Consultant Outlines Strategy to Revive Downtown Moorpark

The city’s downtown, the onetime commercial hub that long ago saw an exodus to strip malls and retail centers, could become a bustling turn-of-the-century theme shopping district, according to a new revitalization plan released Monday.

After more than a year of review, a consulting firm has unveiled a plan to revive the city’s downtown through strategies such as boosting the senior citizen population and establishing an Old Town district.

Describing a “pedestrian-friendly, economically viable” downtown that “respects the history of Moorpark,” San Luis Obispo consultant LeeAnne Hagmaier said city officials should consider these steps:

* Establishing an Old Town commercial district near High Street and Moorpark Avenue. Land-use policies would encourage mission-style architecture and boutiques and discourage developments such as service stations. Aimed at creating a historical atmosphere, new development would build on the quaint buildings that already line the streets and the recent additions the city has made, including Victorian-style lampposts and wrought-iron benches.

* Increasing senior housing near Charles Street. Senior citizens would be prime customers in the revived downtown, patronizing its shops during leisurely strolls, Hagmaier said. “They don’t drive as much. They tend to be intent on walking,” she said.

* Expanding residential zoning in parts of downtown. Though many families live there already, the city should try to attract more residents, Hagmaier said. “From a planning standpoint, it would create more foot traffic,” she said. “It would give it more of a 24-hour life.”

* Promoting a commercial district on Moorpark Avenue with “neighborhood” businesses, such as hardware stores and audio-video repair shops.

* Improving walkways that lead from City Hall to downtown.

On Wednesday, the Moorpark City Council and the Planning Commission will discuss the draft plan, giving the consultant guidance on how to proceed.

Though Hagmaier and city officials stressed that the plan is just a first draft--that does not answer such questions as how downtown redevelopment will be funded--all expressed eagerness to put the ideas into action.

“I’m excited,” Mayor Pat Hunter said. “This is a plan that’s been more than a year in the works.”

Hunter said he is encouraged that the revitalization plan is far-reaching, considering in detail a broad stretch of streets and neighborhoods. “We have to realize that downtown Moorpark is more than just High Street,” he said.

City Councilwoman Debbie Rodgers Teasley said she hopes Moorpark’s downtown will one day have a bed-and-breakfast.

“Everyone always has thoughts but no action,” she said. “This isn’t the first study. It’s time to stop studying and get the goal accomplished.”

Mark Bailey, owner of the Red River Steak and Fish Restaurant on High Street, agreed. He said he opened the restaurant last month because he sees potential in downtown Moorpark’s historic landscape.

“You can’t grow pepper trees this big overnight,” he said, referring to the towering trees that line High Street. “It takes 80 years to do it.

“I hope they take the plan and put it into action. It would be dynamite. We would be right in the middle of it.”