Builder Fees Delayed for Center

Owners of a factory outlet center proposed for northeast Oxnard can delay paying the city up to $1 million in developer fees for as long as five years, under an agreement worked out with the Oxnard Planning Commission.

Without the fee deferral, construction of the 284,500-square-foot center near Gonzales Road and Rice Avenue was in doubt, said company spokesman John Cahill.

The agreement, which must be approved by the City Council, also requires the company to build a small, 250-square-foot visitors and tourist bureau worth an estimated $300,000.

If the council approves the agreement to defer fees for BBK Outlet of Los Angeles, the company will more easily obtain financing for the project, Cahill said.

“We’re not looking for a gift, to have the fees waived,” Cahill said. “We’re looking at it as a loan.”

Steve Zimmer, an attorney who acted as a consultant for the city on the project, told the commission that the city will still make money on the factory outlet from the day it opens because of revenue from retail sales taxes.

In the end, the commissioners decided that the city would not be hurt by granting the developer’s request.

“I was concerned this would affect library hours or police or fire service,” said Commission Chairman Ralph Schumacher. “But I think they’ve proven it will not.”