OJAI : Neighbors Protest Apartment Proposal

The proposed construction of a low-income housing project in central Ojai drew protest Wednesday at the city Planning Commission meeting.

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. wants to build 21 apartments on two acres at 508 N. Montgomery St. But the plan, proposed two years ago, has been attacked by opponents who say the project is too large for their neighborhood.

The area, near downtown, is residential. But the Cabrillo parcel is zoned for apartments.

Before the planning commissioners Wednesday was a letter of protest signed by eight people who live near the Cabrillo site.

“Low-income people who rent do not care for the house or property,” they wrote. “They frequently have shabby automobiles and noisy motorcycles, which would not fit into our neighborhood.”

During the public hearing, three residents spoke against the project and one spoke for it.

“We’re afraid of the additional people in our schools,” Mike Morris said.

Kent Cambell said he was concerned that the project would bring more traffic to the area. And Jackie Burge, another resident of the neighborhood, expressed fears about the people who would live in the apartments. “I’m concerned with my children’s safety. No matter how you advertise it, it’s a low-income project.”

The Ventura County Transportation Department also objected to the project, saying it would increase traffic on California 33. Planning commissioners, however, were generally impressed with the project, saying it would fill an important need.