Housing Permits Urged for 3 Projects

Three developments planned for east Ventura, including a 100-unit apartment complex, should receive the limited number of housing permits the city is doling out this year, the Ventura Planning Commission has decided.

The commission voted unanimously Tuesday to divide its 245 housing allocations among two single-family home projects and the apartment complex.

“We approved three projects, which provide a variety of housing types,” said Lynn Jacobs, the commission’s chairwoman. “They provide amenities to their own residents, as well as to the general public.”

The proposed projects would help pay for completing portions of the citywide bike trail and parks system, Jacobs said. The developments would also offer entry-level housing in a new apartment complex and move-up opportunities for home buyers.

The commission will consider final action on the allocations Tuesday.

The process for doling out the city’s Residential Growth Management Program allocations involved the community more this year than in the past, Jacobs said. Public workshops were held, and developers were encouraged to involve residents of communities near the proposed projects.

“Consequently, [developers] had a lot more community support than we normally see in this process,” she said.

The Ashkar/Weston project, planned for the northeast corner of Telephone Road and Saratoga Avenue, includes 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments. A bicycle path and greenbelt area encompassing the eucalyptus trees along Saratoga Avenue would also be created.

Greystone/Henderson Ranch received permits for 76 upscale homes north of Telephone Road and west of County Square Drive.

Another 69 high-end homes would be built on the north and south sides of North Bank Drive, east of South Petit Avenue by Polygon/River Bend Ranch.