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Council approves purchase of 503 S. Ventura subject to capped feasibility study for supportive housing
Summary
The council authorized acquisition of a single-family parcel at 503 South Ventura for $850,000, subject to a staff-conducted feasibility study with outside assistance capped at $10,000 to assess whether the site could host a permanent supportive-housing alternative to the planned maintenance-yard location.
The Ojai City Council voted to acquire 503 South Ventura in an AS-IS purchase for $850,000 and to commission a limited feasibility study (staff-led with outside support) capped at $10,000 to examine whether the parcel could support a permanent supportive-housing development or other city uses.
Lucas Cybert, community development director, told council the privately offered property is surrounded on three sides by city-owned land and an appraisal supports the $850,000 offer. Staff had a Phase I environmental assessment and noted the purchase would be AS-IS, meaning the city accepts the property’s condition. Speakers for and against the purchase raised competing priorities: supporters said acquiring the lot aligns with the Smith-Hopson campus vision and could enable community programming or staff/visitor housing; opponents urged caution given current financial-control issues, an identified midyear general-fund pressure and unresolved costs for potential redevelopment.
Council debated direct purchase versus an option or delaying with a more extensive study. Council member Rule proposed proceeding with purchase but requiring a feasibility study examining rezoning, infrastructure and suitability for permanent supportive housing; she preferred a limited outside review rather than a large re-design. Council adopted the acquisition motion as amended and approved staff to execute sale and escrow documents and to pursue a feasibility study (staff-led with limited outside assistance) not to exceed $10,000.
Next steps: staff will complete the feasibility study within the timeline specified by the motion and return to council with findings, including a recommendation about use, costs and any required rezoning or permit steps.
