After more discussion, Councilman Ray Luna noted that “We’ve been discussing this for 10 minutes,” time that could have been spent on the issues.“What is 15 minutes to the future of our town?” said Turturro.“It’s an issue of either staying to 2 a.m. or having another meeting,” observed Councilman Gabino Aguirre. “In the interest of efficiency, I think we need to have another meeting.”“I think that it’s important for us to continue to Monday. If our schedule slips, our schedule slips,” but the priority is determining the number of units that will be considered by the council and commission, noted Mayor Mary Ann Krause. Luna and Turturro both have extensive written comments that can be transcribed and distributed before the meeting, she added.We CARE has stated that it will hold a referendum on the approved project if it is not reduced dramatically to mirror the 450 homes called out for Fagan Canyon in the General Plan. The group has also started the process to place a land-use measure on the ballot limiting residential and commercial growth to 81 contiguous acres every five years; the measure would sunset in 20 years. The new measure follows court decisions against We CARE after their initial petition was rejected for being incomplete.
Weary Santa Paula City Council, Planning Commission continue Fagan hearing
November 11, 2005
Santa Paula News
A weary City Council and Planning Commission agreed Wednesday night to continue their special joint hearings on the proposed Fagan Canyon development until Monday.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA weary City Council and Planning Commission agreed Wednesday night to continue their special joint hearings on the proposed Fagan Canyon development until Monday. The joint session will start at 5 p.m. at the Community Center, located at the corner of Main Street and Steckel Drive. The meeting will be televised live on Adelphia Cable Channel 10 and later rebroadcast.Monday’s special session is scheduled before the Planning Commission was to begin discussions that could lead to a decision on the proposed project of about 1,900 dwelling units, a Future Farmers of America facility, two elementary schools, parks, and a 25,000 square foot retail center. The decision could also center on the original community charrette project of 2,147 dwelling units to be developed by Centex Homes, which has been working with residents and the city for more than two years.The council and commission have been meeting late into the night - they broke Wednesday at 11 p.m. - listening to hours of reports, as well as - at times - cantankerous public comment from those opposing the proposed development. We CARE has centered concerns on traffic and the number of affordable units.Wednesday they decided it was time to take a break and resume Monday. “Around 10:30 I start to fog up,” said Planning Commissioner John Turturro. “It’s a caution for me dealing with this, the biggest planning issue in this city. Trying to get through these items in haste is a slight disservice to the community, who put us in these chairs.”
