David Johnson, a former planning commissioner, said the Oaks has historically contained larger lots, rural living and horse owners.A major problem is that the city’s own General Plan does not adhere to city zoning for rural agricultural land, but the GP does address that development should fits the needs and desires of the community.A specific plan or amendment to the GP should be done for the Oaks, Johnson added, to correct the lack of specific zoning categories.The proposal is incompatible with the surrounding area, said Nelson, and “you have no idea who the developer might end up being. . .”“We have been working on an effort to preserve the Oaks as a special place where neighbors might not know your name but know your dog’s name,” said Arnie Dowdy. Development should be “built in such a way that when you drive through in 20 years from now” you would not realize the homes were of more recent vintage.The proposal has revealed an “Orwellian problem of a zoning fiasco,” said Duane Lyders.The park area is only being proposed due to its being under high-tension wires, noted Steve Marella, and traffic impacts would be dangerous especially to school children, a concern shared by other speakers.Density and design “violates intelligent planning” said Jim Procter, who suggested that 20 homes be built with design criteria that “respects” the character of the Oaks.Commissioners noted the uniqueness of the area as well as the concerns of residents and asked for information regarding an Oaks specific plan.
Planning Commission: Oaks residents object to development at concept review
September 24, 2003
Santa Paula News
Growth is one thing but the residents of the Oaks, just coming off the development impacts of a seven home development, jammed a Planning Commission hearing where a concept review was presented for 30 homes hugging Santa Paula Creek behind Cliff Drive.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesGrowth is one thing but the residents of the Oaks, just coming off the development impacts of a seven home development, jammed a Planning Commission hearing where a concept review was presented for 30 homes hugging Santa Paula Creek behind Cliff Drive.The Sept. 9th meeting attracted such a large crowd - overflowing into the lobby and lawn of City Hall - that Oaks resident Jim Nelson requested that the meeting be moved to the Community Center, and the cards used to request public comments were depleted and plain yellow paper substituted.At issue was the tentative plan of MGA Development to build 34 homes on an 11.7-acre parcel in the Oaks which residents said would not only destroy the unique character of the area but also bring dangerous traffic, among other impacts. The Sparkul Ranch had in the past been targeted for up to 27 homes.“Tonight is only a concept review. . .time to share information and views on some things,” said Commission Chairwoman Jennifer Matos.The developer requested the concept review to “find out what the issues will be before going back to the drawing board,” said Tom Bartlett, planning director.The lots and the layout conform to city standards, he noted.During the hearing the developer’s representative, William Little, announced that the project had been scaled back from the original plan of 34 homes which would “enhance, not detract” from the character of the area.The new plan calls for 30 homes on lot sizes ranging from 20,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet in an effort to “to tie in to existing lots in the neighborhood. . .” including a park/access and retaining the oak trees. Like the Oaks there would be no sidewalks or streetlights.Former Mayor Carl Barringer gave a history on the attempts to develop the property and development in the surrounding area.“This neighborhood does not think the proposed homes are compatible. . .they seem to violate the principals of intelligent planning.”
