The project is "currently in litigation," and Matos, a professor of biology and faculty president at CSUN, said she would prefer to "wait and see what the judge rules on this before coming out with a public statement.""I think the Council was correct," said Robinson, the CEO of ARC-Ventura County, who said he also had "some concerns about it.... When my police and fire departments come to a public forum and say they cannot guarantee the safety of the residents," rejecting the project was warranted. Setbacks to allow more green space were also lacking, and Robinson noted that although some components of the project were "quite attractive," overall he agreed with the Council majority.Maron asked the candidates if they believe the $400,000 grant given to Cabrillo for the project culled from city Redevelopment Agency housing set-aside funds should be returned to the city.Robinson said that, considering the litigation, the question is sensitive and "I'm a little uncomfortable addressing" same, but if the project does not become a reality the funds should be returned."I think it should be returned to the city," said Tovias, who questioned why the grant wasn't doled out "incrementally as the project moved forward... in good faith the money should be returned. Tovias characterized the grant as an "unfortunate situation... it should have been given with benchmarks instead of a lump sum situation" that should not have occurred."I agree with Fred," said Matos, who noted the project is in litigation and is a "wait and see issue" until the judge issues a final ruling on the matter.
Candidates Forum: CEDC issues asked of three vying for City Council
October 17, 2008
Santa Paula News
A proposed Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation development was the subject for the three City Council candidates at the October 1 forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Ventura County.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA proposed Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation development was the subject for the three City Council candidates at the October 1 forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Ventura County.Plaza Amistad was rejected by a 3-2 City Council vote in August 2007, and the affordable home developer subsequently filed a lawsuit claiming the city broke state housing law. A Ventura County Superior Court judge has yet to file a decision in the matter, last heard in mid-September.Moderator David Maron of Oxnard asked candidates Fred Robinson, Jim Tovias and Jennifer Matos their opinion of the Plaza Amistad project, originally proposed as 150 units split almost evenly between low-income apartments and for purchase market-rate townhouses. The more than six-acre property targeted for the development is located on West Santa Barbara Street just east of Dean Drive."My understanding is that Plaza Amistad was rejected because of zoning and variance changes requested," said Tovias, who owns an insurance office. Safety was also an issue, he added, as Santa Paula Fire "does not have the capability to fight a fire on the third floor."Tovias said he "probably" would have voted with the Council majority to reject the project. "The intention was good, but how much property tax revenue would the project generate for town," and the zoning variances requested remain troublesome.
