OXNARD : 2 Redevelopment Projects Backed

The Oxnard City Council gave its blessings Tuesday to two redevelopment projects aimed at revitalizing a downtown that in recent decades has suffered in the face of competition from indoor malls and strip shopping centers.

The council, acting as the city’s redevelopment agency, voted to back projects by Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. as the builder of a Donlon Avenue site and co-developers Howarth and Associates and David Ball for a B Street development between 6th and 7th streets.

Before the two agencies voted on the revitalization matter, Dennis Matthews, redevelopment agency administrator, heralded a wider plan with three additional development proposals as “the biggest leap in downtown ever.”

Matthews said the proposed projects put “downtown in strong footing for future growth, development and recovery.”

But the agency decided in closed session to narrow the redevelopment scope to the Donlon Avenue and the B Street projects for now.

Community Development Director Richard Maggio said the agency decided to hold off on the three proposed developments until the agency has a chance to conclude its master revitalization plan of the downtown area.

Matthews, however, remained optimistic.

“I don’t see this as an obstacle,” Matthews said. “It’s just another step to make the board more comfortable.”