City Urges Changes in Development Plan

A plan to build 55 homes in southeast Oxnard has been rejected by City Council members, who said the developer needs to address design issues and complete negotiations with a local school district, then bring the proposal back.

The proposal by Sea Grove Homes calls for houses to be built on about eight acres near Pleasant Valley Road and Pacific Coast Highway. City planners had recommended that the council deny the proposal.

Planning and Environmental Services Manager Joyce Parker said officials want the developer to dedicate a portion for a planned Caltrans overpass at the Pacific Coast Highway. She also said the proposal should include backyard patios for the homes, a standard design requirement.

Also, the Ocean View School District and the developer need to finalize an agreement on fees to cover new student enrollment, Parker said. She said that, under a draft agreement, the district will receive $240,000.

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, several residents criticized the proposed subdivision, saying it would worsen traffic congestion and hasten the urbanization of southeast Oxnard.

“I would like to preserve our ag land,” resident Patti Rosenmund said. “It seems like we keep planting more homes.”

The council voted 5 to 0 to deny the project, but officials said it was likely that the project would be brought back for consideration after the remaining issues are worked out.