Camarillo: Apartment project for University Glen battled over at Council Meeting
By Logan McFadden
The Camarillo City Council met on Wednesday, decease March 11th.
Several residents from the University Glenn (UG) spoke. University Glen, prescription a residential community of single-family homes, no rx townhomes, and apartments is situated on land of the California State University Channel Islands (“CI “) less than eight miles from the charming, historic town center of Camarillo. Community residents enjoy a secluded residential setting; surrounded by colorful orchards, and views of rolling hills.
At issue is the pending vote on March 25th of the University Glen Corporation Board of Directors to change the general plan of an area designated for 240 large residential homes to 600 apartments. One resident stated that no one in the UG community had been contacted early on regarding the apartments. Residents were informed when UG distributed information on February 18th. The residents were in agreement that UG is a close knit community, a “great big family”. There were concerns that the apartments would be leased indirectly to university students, thus changing the quality of life currently enjoyed by the residents. The potential issue of lower resale value for existing owners was also stressed. UG is selling off the existing and proposed apartments to a corporation.
UG requested one member of the Camarillo City Council to serve on the Board. Congresswoman Charlotte Craven explained that there is very little she can do with her one vote. She stated that she has expressed her concerns over the apartment project. The majority of members are University employees. A vote was postponed at a previous meeting in early March when a resident expressed opposition to the project. Mrs. Craven stated she would use her liaison position to speak to the residents’ objections at the March 25th meeting before a final vote is taken. The residents asked Mrs. Craven to request that the Board delay the final vote to allow more time for discussion.
Aerial of University Glen
Other items at the meeting:
The Varsity wrestling team from Adolfo Camarillo High School was recognized for winning the Championship. Each member of the team was given a Certificate of Recognition signed by all of the Council members. Mayor Little told the young people that they bring honor and recognition to the city and the school. Mayor Little commented that Adolfo Camarillo is the finest high school in California.
The Council discussed an ordinance to amend the Municipal Code for Taxicab Permits. The ordinance would cover regulations for operators and drivers located in or operating within the City, including implementing controlled substance and alcohol testing requirements for drivers, consistent with state law. Additionally, the ordinance authorizes City officials to investigate a taxicab company upon receipt of a complaint. Operators based in Camarillo as well as taxicab drivers coming into the city to pick up a customer must be licensed by the City and display a Business Certificate visible to a passenger. Councilwoman Jan McDonald asked how the ordinance will be enforced. Staff said that enforcement will be complaint driven. A follow up question addressed the method by which a taxicab could be identified in compliance with the license requirement. Staff was directed to consult with the police department and come up with a seal visible to enforcement personnel. The ordinance was held for further discussion. Transportation Network services such as Uber are not regulated by the City.
During comments from the public, Matt Lorimer questioned why the Factory Outlet Mall receives free police service when officers are paid overtime to patrol the mall. Mr. Lorimer pointed out that the mall is owned by a $100 billion company in the process of buying a competitor for $22.3 billion.
The City Council voted unanimously to pass a zoning ordinance amendment addressing Wireless Communication Facilities. The vote eliminates the moratorium on wireless installations put in place in May 2014. The ordinance is a collaborative effort on the part of the City, a consultant and wireless providers and addresses public concerns such as aesthetics, safety and health. The Council members believe the ordinance meets industry concerns as to clear procedures and standards. A representative from Verizon stated that the ordinance falls short in some respects with respect to too much detail which could interfere with the application process. Mayor Little stated that the Council would deal with any potential issues on a case by case basis, noting that the Ordinance will be modified as day-to-day implementation raises the need for changes.
Federal wireless regulations were revised by the FCC on 1/18/15 to become effective 4/9/15. Due to the concerted efforts of the stakeholders, the City ordinance was approved by the City’s Planning Commission on February 17th allowing the City to meet the federal mandate. Radio frequency exposure is determined by the vendor in its compliance report submitted with its application to install wireless equipment. By law, the City only has 60 days to respond to an applicant’s request to install new equipment.
The City’s main objective is to provide a robust process to meet the demands for wireless services by the public. The City also fashioned the ordinance to keep the equipment footprint as small as possible. Councilmember Kevin Kildee praised the staff and consultant for meeting the needs of a growing industry while complying with all federal regulations. The City retains control via the Conditional Use Permit process; however, if the provider’s proposal is reasonable and meets the City’s location and visibility guidelines, a Permit will be approved in most cases.
The Council voted unanimously to approve the 2015-2016 allocation of CDBG Funding from The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD gave the City a block grant of approximately $282,000. Ten applications were received this year. The Area Housing Authority’s (AHA) application was denied. Representatives from the agency appealed the decision stating the need for major renovation of three apartment buildings. The agency needs the funds because it does not reserve part of rental income for deferred maintenance in order to keep rents affordable and under market. Mayor Little raised the possibility of reducing other agency allocations to partially fund the Area Housing Authority. Councilmember Kevin Kildee expressed support for the approval of allocations as submitted. He said an allocation to AHA would be considered next year after researching the large capital improvement project. The approved allocations now go through a 30-day public review period. The final adoption meeting will be in May 2015. Councilmember Charlotte Craven noted that the Winter Warming Shelter (WWS) did not submit an application this year within the required timeframe. She cautioned the Council that allocations this year may have to be reduced next year to accommodate an application from WWS.
The next City Council meeting will be on March 25, 2015.
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Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District and a Convention of States District Captain.
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You left out the most important part – that the General Plan Amendment for the Shea development of the seminary property was voted down 3-2. How many 3-2 votes do we get in Camarillo.
Morgan, McDonald and Craven voted it down. Little was one upset guy. Shea was not very forthcoming about there lack of access to Camrosa water.