Meeting to Focus on Downtown Revival

City Council members are hosting a meeting this morning to discuss plans to lure businesses to the downtown Moorpark area, once a bustling commercial center that witnessed a steady closing of shops in recent years.

“We encourage residents to come and talk to the council about any concerns they may have,” City Clerk Lillian Hare said.

The 9 a.m. gathering at the Red River steakhouse at 233 E. High St. is expected to last two hours and will focus on what types of businesses the city should try to attract.

The city has expressed interest in bringing in boutiques and restaurants but not some other types of businesses, such as service stations.

Council members will hear from residents on issues such as commercial zoning, what direction High Street is taking and what kinds of options there are for growth in the downtown area, Councilman Chris Evans said.

For more than a year, council members have been calling for changes to make the street more pedestrian friendly while maintaining the quaint historic atmosphere.

A consultant hired by the city unveiled in February a plan to revive the city through policies such as creating an old town district, encouraging mission-style architecture and expanding residential zoning in sections of downtown.