Council OKs Housing Project for Seniors

The Ventura City Council approved plans Monday for the construction of a 14-unit housing project that would serve low- to moderate-income seniors.

The Mediterranean-style complex would be built at the corner of West Santa Clara Street and Ventura Avenue at the former site of the Smart & Final retail store.

The city’s Redevelopment Agency bought the land last year and plans to use money earmarked for low- and moderate-income housing projects to help pay for construction of the complex.

Under the plan approved Monday, the agency would sell the property for $1 to the Ventura Housing Authority and then contribute no more than $800,000 toward the construction.

City leaders said the deal will help attract other residential projects downtown by meeting the requirement to build low- to moderate-income housing in the redevelopment area.

The city has set a goal of building 900 new residences downtown in an effort to stimulate business in the area and balance a glut of housing projects that have been built on the city’s east end.