Camarillo council expected to finalize decision to halt golf course housing development

Brian J. Varela, Ventura County Star
·2 min read
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Residents fill the Camarillo Council Chambers to speak out in favor and opposition of a planned housing project in Camarillo Springs on Oct. 25.
Residents fill the Camarillo Council Chambers to speak out in favor and opposition of a planned housing project in Camarillo Springs on Oct. 25.

The Camarillo City Council is expected to affirm its decision Wednesday night to halt a project that aims to build 248 homes on a golf course.

The panel unanimously voted Nov. 8 to rescind an application by a developer to redesignate a portion of the Camarillo Springs Golf Course. Wednesday’s vote, if the same as its first, would essentially end the development.

Before the public meeting, the council will meet behind closed doors to discuss “significant exposure to litigation” related to the project, according to agenda.

New Urban West Inc. had been trying to reclassify 31 acres of the 182-acre golf course since 2017. As part of the process, the City Council must review such applications every three years. In its most recent review, the council expressed its intent to rescind the application instead of directing staff to continue working on the project.

Called the Greens at Camarillo Springs, the development's plans called for a shortening of the 18-hole golf course to 12 holes to make room for single-family homes aimed at residents 55 and older. New Urban would have also made improvements to the golf course and remaining recreational areas.

The project drew strong public support and opposition, with residents filling the council chambers each time the item went before the panel.

Residents in favor of the project spoke of the need for housing in Ventura County and upgrades to the golf course. Those opposed ― often wearing red — expressed environmental and safety concerns.

In other council action:

The Camarillo City Council held its yearly reorganization meeting on Dec. 6 to select a new mayor and vice mayor.

The former vice mayor, Tony Trembley, was appointed mayor, replacing Susan Santangelo who remains on the council. Councilman Kevin Kildee will serve as vice mayor.

“Camarillo is a model for successful governance, and we are the envy of many other cities,” Trembley said on Dec. 6.

Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at brian.varela@vcstar.com or 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Camarillo Springs Golf Course decision excepted to be finalized