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Neighbors urge denial of Ventura Ranch farmworker housing over fire, traffic and CEQA concerns
Summary
During general public comment residents and community leaders told the board the recently approved Ventura Ranch farmworker housing project poses evacuation, wildfire and traffic hazards and requested a thorough CEQA/Sequa update and reconsideration in light of updated CalFire maps.
Multiple residents from neighborhoods around the Ventura Ranch project urged the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on March 24 to oppose construction of a large farmworker housing complex on agricultural land, arguing public safety and land‑use protections require closer scrutiny.
Speakers described the project as high‑density (328 apartments by the Planning Commission vote) and said recent changes to fire‑severity mapping should trigger updated CEQA/SEQUA analysis before construction. One speaker said the applicant sought an exemption from CEQA and that updated Cal Fire mapping classified the site as “extreme high fire zone” in July 2025. “This is clearly a dangerous safety concern in the event of the next wildfire,” said Laura (a Somis resident), citing congested evacuation routes and local wildfire experience.
Others described neighborhood impacts: Linda Bellamy urged the board to deny the project because 18 three‑story buildings would be out of character with adjacent low‑density residential areas and argued the project would add thousands of residents to a constrained road network and jeopardize safe evacuation. Robert Moon recounted chaotic evacuation traffic during past fires and warned the project would increase rescue burdens on local fire resources.
Speakers also urged the board to enforce local ordinances and zoning and asked for more rigorous traffic and evacuation planning, more representative citizens advisory committee membership and a complete environmental record before moving forward.
Board response: The Planning Commission decision was already on the record and this public comment period did not trigger immediate board action on approvals; however, several supervisors asked staff to ensure that all state and local fire mapping and CEQA/SEQUA requirements are being followed and to confirm evacuation and traffic studies.
Why it matters: The planned Ventura Ranch project raises a policy tension the board often faces: the county’s need for farmworker housing and affordable units versus public‑safety concerns raised when projects are sited in high‑fire‑hazard zones and traffic‑constrained corridors.
Provenance: Extended public testimony for the general public comment item; multiple speakers and letters were submitted to the clerk of the board.
