Santa Paula City Council votes to appeal Commission’s approval of Plaza Amistad

March 20, 2009
Santa Paula City Council

Emotions ran high at the meeting where the City Council, less than a week after the Planning Commission approved the controversial Plaza Amistad low-income housing project, decided to appeal the action on their own.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesEmotions ran high at the meeting where the City Council, less than a week after the Planning Commission approved the controversial Plaza Amistad low-income housing project, decided to appeal the action on their own. The March 16 meeting was crowded with supporters and opponents of the project, which has become the basis of lawsuits filed against the city by Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation after the Council denied a zone change in August 2007.Had the Council accepted the Commission’s approval it would have taken effect March 20, opening the way to construct the 150-apartment complex on West Santa Barbara Street west of Dean Drive. At Monday’s meeting the Council said they wanted to conduct their own review of the complex, including a Santa Paula Fire Department demonstration of fighting a three-story building fire.More than 30 people addressed the project at the meeting after a candlelight “Unity Vigil” of about 60 people supporting the project, held on the lawn outside City Hall. The Council showed sharp division over the project, with only Councilman Dr. Gabino Aguirre showing approval of the Commission’s action.Councilman Bob Gonzales made the motion that the Council appeal the Commission’s approval and Aguirre objected, questioning due process and noting an appeal could only target new evidence not brought to the attention of the Commission. “We’re talking about safe and decent housing today for people living in overcrowded conditions,” he said.At one point Mayor Ralph Fernandez hammered down the gavel to stop Aguirre’s comments, to allow Gonzales to speak.
Other Councilmen said their concern centers on quality of life issues, including density and safety. “I don’t want” people living “in little rats’ nests,” said Gonzales; after citing the need for children play areas, “let’s do it right.”Other Councilmen noted the quality of CEDC developments, but questioned the high number of units proposed for Plaza Amistad. “When we make this decision” it will be permanent, an action Councilman Fred Robinson said would be “something our kids and grandkids are going to have to live with.”Vice Mayor Jim Tovias said the Council has been “demonized for wanting to build a better project for Santa Paula,” and like others on the panel suggested the proposed number of units be greatly reduced. “Cabrillo wants to put 150 units in” the 6.5-acre parcel; “Who’s the bad guy... we want what’s best for their tenants,” and Tovias said if CEDC were “truly a nonprofit” they would be less concerned with the number of units and more concerned with quality of life issues.“Is it a problem we’re trying to provide something better for you?” Mayor Ralph Fernandez asked project supporters in the audience. The disagreement centers on quality, not the need of affordable housing, which Fernandez said is supported by the full Council.The Council voted 4-1 to appeal the Planning Commission’s action, with Aguirre casting the lone nay vote. The Council scheduled the appeal - which must be made within 10 days of the Commission action - for a special March 19 meeting. If approved, the project must have a public hearing within 60 days.



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