Hidden Creek Ranch Wins Round in Court

Still hoping its housing project prevails in court, the developer of Hidden Creek Ranch was encouraged by a favorable court ruling Monday on its environmental impact report.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge Thomas J. Hutchins refused to reconsider his ruling last month that threw out a challenge to the report, a state-mandated document that identifies anticipated effects the development would have on the community.

The Environmental Coalition of Ventura County had asked Hutchins to repeal the environmental report saying it violated the California Environmental Quality Act.

In light of Hutchins’ decision Monday, Irvine-based Messenger Investment Co. remains optimistic it can circumvent the results of last month’s special election on its 3,221-home project.

On Jan. 12, Moorpark voters overwhelming rejected a development agreement the City Council approved in August after more than eight years of negotiations with Messenger.

Bruce Peotter, general counsel for Messenger, said the developer can now focus on its challenge of the referendum results.

A decision is expected from the state Court of Appeal in late spring or early summer.

“We thought the judge was right all the way down the line,” Peotter said.

“Obviously, we are happy with the results.”

Hutchins reaffirmed his decision to dismiss the coalition’s challenge because it failed to file for a hearing on the case within 90 days, as required by state law.