14 • May 6 - 19, 2016 • The Log


thelog.com Online Petition challenges Channel Islands Harbor redevelopment By Parimal M. Rohit


OXNARD — Rooftop destinations and increased housing projects are not reci- pes for a vibrant waterfront, according to a online petition started by Ventura County residents against proposed plans to build apartments at Channel Islands Harbor’s Fisherman’s Wharf. The petition, posted on thepeti-


tionsite.com by Mike Mercadante, was started in advance of an upcoming Ventura County Board of Supervisors public hearing and seeks 1,000 sup- porters to stop the Fisherman’s Wharf


proposal. Mercadante described the proposed mixed-use development as a “high- density apartment project” bringing up to 600 new vehicles to the area. “The stated rationale from our lead- ers is that more ‘rooftops’ will surely bring economic vitality to the harbor,” the petition states. “History tells us that 20 years ago, the harbor neighborhood had far fewer ‘rooftops’ and yet the harbor was much more vibrant.” Ventura County staff, however, stated the exact size and density of the proposed project is not yet fi nal and could be made larger or smaller based upon input from the California Coastal Commission, local agencies and stakeholders. “The fi nal project is expected to include shops, restaurants, possible offi ce space, and apartment units,” county staff stated in a November 2015 report to the Board of Supervisors. “The public will have opportunities to provide additional input on the pro- posal at all stages of review.” Supervisors plan to hold a public


hearing on June 7 to review environ- mental reports and seek input from civic leaders and local stakeholders as the county continues to shape plans for a proposed waterfront residential proj- ect at Fisherman’s Wharf in Oxnard. Public feedback, overall, has been


mixed. The online petition had com- ments favoring and opposing pro- posed upgrades at Channel Islands Harbor. However in November 2015 the Board of Supervisors received dozens of letters opposing the pro- posed redevelopment and a handful of written comments in support of plans. Updated plans at a January 16 com- munity meeting were well received, according to news reports.


Ventura County’s Plan In November 2015 the Ventura


County Board of Supervisors approved a three-year option agreement with Channel Islands Harbor Properties to redevelop Fisherman’s Wharf. The approved agreement outlined six requirements the developer needed to


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fulfi ll to enter into a long-term lease with the county. County staff stated the developer must prepare a design concept, coordinate public input and develop an outreach plan, fund environmental reviews, obtain permits, complete construction drawings, and secure fi nancing.


The county hopes a revitalized


Fisherman’s Wharf would make the harbor area “more attractive and vibrant.” Proposed are new restaurants and


retail, an apartment complex, refur- bished lighthouse on Channel Islands Boulevard, public promenade and a pocket park at the south end of the project. In all the proposed redevelopment


could bring at least 25,000 square feet of new commercial and retail space and 375 apartment units. The proposed redevelopment,


if approved, would be executed by Channel Islands Harbor Properties LLC, which, according to county staff, is controlled by Tom Tellefsen, Peter Mullin and Geoffrey Palmer. County staff described the trio as “experienced real estate investors.” Channel Islands Harbor Properties


has a 65-year ground lease to operate a renovated Fisherman’s Wharf. The ground lease, however, is contingent upon the developer obtaining permits, funding and other approvals within a fi ve-year window.


Online Petition Supporters of the petition say, since


the property is owned by the county, any redevelopment of Fisherman’s Wharf should enhance public use of the waterfront instead of catering to private or corporate interests. “Before we burden our community with another large-scale planning error we need to stop and change direc- tions,” Mercadante’s petition stated. “The future of these unique properties has to be guided by their real owners: the citizens of Ventura County.” The petition had 361 supporters as


of April 26. A few of the petition signers said


some revitalization would be wel- comed. Others said more residences means more traffi c. Many stated a property supported by taxpayer dol- lars should not be used for private development. Two other signatories of the petition


said the redevelopment as proposed could benefi t the local community. Plans should include “more shops


and restaurants, like Ventura Harbor,” Mike Losey, a realtor and Pacifi c Corinthian Yacht Club member, said. “This should be a destination to


draw people to our harbor and sur- rounding area, which will bring tax dol- lars to our city coffers,” he continued. Scott Bernstein, who belongs to a


homeowners association near Channel Islands Harbor, said whatever the county builds at Fisherman’s Wharf should be a destination and major attraction. “The focus should be high end shopping and restaurants and things that will attract people to the harbor,” he wrote. A Silver Strand Beach resident said


Fisherman’s Wharf should be revital- ized to benefi t all Ventura County residents. “I have lived on Silver Strand Beach since 1980 and it is very important that Fisherman’s Wharf be revitalized for all Ventura County residents to enjoy. More apartments are the wrong path,” Jim Ventress said.


One signer said the Fisherman’s


Wharf area should be used as a chil- dren’s museum, concert venue, public park, senior center or skate park. At least two other residents of Silver


Strand Beach said traffi c in the area is already tough. “The city and county see this as a gold mine of tax revenue all while and throwing the local community under the bus,” Deborah Fair wrote. “I live in Silver Strand and the traffi c is already dense. Adding several thousand cars a day to the intersection at [Channel Island Boulevard] and Victoria is both unfair and dangerous. In the case of emergency we would be trapped here and critical wait times for services heavily impacted.”


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