Supervisors to Vote on Plan for Ojai Valley Golf Course
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The Ventura County Board of Supervisor on Tuesday will decide whether to approve Farmont Corp.’s proposed golf course in the Ojai Valley, ending years of debate.
Despite stiff opposition from a small group of environmentalists, the county staff is recommending that the exclusive 204-acre project, proposed by Japanese broadcasting tycoon Kagehisa Toyama, be allowed to proceed because any toll it would take the environment could be minimized.
Some county officials said they have been impressed by the landowner’s proposal to give the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy nearly 1,600 acres of open terrain surrounding the project, which is off California 150 near Lake Casitas.
But a dozen vocal opponents--almost all members of the Ventura County Environmental Coalition--have said the project will sharply increase traffic and waste precious ground water.
In addition, the detractors have accused the developer of trying to curry favor with the county and Ojai Valley residents by donating a large portion of the land.
The county’s Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 17 to approve the project, which has been in the planning stages for nearly five years.
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