Council pauses feasibility study into Bryant Place site for housing; motion passes 3-2

The Ojai City Council voted 3‑2 on July 8 to pause any feasibility study or expenditure aimed specifically at acquiring the Bryant Place parcels for a housing project.

Council members said that while the parcel — three contiguous lots behind business properties on Bryant Place — may be of interest for future housing or live‑work development, the city does not have the staff bandwidth or a clear, funded plan for another site study at this time. Several business owners that operate on and near the Bryant Place easement told the council they do not support a housing project there, citing narrow access, lack of sidewalks and lighting, heavy truck traffic and incomplete utility infrastructure.

Public commenters who oppose the Bryant Place option said the access way is a private easement, is not ADA compliant and would require significant investment in utilities and sidewalks; they also said daytime business operations and evening closures make the location unsuitable for a family‑centered housing project. Supporters of studying alternative sites argued the council should keep options open and that the city should evaluate multiple parcels when pursuing workforce or affordable housing goals.

After debate, the council voted to pause further feasibility spending on Bryant Place and instead folded future site‑feasibility efforts into a broader review of housing opportunities identified under the council’s goals. The roll call was: Mayor Pro Tem Rachel Lang — yes; Councilmember Leslie Ruhl — yes; Mayor Betsy Gilman — yes; Councilmember Megan Meng — no; Councilmember John Whitman — no. The motion passed 3‑2.

Ending

Councilmembers asked staff to include a larger feasibility and prioritization plan under the city’s housing goals and to return with a work plan and cost estimate for any site studies before the city spends unprogrammed funds.