City puts parking study into drive
Report to focus on Old Town, mixed-use developments

The ever-increasing rush hour traffic along the 101 Freeway is positive proof that Ventura County- especially the Pleasant Valley- is growing steadily.

City officials expect Pleasant Valley's population to increase from 78,000 to 95,000 by 2020 as the Village at the Park housing development comes to completion and California State University at Channel Islands reaches its target enrollment of 15,000.

The city is in the early stages of the Camarillo Commons project, a plan to turn 55 acres of commercial real estate at the city's heart into a mixedused development. The redevelopment will also increase housing density.

Additionally, plans are on the horizon for a 1,500-unit housing and commercial development just north of the 101 Freeway between Las Posas Road and Central Avenue.

More people mean more cars, and the Camarillo City Council voted 50 last week to move forward with a citywide parking study to help manage the growing number of in-town drivers.

Bob Burrow, director of community development, said the decision to go ahead with the report was sparked by a November study session meeting.

The City Council voted to use Burbank-based Walker Parking Consultants to conduct the study, which is expected to cost $47,000.

The council decided not to use RRM Design Group, the San Luis Obispo urban planning firm contracted by the city to draft the Camarillo Commons strategic plan last year.

RRM Design asked for $92,000 to complete the study.

Burrow said his department was approached by a third consulting firm but he said that bid was incomplete and was not accepted by the city.

The study will look at a number of issues affecting parking, including mixed-use standards, parking structures, accessibility requirements, on-street access and the overall management of city parking.

City officials said the study will specifically address parking issues along Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo.

"This goal has been on the books for a year and half, and I think it's timely," said Councilmember Don Waunch. "I hope what we get out of this is more efficient parking in Old Town and other places." - Daniel Wolowicz