Das Williams
Dear Friends,
A proposed 1,500-unit housing project adjacent to Ormond Beach in South Oxnard will be before the City Council on Tuesday, June 14. I have strongly opposed this project and continue to do so, joining the Environmental Defense Center (EDC), CAUSE, the Ventura Sierra Club, UFW, the Saviers Road Design Team and the Environmental Coalition of Ventura County in opposition of the project.
Here is why I opposed the SouthShore Specific Plan:
> If we want a vibrant downtown, we need to focus housing there and not pave over existing open space and develop housing that is far from existing amenities. There are already hundreds of homes that sit unsold and in foreclosures, that is in addition to thousands of residential units already approved, with entitlements, but not yet under construction.
> The proposed project would create an influx of 1,500 units or about 6,000 people in close proximity to the environmentally sensitive Ormond Beach area, which is an important wildlife refuge. The encroachment of human activities means increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic, which in turn creates a threat to the critical breeding habitats for several endangered species, including the California Lest Tern and the Snowy Plover. Among other concerns is sea level rise.
> This project would also eliminate vast open space that is currently a buffer between the fragile wetlands and existing urban development.
> The proposed residential project is adjacent to the military base, and although the Navy has not raised any concerns with the plan, the project does require certain mitigation measures be included to address the issue of aircraft noise. However, given the proximity of the proposed development to the military base, the more noise complaints filed makes the location undesirable for the military during the Base Realignment and Closure process. Ventura County cannot afford to lose 6,000 to 8,000 civilian jobs nor the income generated by the bases and their staff, nor the tax revenue.
> This project, if approved, would continue the slow killing of the downtown, which is not in line with the city’s current strategic development plans. We must protect this precious open space for our community, the current habitat and for the enjoyment of future generations, which will all be under threat if this plan is approved as proposed.
Please take the time to attend Tuesday’s Oxnard City Council meeting at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, 305 W. 3rd St., Oxnard. Express why you oppose this project. If you are unable to attend the meeting call your councilmembers at 805.385.7430 and urge a NO vote on this project.
Thank you for your support of our environment,
— Das Williams /Assemblymember, 35th District