Redevelopment Plan Approved for Ventura

Despite last-minute arguments, the City Council has approved the city’s midtown redevelopment proposal.

In a 5-1 vote, with Councilman Jim Monahan dissenting, the Ventura council approved a $74-million face-lift for the midtown business corridor--East Main Street and East Thompson Boulevard from Ash Street to Mills Road, including the Buenaventura Mall and portions of Loma Vista and Telegraph roads.

“This is a viable product . . . that can improve midtown,” said Councilwoman Donna De Paola after hearing more than a dozen speakers for and against the plan.

Monahan, however, said he philosophically disagreed with using redevelopment funds to revitalize the area.

“I don’t trust it,” Monahan said. “You don’t need redevelopment to improve the streets, lights and sidewalks.”

During the months before the council considered the plan, city officials held a series of public hearings and workshops. Property owners and merchants remained particularly critical of the city’s power of eminent domain, even after the city gave up its right to acquire property. The revised plan also made participation in the campaign voluntary and increased the number of times the city is required to notify those in the area--from one to three--in the event the plan is altered or amended.

The plan, which offers low-interest loans for property owners to make improvements and assistance to first-time home buyers, would use a portion of property taxes collected in the designated area through 2043 to pay for enhancing public and private properties, infrastructure and housing in midtown.

Opponents say they are determined to fight the project and have retained an attorney.

Deputy Mayor Ray Di Guilio abstained from the vote because he owns property in the redevelopment area.

The council will give the plan final consideration Monday.