A proposed 19-unit apartment project with three affordable units is moving forward on East Main Street in Ventura.
The Ventura Planning Commission voted 6-0 on Aug. 26 to approve design review plans for the Loretta Court Apartments.
“I think they’re providing housing that is really needed in the city,” said Commissioner Hollee Winegar.
The 66-foot-wide site on the south side of East Main Street, between Laurel Street and Ann streets, has been vacant for more than 20 years, according to the staff report.
“There’s a lot of things to like about this project,” said Commissioner David Comden. “It’s kind of amazing you get 19 units in this size lot.”
Councilmember Lucas Zucker was absent.
The 12,540-square-foot property is bounded by single-family homes
to the west and north and apartment buildings to the east and south, according to the staff report.
The three-story project will feature seven studio apartments, nine one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units.
The development includes one very low-income unit and two low-income units that would be restricted for 55 years, according to the report.
The building will also include a shared side courtyard, bicycle parking and tuck-under podium parking.
No members of the public spoke at the meeting, but the city received two letters opposing the project.
One letter opposed the project unless a nearby narrow alley underwent major improvements, while a second letter cited parking congestion concerns.
Commissioners discussed the concerns but ultimately dismissed them.
As part of the vote, commissioners requested that the project’s 9-foot fencing be reduced to 6 feet. The change will be reviewed at a future director’s hearing.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura's planning commission OKs design review for 19-unit complex
