Letters : Thanks for Neighborhood Preservation

On April 25, the Ventura City Council voted unanimously to downzone a portion of mid-town Ventura to an R-1 single-family dwelling zone. They also halted three proposed projects for additional units in the neighborhood.

For the residents, the downzoning process, begun in December, was an emotional and stressful endeavor. It was prompted by the recent building in our neighborhood of eight dwellings on three lots at two separate locations. Angered and frustrated residents organized to stop further development.

Besides resulting in the protection and integrity of our beautiful neighborhood, this struggle brought neighbors together and established lines of communication and new friendships. We, the residents of the Macmillan tract, want to thank the city Planning Department and the Ventura City Council for patiently listening to our concerns and voting to preserve our neighborhood. It bolstered our confidence in both the process and the officials elected to serve the majority interests of the community.

It saddens us to drive around some parts of “older” Ventura and see the unsightly multi-unit developments that have been built so out of place and character with neighborhoods. We acknowledge the need for affordable rental units but believe they should be wisely and logically planned. We also urge residents of other neighborhoods in Ventura County to be involved in the future of your area’s development. Believe in the system and become active members of it. Remember, the quality of your future and that of your children’s is at stake.

DENNIS LANG

Ventura

This letter was signed by 38 other neighborhood residents.