As concerned residents of Ventura County, CA, we are deeply troubled by the proposed development of a 3-story housing complex known as "Ventura Ranch" at 4884 North Ventura Ave - 328 units across 18 three story residential buildings, 1 three story residential building with a ground floor community center, and 1 single story community center.

This petition aims to address the environmental concerns, traffic & safety concerns, lack of community involvement and decision-making around the project - which directly impacts our neighborhood and will have ramifications for Ventura County at large. While we support affordable farmworker housing, the proposed development's scale at this location is imprudent and needs to be changed. 

Living in close proximity to the proposed development site, I have witnessed firsthand the beauty and tranquility that surrounds our community. The rolling hills and open spaces not only provide a sense of serenity for residents but also serve as habitats for various wildlife species. It is disheartening to learn that these precious lands may be sacrificed for profit-driven construction without considering the long-term consequences. 

Environmental Concerns:
The development's impact on both human residents and local wildlife cannot be overlooked. The destruction of valuable agricultural land will disrupt delicate ecosystems and potentially displace numerous animal species that call the site location and surrounding hills their home. There are active animal crossings in the hills behind Valley Vista that will be disrupted and forced out with human access to the area. The public trails will inevitably increase fire risk in the area putting the lives of residents of the Valley Vista track and the future residents of the development at risk. Given the history of pesticide use in the area, there are also serious concerns about the quality of the soil that has been disturbed and will continue to be through construction, potentially releasing toxins in the air that could increase the risk of 'valley fever’; an illness that's been prevalent in the area in the past and is caused from breathing coccidioides fungus spores lifted from the soil into the air by wind, construction, or other activities. Finally, we'll see an increase in air, light and sound pollution from the anticipated 1000+ increase in residents and estimated additional 400+ cars in a congested area, posing a heightened threat to public health.

Traffic & Safety Concerns:
Our neighborhood is currently served by only one entrance and exit route, creating significant traffic congestion and concerns during emergencies and peak hours. The proposed site plan wants to utilize the already limited one-way in and out of the Valley Vista neighborhood as an additional entrance/exit point for the “Ventura Ranch” development which will only exacerbate the emergency exit issues further. It is crucial to consider how this increased traffic flow will affect emergency response times, road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as overall quality of life for existing and new residents. The additional traffic will also have daily impacts to Ventura Avenue and Highway 33. During the Thomas Fire we saw first hand how gridlocked Ventura Ave becomes during emergencies - the proposed high-density development will significantly increase vehicles in the area, only escalating the problem. 

Lack of Community Involvement & Consideration:
Another major concern with this project is the absence of a timely community hearing or any opportunity for the adjacent neighborhoods and those most affected by it to voice their concerns. Community voices deserve to be heard before any decisions are made regarding such significant changes to the immediate surroundings, especially given the lands SOAR designation. Although we understand designated SOAR land is eligible for farmworker housing, the proposed “Ventura Ranch” development seems to be taking great advantage of what the relevant clause was intended for. The proposed nineteen 3-story buildings would be disruptive and tower over the single-story residential homes in the area - invading the lives and privacy of the current residents, especially residents on E Bounds Rd. given that the developer hasn't planned for a buffer between the single-story residences of the Valley Vista track and the 3-story complex. By neglecting proper consultation with impacted residents, we are being denied an essential democratic right – having a say in matters that directly affect our lives and well-being. 

Petition Objective:
We, the concerned residents of Ventura County, urge Matt LeVere, John Novi and county authorities to halt the review and consideration of the 3-story “Ventura Ranch” development at 4884 North Ventura Ave until a comprehensive community hearing is held, inclusive of a public vote - minimally, the County needs to require AMCAL and Jensen Design & Survey to downsize the development. We demand that all affected individuals, especially farmworkers of Ventura County, be given an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions regarding this project. It is essential for decision-makers to consider the environmental impact, traffic congestion, and potential harm caused by this development on both existing and future residents and local wildlife.

By signing this petition, we call upon our elected officials and relevant authorities to prioritize community engagement in land-use and development decisions. While we support affordable farmworker housing, the proposed development's scale and location are imprudent. Let us work together towards sustainable development that respects our environment while preserving the unique character of our neighborhood and town.

Sources:
1. Ventura County Resource Management Agency - "Ventura Ranch Housing" (vcrma.org)
2. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
3. Traffic Impact Analysis Reports for Proposed Developments in Ventura County