Ventura County Star
By Sam Richard

In a joint meeting Tuesday night, Santa Paula's City Council and Planning Commission embraced a 501-acre proposed development near the eastern edge of the city that could add 1,500 housing units.

The council and commission took several steps to move forward the proposal by Santa Paula-based Limoneira Co. known as East Area One, located in unincorporated Ventura County.

In 5-0 votes, the council introduced ordinances that could result in the adoption of a development agreement and a specific plan for the project March 3. It also voted to put a measure on the June 3 ballot that would let voters decide the fate of the project.

"We're elated," said Limoneira's president and CEO, Harold Edwards, after Tuesday night's council action. "It's a brand new day for the Santa Paula community."

Edwards said the next move for the company is to do outreach in the community to explain the benefits of the proposed development.

The development would be the largest in Santa Paula's history if it is ultimately approved, according to City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.

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