The beautiful hills of Camarillo are again being considered for increased development. This time 57 acres, owned by David and Rose Marie Lucchese, located off of Goldenspur Drive near Cerro Crest and Valley Vista drives are the center of attention.
Mr. & Mrs. Lucchese proposal to the City of Camarillo for their 57 acres of agricultural land is to annex these unincorporated property and change the zoning from agriculture to residential. The application is for a total of 12 lots, including the property where the The Luccheses would live. Each lot would be a minimum of two acres limited to one house and a "granny flat."
The environmental impact report is to be completed on the Lucchese's property in the near feature. Dave Anderson, the city's assistant community development director, told the Camarillo Star "the property has some challenges associated with it because of its hillside topography. A geotechnical engineer's report is expected to address the question of earthquake fault lines and other relevant issues."
The City Planner's office has been flooded with complaints and concerns from nearby neighbors. Most neighbors enjoy the view and tranquility that these hills have to offer and with a new development the wildlife and privacy these homeowners have cherished for so long will disappear. Most of these homeowners bought their property with the understanding that development of the adjacent land would be out of the question.
However, as mentioned above, the city of Camarillo has not even received the environmental impact study yet. The final draft of the environmental impact report will include neighbors' comments. Then it will go to the Planning Commission to determine if it's logical for the city to annex this property. Then The City Council will determine if the project serves the community or not.
Other article on 'Developments in Camarillo" that might be of interest:
Mana,
The picture has a beautiful view - I am surprised it has not been developed yet. Land is almost always developed by someone given enough time. Maybe those who own the land nearby could join together to buy the land and make it into a park.
Mana,
Interesting post. Camarillo is such a wonderful area. When driving through your area I like the wide open spaces myself. It's always a delicate balance between existing residents and private property rights when it comes to future growth. I can also tell you the last Supreme Court decision on eminent domain really concerned me a lot.
I'd really like to hear more of this one in the future. Please keep us posted. Am I right to think this is not a CA coastal commission issue here?
BTW, I loved Teri's comment, "picture it with townhomes accross the street some day...." That's a great one Teri I'm filing for future use.
Mana,
what gave people the idea that it would never be developed? Did it have a conservation easement on it? I don't see how people could think that privately owned land would never be developed unless there was an easement on it.
Just when I thought California was dang near out of land... J/K LOL
Kim, That's is how I feel, also never say never.
Missy, That's so true. I have called the town so many times on behalf of my clients to the point that they know me on the first name basis at the city planner's office.
Paula, It could be anywhere from 90-120 days, but since this is such a big parcel with all the controversy it could take longer.
Teri, That is very good. I am going to use that from now on.
Stephanie, I will.
Rita, I don't think the neighbors can afford the 57 acres.
Irina, Yes money does talk.
Chris, These are ocean view hills, and the good thing is that the new homes won't block anyone's view.
Maggie, I will post an update for sure. In Camarillo we thought we had our town development plans for the next 20 years and then this one came out of no where.
Ashley, The city thinks the new homes will have minimum impact on the surrounding homes.
Lynda, You are right, this is not a CA coastal commission issue.
Joanne, The realtors who sold them their properties told them the land next to them will never be developed.
Jack, Thank you.
Katrina, And we are supposed to be the county full of farm lands. Most of the homes here are built on strawberry fields and citrus farms. This 57 acre once was an avocado ranch.
Hi Mana!! This is an interesting topic. There is a similar debate going on with my city as well. The residents of an area are fighting an owner that is trying to sell some land to developers to rezone as residential. The residents here are saying they are trying to protect their property values and keep the natural beauty of the area. It will be interesting to see how your situation will play out.
Kimberly, Most people are so unhappy with a change. In our case the homes that are planned to be built will look down on the rest of the city and the land (for the post part of it) is well hidden in the hills.
Cyndee, Thank you, and you are my Clearwater, Florida source of information.
Mana - how many times has this property been discussed for new home construction? Hopefully the City Council will listen to the people instead of the developers looking to change the hills forever...