Oxnard to Discuss RiverPark Project

The largest commercial and residential development in Oxnard’s history will face public scrutiny at tonight’s City Council meeting.

The public hearing will examine the first phase of the $750-million RiverPark project, which as proposed would eventually include more than 2,700 homes on 700 acres just north of the Ventura Freeway at the Santa Clara River.

The initial phase involves a commercial development on about 282 acres. Part of the land was once targeted for the $500-million commercial proposal known as Town Center, which failed amid the last recession and a lawsuit filed by the city of Ventura against Oxnard.

Additional phases of the RiverPark project involve land outside the city limits, in unincorporated El Rio.

As envisioned, RiverPark would include 2,761 residences ranging from luxury to low-income, arranged around athletic fields, bike paths and parks. A movie theater, restaurants and a food-and-wine exposition would be built to draw local residents, and a convention center and high-end hotel would seek to attract out-of-town visitors.

City Council members, who have expressed enthusiasm for the project, are expected tonight to set the ground rules for negotiations with its developer, RiverPark Development LLC.

“I think this will be a real destination point for the city of Oxnard,” said Councilman Bedford Pinkard. “I can’t wait until we get started.”

The first phase wouldn’t be built for several years, after nearby highway renovations are underway. RiverPark’s developers will help pay for a new Ventura Freeway interchange that would feed traffic into the project area, and for the widening of the Santa Clara River Bridge. Both projects are expected to start next year.

Council members suggest the city should reserve the right to approve prospective commercial tenants. “We want quality developments,” said Councilman John Zaragosa.

He noted that the RiverPark land is particularly valuable because it is one of the last parcels in the county available for such development.

The council is also looking to the project to help relieve the housing crunch in Oxnard, ranked fourth in the nation in household density. “We need housing desperately in all of Ventura County,” Zaragosa said.

RiverPark developer Dave White said his project was designed to strike a balance of commercial and residential development and open space. “This is utilizing the land that is available for urbanization in the best way,” he said.

The City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in council chambers, 305 W. 3rd St.