Council Hearings Set for 3 Developers

With the deadline to amend the city’s General Plan fast approaching, three developers are set for hearings before the City Council on Wednesday.

The developments would bring a self-storage facility, an industrial park and more than 300 homes to Moorpark. Each project needs some form of council approval to remain on time schedules the city has established.

“If the project is ready and meets the council’s criteria for approval, then it can move forward,” said Councilman John Wozniak.

The 303-unit housing project and the 45-acre industrial park would be near the western end of the city near New Los Angeles Avenue.

The projects need zoning changes and development agreements approved by Dec. 16 to be part of a General Plan amendment before year’s end. A city can make only four amendments to its General Plan a year, according to state law.

Proposed by Pacific Communities in Orange County, the housing complex--to include low- and moderate-income residences--has been criticized by the council for being too dense. It would be built on 35 acres south of New Los Angeles Avenue between Maureen Lane and Liberty Bell Road.

Councilman Chris Evans said he would not vote for the industrial park, proposed by A-B Properties, unless it includes a north-south artery connecting it to New Los Angeles Avenue. A consultant estimates the road would cost $3 million.

A $3.5-million, 72,400-square-foot self-storage facility proposed for a 7.5-acre parcel on the corner of Flinn Avenue and Spring Road is also having its permit process streamlined.

Newport Beach-based Polo Properties needs its parcel map approved by Friday and its industrial planned development permit approved by Jan. 7 to beat a zoning change that would prohibit a storage facility at the site. On Nov. 18, the council asked for 12 additional revisions on the project.

But the revisions may not be enough for some council members who dislike a self-storage facility being placed in a prominent downtown location.