Hearing Scheduled on City Growth EIR

A detailed environmental study of Santa Paula’s plans to more than triple the city’s size goes before the city Planning Commission tonight for a public hearing.

Although municipal officials have held a series of public meetings since January to discuss the proposed expansion plans, the 150-page draft environmental report that is the focus of tonight’s meeting is by far the most detailed analysis, Planner Kathleen Mallory said.

“This is a really important document,” she said. “Santa Paula wants to preserve farmland, yet we are talking about an expansion.”

The city’s 26,500 residents live on just 2,908 acres, making it among the most densely populated communities in the county.

The first significant expansion in a quarter-century would add 9,570 acres of surrounding countryside. Up to 3,600 homes and more than 4.4 million square feet of industrial and commercial space would bring in lucrative tax revenues the city sorely needs.

But the proposed growth into six different areas would gobble up 1,500 acres of cropland, including about 650 acres of prime agricultural land.

At least one councilman and officials of neighboring Fillmore have voiced concern about the massive expansion, but public reaction has been muted so far, Mallory said. Only one letter has been received since written comments on the environmental document began to be received Nov. 5.

Tonight’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 at City Hall, 970 E. Ventura St. Written comments will be accepted through Jan. 7.