The Commission, said Nasalroad, could not have acted any other way.“That made it awkward when we were told to hold off on Plaza Amistad as there was no reason for us,” to do so under Commission guidelines.“The Council can do things for political considerations, we do not.”Nasalroad understands the Council has the “vested power to overview or even overturn what we’ve done, and I understand we serve at the pleasure of the Council. But we were doing the job we were supposed to do ... and I will never apologize for the decision made.”And, “No matter which way we had gone, it would have wound up with the Council.”Nasalroad hopes the Council understands “There’s never been a Commissioner that came onto that body who didn’t want what is best for Santa Paula,” regarding housing and commerce.The city’s housing plan allows only 200 new units - out of the 2,500 already allocated - to be constructed each year: “We’re just touching on a small part of the total with the 150-unit Plaza Amistad, a well designed project ... the Council agreed it was well-designed,” although a majority questioned density.Nasalroad hopes the Council will recognize that the “Commission needs an architect’s perspective on design and those with other related experience” and appoint accordingly.Nasalroad will remain involved in the community.“When I see important issues I’ll be more than happy to take a look at them and give my two cents to the Commission and Council. I care about this city, want what’s best for Santa Paula and will provide input I believe is relevant to help in any way.”
Gary Nasalroad to retire from City Planning Commission
April 17, 2009
Santa Paula News
|
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesGary Nasalroad, who has served 12 years on the Santa Paula Planning Commission, did not apply try for a fourth term on the body that considers land-use and zoning issues.Nasalroad, who also had long service on the Ventura Planning Commission before moving back to this hometown of Santa Paula, will be termed out in June.“I hoped when I first went on there would be some good stuff coming up that I could have input on,” he noted, but with the voter rejection of Fagan Canyon development as well as the stalled Adams Canyon project, “how long will it be before Limoneira East Area 1 rolls out? Probably residential would be at least a few years out,” considering the stricken economy and the housing market.“I just decided I’ve done 12 years and I’ve enjoyed it immensely,” said Nasalroad. “It’s been very satisfying to provide a public service and I hope I had valuable input. It’s time to give another person the opportunity to serve ... “Nasalroad is hopeful that the public will become fully informed on Planning Commission responsibilities and mandates: “I don’t believe at times the public has a good grasp of what the commission does. What it really boils down to is our responsibilities are somewhat different,” from the City Council’s.Commissioners “Go into more detailed analysis, zoning, municipal codes,” and other guidelines to ensure a development is compliant.In recent months the normally under the radar Commission became controversial: earlier this year Nasalroad appeared before the Council and urged them not to remove Jesse Ornelas after the Council expressed concerns that Ornelas - an employee of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation - might have conflicts of interest.The Council also questioned whether Ornelas might have influence over other Commissioners.The city has been involved in several lawsuits launched by CEDC, an affordable housing builder/operator, after the Council rejection of the Plaza Amistad project in August 2007.After Ornelas was ousted a Council majority directed the Commission not to consider any business until a replacement was named selected.The majority of Commissioners rejected the directive and proceeded with the hearing for the revised Plaza Amistad project.Again directed to cease and desist - and again defying the order - a majority of the Commission approved the project at the final hearing.
