Coalition Files Suit in Hidden Creek Project

A lawsuit filed by the Environmental Coalition of Ventura County accuses Moorpark of violating its General Plan by approving the massive Hidden Creek Ranch development north of the city.

Glen Reiser, an attorney representing the project’s Costa Mesa-based developer, the Messenger Investment Co., called the lawsuit “bogus.” It was filed Friday in Ventura County Superior Court.

Reiser contends the action can’t be heard in court because the coalition did not exhaust its administrative remedies. He said the group never argued its point during hearings at City Hall.

Richard Francis, the Oxnard attorney representing the coalition, could not be reached for comment.

At issue is the City Council’s vote to change the property’s zoning from agricultural to residential, commercial and industrial uses.

According to the lawsuit, the council did not amend the “open space and recreational” element of the city’s General Plan, which indicates the 4,300 acres are open space.

But Reiser contends the city’s 1992 General Plan amendment that allowed for the Hidden Creek Ranch project amended the open space element.

The lawsuit is the latest in a long history of litigation the project has inspired.

A referendum on the project, which would add 3,221 homes to the area, is set for Jan. 12.