In April 2010, the City Council and Simi Valley Community Development Agency Board authorized staff to initiate the process to create a new redevelopment area, the Commercial Community Development Project, and merge it to the Merged Tapo Canyon and West End Community Development Project (Merged Project Area). As proposed, the new redevelopment area will add approximately 276 acres to the Merged Project Area.
The purpose of the proposed change is to revitalize these commercial districts of the City and to encourage property owner investment in their properties. Under the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the redevelopment area, the Agency will be able to provide public improvements such as sewers, storm drains, and street improvements which will act as incentives for new development or rehabilitation of existing properties. The Agency will also have the ability to provide various types of assistance to property owners interested in developing new, or rehabilitating existing, facilities in the proposed redevelopment area. This redevelopment area will also assist in the preservation and development of affordable housing opportunities throughout the community.
The proposed changes provide the most feasible methods to achieve the City’s economic goals. These goals are to promote more employment opportunities and improve the local tax base. Another major benefit of the redevelopment program is that it is locally controlled and provides for needed community improvements without increasing taxes.
It is important to note that the new redevelopment area does not include eminent domain authority on residential property. Eminent domain authority in the Merged Project Area does not change. In fact, other than the expanded financial capabilities of the Agency, nothing changes in the existing redevelopment areas.
The Redevelopment Plan and Environmental Impact Report related to the proposed Commercial Community Development Project and merger to the Merged Project Area will be presented to the City Council and Agency Board for consideration at a public hearing on May 9, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
Prior to the Public Hearing, a property owners meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 28, 2011. The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes and to answer any questions. The meeting, which will be held at Simi Valley City Hall located at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, will be conducted twice, once in the morning at 9:30 a.m. and once in the evening at 7:00 p.m. to accommodate busy schedules. Both meetings will take place in the City Council Chamber. We are also working closely with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce to ensure that all business and property owners have a chance to review and comment on our plans to continue developing a better Simi Valley.
Your comments on the Agency’s proposed redevelopment project area are welcome. Your comments may be in the form of a letter sent to the Simi Valley Community Development Agency (2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063), or by attendance at the public hearing scheduled for May 9, 2011.
Should you have any questions regarding the proposed changes, please feel free to contact Brian Gabler at (805) 583-6701.
