Zone change for airport safety zone industrial park to be returned to Council

August 31, 2001
Santa Paula City Council

The City Council rejected a zone change to allow a new industrial complex just east of the city after neighborhood residents objected, noting were not notified of the hearing and that they fear losing their homes.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council rejected a zone change to allow a new industrial complex just east of the city after neighborhood residents objected, noting were not notified of the hearing and that they fear losing their homes.The project of developer Bob Banman was addressed at the Aug. 20 council meeting; the 6.9 acre parcel on Montebello Street where it is proposed is in the airport safety zone where housing is gradually being removed after a fatal air crash in the early 1990s.Banman wants to build three industrial/warehouse buildings and a graveled outdoor storage area on the parcel. The project will adhere to all restrictions of the airport safety zone, said Tom Bartlett, planning director.Acting City Manager Norm Wilkinson explained the airport zone restrictions on each level, and noted that the city has been using grant funds to gradually buy up residential property in the area for demolition.During public comment, Richard Garcia noted that residents in the airport safety zone want to be assured that they will relocated.Resident Gabriel Luna said he is living in the house built by his grandfather and asked if industry can be built in the area why houses cannot.“How do we know when you condemn our houses you’re just doing it to get our property?,” and will pay residents a fair price, he asked.Vice Mayor Ray Luna assured Luna that “as long as I am on the council l will always be an advocate that that doesn’t happen. . .”
“What doesn’t happen?” said Councilman Rick Cook. “. . .state and federal laws,” allowed his home to be condemned for freeway construction, and authorities by law must pay fair value.There are no guarantees, countered Luna. “The houses were there before the airport and highway were built. . .there are only two families in that neighborhood and they’re all related,” and after the airplane crash rebuilding of two homes was not allowed.“It wasn’t the city law,” that didn’t allow reconstruction, said Cook.Wilkinson stressed that state law requires a fair market appraisal on such properties and relocation assistance is also paid for the previous owner.“It’s state law, specialists do this and sometimes even help find another property. . .state law is very, very careful in making sure that people get a fair deal.”Although the owners of the two homes destroyed in the air crash were told they could not rebuild, the late pilot’s insurance company paid for the lost houses and the bought the lots: “The owners got full compensation,” said Wilkinson.Bartlett said notification of the hearing was mailed Aug. 10 but a resident said the notices had just been received.“That posting situation always troubles me,” when notice is not received in a timely manner, Councilwoman Laura Flores Espinosa noted. She asked that the hearing be moved to the Sept. 4 meeting, agreed to by the council.



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