Mi Estrella
By: Cesar Arredonado

Photo: Cesar Arredonado

With the inauguration of a pavilion that emphasizes the bond between the City of Santa Paula and the Limoneira Company for more than a century, the citrus-producing company launched an informational campaign about its housing project, East Area One.

Located in the Limoneira Mercantile, at the intersection of Highway 126 and Hallo[ck] Drive in Santa Paula, “The Pavilion” exhibits a model to scale, maps and plans of the residential project.

East Area One is proposing the construction of 1300 homes on 500 acres of land adjacent to the pavilion.

The expansion of the City’s Urban Restriction Boundary to include the East Area One land and enable its construction will be decided by the voters of Santa Paula during the presidential primary election in February 2008, when the ballot initiative will be put to a vote. After its approval, the City Council will vote on the matter.

For four years, the Limoneira Company has been working on East Area One and is aware of past disputed ballot initiatives for residential projects like Measure A7 of Adams Canyon, who proposed the construction of 500 mansions, a hotel and a golf course, which was approved last May by the electorate.

The president of Limoneira is optimistic.  “The true challenge is to gain consensus from the community,” said Harold Edwards.  He added that five community meetings have already been held and more are planned.

The possibility of erecting a complex of luxurious homes with a golf course similar to those in Ojai was explored, said Edwards.

Through studies and hearings they opted for a middle and upper class community, with homes for teachers, police, firefighters, and other professionals and executives.  Up to 15% will be reserved for low-income housing, added Edwards.

“Santa Paula wants reasonable housing,” said the executive.

Included in the plans for East Area One are senior housing, two or three schools and parks. After approval, the plan would take between 3 and 20 years to build, depending on the market and the economy, said Edwards.

“This project seems very good to me.” said Gabriel Salazar, a resident of Santa Paula who attended the inauguration on July 24th.  “There is great need for housing in our city.”

Salazar, a soccer player and coach, added that he liked the inclusion of sports fields.  “We need more parks and fields for our children.”

It is probable that Limoneira’s project will be discussed at a meeting about affordable housing, organized by the activist group Poder Popular, on August 18 at Plaza Amistad.