OXNARD : Council Reviews Plan for 167 Homes

The Oxnard City Council told developers looking to build 167 homes in south Oxnard that it is concerned the project relied too heavily on city subsidies and that the proposed buildings were substandard.

As part of a pre-application review Tuesday, council members considered a proposal by R.W. Hertel and Sons and Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. to build the homes at the northwest corner of Saviers and Hueneme roads.

The proposal includes 86 single-family homes, 81 townhouses, a day-care center and a community building on 22.45 acres.

About 50% of the homes would be for sale, and the other half would be rented out.

The developers were seeking a loan from the city of about $3 million to build the houses and were also asking for permission to build streets and home lots smaller than required by city ordinances.

They argued that the reduction in design standards would allow the homes to be sold for less, making them more affordable to low-income families.

But Councilman Andres Herrera said designing housing for low-income home buyers was no excuse for skirting city standards.

“I’m not talking about marketing, it’s an issue of quality of life,” Herrera said.

Councilman Tom Holden questioned why the panel would consider a project that relies on funds the city hopes to receive from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development--money that may never materialize.

Councilman Bedford Pinkard said the development would be the gateway to Oxnard from the south and that he wants a nice-looking project.

Councilman Dean Maulhardt said he wanted more information on how the $3-million city subsidy would affect other programs.

He also said he was concerned that south Oxnard did not need any more rental housing.

Mayor Manuel Lopez said the City Council should travel to Orange County to see a similar project built by the developers.