the City Council this week.

“I am not convinced that is the best use for that land,” Councilman Ray Di Guilio said during Monday’s meeting. Di Guilio said he would rather see a marine research center or a commercial development on the property.

Neighbors on nearby Beachmont Street also criticized the request, saying a housing project would increase traffic. After listening to half a dozen complaints, the council tabled the issue for two months.

Port District General Manager Richard Parsons said a housing project is years away from reality, and plans for a marine center or a commercial development have not been ruled out.

But to expedite the process, district officials want the zoning changed to give them more flexibility to negotiate with prospective developers.

“The port clearly needs to get that property developed,” Parsons said.

A housing project would generate year-round clientele for Ventura Harbor Village, officials say, boosting the harbor economy and funneling money into the financially strapped agency, which filed for bankruptcy three years ago.

“It was clear to me that I don’t think particularly some of the new [council] members knew all the background,” Parsons said. “Hopefully, we can get it turned around.”