Citizen Panel to Hear Development Plans

Several development proposals will be discussed by a citizens advisory board tonight in Somis--a rural community whose residents have been intolerant of residential development for at least three decades.

Las Posas Citizens Committee, an advisory group that reports to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, will listen to residents’ comments and review the county’s plans to conduct an environmental review of Knightsbridge Holdings’ proposal to convert agricultural land to a housing subdivision.

The development company, which first suggested building in Somis 10 years ago, requests a zoning change to allow one residence to be built for every two acres, rather than the current agricultural zoning of one home for every 40 acres. If approved, Knightsbridge could build 90 single-family homes--half of those including a smaller, secondary dwelling on the parcel.

“Development is supposed to take place adjacent to cities. This goes against the county’s General Plan because it would create hopscotch development,” said advisory committee member Barbara Kerkhoff.

“And even more dangerous, it’s setting a precedent for other developers or speculators who might turn around and say they can’t farm their land any more and, therefore, want to convert it into a residential area,” Kerkhoff said.

The committee, which has no power to approve or reject the project, is expected to agree upon a recommendation tonight to make to supervisors.

“If Ventura County is truly going to regard agriculture as a viable and precious commodity, it’s not enough just to create a task force to study the issue. You have to act and make sure that developers adhere to the tenants of the General Plan,” Kerkhoff said.

Committee members also will review a proposal by Shell Oil Products Co. to build and operate a 24-hour gas station and food market at California 118 and Somis Road.

An unrelated state Department of Transportation proposal to widen the highway through the community will also be reviewed.

The meeting at Somis Elementary School, 5266 North St., will begin at 7:30 p.m.