Simi Valley solar project at mobile home park unable to muster neighbors' support
A Simi Valley Neighborhood Council Tuesday night narrowly recommended that the city's Planning Commission deny zoning approval for a large, disputed solar energy project.
Pacific Coast Civil, Inc. began building carports with 1,153 rooftop solar panels at the Simi Country Mobile Home Estates, 1550 Rory Lane, in December 2020 with permits from the state Department of Housing and Development, according to a city staff report.
Some residents of the neighboring 64-home gated Briarwood community oppose the project, a portion of which borders their complex.
In April 2021, the state agency, which oversees mobile home parks, issued a stop-work order and required Pacific Coast Civil to obtain the zoning approval from the city in order to proceed. The Agoura Hills-based civil engineering company applied for it in November.
The Planning Commission was scheduled to decide the issue at a hearing in May, but then wanted Pacific Coast to do more community outreach on the project, city officials said.
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At its meeting Tuesday night, the executive board of Neighborhood Council No. 2 voted 5-4 with one abstention to recommend that the commission deny the zoning approval, said Emily Habib, who runs the neighborhood council program for the city.
The city's four neighborhood councils advise the Planning Commission and City Council on residents' concerns, proposed developments and more.
The vote came after a number of residents of the Briarwood community and the neighboring Crest Mobile Home Village for seniors said during public comments they opposed the project. A few speakers said they favored the project.
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Briarwood resident Jerry Ross, who has been leading the opposition, said Wednesday that while relieved at the council's recommendation, "it's only a small win in a bigger battle."
Even if the commission denies the zoning approval, he said he expects Pacific Coast to appeal to the City Council. If the commission grants the zoning, Ross said he will appeal to the City Council.
Pacific Coast President Richard Doss said Wednesday, "We're continuing to reach out to the neighbors and try to keep an open discussion so that people are on the same page as we are."
Clifford Allen, manager of Simi Country Mobile Home Estates, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
The commission will consider the council's non-binding recommendation at a future meeting.
Mike Harris covers the East County cities of Moorpark, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, as well as transportation countywide. You can contact him at mike.harris@vcstar.com or 805-437-0323.
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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Simi Valley solar project unable to muster neighbors' support
