Hidden Creek Project Moves a Step Ahead

The massive Hidden Creek Ranch housing project--one of the central issues in the SOAR growth-control debate--moved one step closer to reality Wednesday after a state agency agreed that Moorpark could proceed with annexing the 4,300-acre ranch.

The Local Agency Formation Commission, with little discussion, unanimously agreed to allow the city to expand its northern border. The panel is expected next month to hear the city’s specific request to annex Hidden Creek Ranch, where an already-approved 3,221-home development would be built.

“I feel good,” said Councilman Bernardo Perez about the commission’s decision. “I have been supporting Hidden Creek because it is an implementation of the long planning of the city.”

The Hidden Creek Ranch development would include a commercial complex, equestrian center, golf courses, schools and parks. About 60% of the 4,300-acre ranch would be designated as permanent open space.

During Wednesday’s hearing, leaders of the Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources initiative urged the commission to reject Moorpark’s annexation request, arguing that the city’s development agreement with Messenger Investment Co. is not finalized.

They also said the city’s request should be delayed until special elections can be held on a Moorpark SOAR initiative and a referendum on the Hidden Creek Ranch development.

“I was disappointed but not surprised,” SOAR supporter Clint Harper said of the commission’s decision.

“It’s certainly not a setback to the referendum,” said Harper, a City Council candidate. “This will still be on the ballot and people will vote yea or nay, and we’re convinced they’ll show more common sense than the City Council and vote against Messenger.”

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A referendum committee--made up of members who are also backers of the SOAR growth-control initiative--turned in 2,441 signatures Tuesday to qualify a referendum for the ballot aimed at overturning the City Council’s approval of the ranch project.

The signatures must now be validated.

To qualify a referendum for the ballot, petitioners need 10%--or about 1,500 signatures--of the city’s registered voters.

At a press conference in front of City Hall on Wednesday night, a dozen supporters celebrated the success of their petition-gathering campaign and said they were confident the referendum would qualify for the ballot.

If LAFCO approves Moorpark’s annexation plans, the Hidden Creek Ranch project will have gained approval from all necessary government agencies.

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But the project could be stopped if voters suppport the referendum. If a SOAR initiative is also approved, a revised Hidden Creek Ranch development would need voter approval before it could go forward.

A local SOAR initiative and a Hidden Creek Ranch referendum would likely face legal problems, however, if pursued, said Gary Austin, spokesman for the Irvine-based developer Messenger Investment Co.

“Both the SOAR and referendum are subject to legal challenges,” Austin said, “and there’s going to be quite a lot of legal action to clarify whether SOAR and the referendum are properly crafted.”

SOAR backers are hoping to pass seven growth-control initiatives later this year aimed at stopping future projects like Hidden Creek Ranch.

A countywide SOAR measure that will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot would prevent development on unincorporated farmland and open space without voter approval.

Similar measures in Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Oxnard and Santa Paula would also prohibit development beyond designated boundaries unless voters agree.

Also Wednesday, LAFCO voted 4 to 2 to reject Oxnard’s request to annex an 82-acre parcel. Commissioners Perez and John Rosh supported the request.

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The commission also deadlocked 3 to 3 over whether to allow Camarillo to annex 270 acres of agricultural land known as the Ponderosa Corridor. Commissioner Jim Acosta was absent.

The commission agreed to take up the issue again in six months, allowing the city time to gather more information.

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Moorpark Expansion Project

Orange County-based Messenger Investment Co. plans to build 3,221 homes on a 4,300-acre parcel that would be annexed to Moorpark, increasing the city’s population by nearly 10,000 people. Opponents are seeking a referendum drive to overturn the City Council’s approval of the project.

Sources: Moorpark Planning Department