Annexation Marks Progress Toward Major Commercial Development Project in Ventura

On Wednesday, September 16, 2015, the Ventura Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted unanimously to annex property into the City of Ventura, marking an integral step toward development of a 100-acre project known as Focus Area One.

Focus Area One includes the current Ventura Auto Center and Olivas Park, which will become a state-of-the art commercial district that will serve the City of Ventura and the region.

“This is an important milestone in our progress toward fulfilling the City’s goal of developing destination retail adjacent to our Auto Center,” said Mayor Cheryl Heitmann. “The proposed development will complement the Auto Center and will provide sought-after services to our residents.”

The LAFCO action amended the City of Ventura’s sphere of influence to include a 6.65-acre site, which formerly served as the Montalvo Community Services District wastewater treatment facility. The Montalvo plant will be decommissioned and demolished, allowing for the construction of a new road and levee that will facilitate development of the new project.

“The City has collaborated with the private investment community for years to design and construct the infrastructure needed to support development at this site,” said City Manager Mark Watkins. “This latest action is a victory for the project and for the City as a whole. This is a high-profile development site along the 101 corridor; it will be a great asset to the City,” said Watkins.

From the City’s Website: Current Projects: