Camarillo is not an island

The Camarillo City Council spoke volumes about their commitment to the Springville Drive interchange Wednesday night with a 5-0 vote to purchase 20 acres of farmland on the south side of the 101 Freeway. The land will make room for the interchange's on- and offramps on the south side of the freeway.

The city bought the property, located just west of the Home Depot hardware store on Ventura Boulevard, in a sweetheart deal for $4.3 million. That's less than $5 per square foot.

Both the city and the developers recognize that the $32million interchange is needed not only to develop the surrounding farmland but to mitigate the city's ever-increasing traffic.

Developers who want to build the 1,300-unit Springville housing community along the north side of the freeway between Las Posas Road and Central Avenue need the interchange in order to move forward with their construction.

The City Council's unanimous vote may be an indicator as to how they will eventually vote on the housing development if the proposal reaches city hall.

The city now has a very real vested interest in seeing the developers raise the bond money to pay for the homes and bring them to fruition. The city is already in negotiations to acquire right-of-way land for the interchange on the north side of the 101.

Although some residents may balk at the City Council's decision to help move the Springville housing community forward, city officials realize one important fact: Camarillo is not an island.

Population growth in neighboring areas- namely in Oxnard and on the California State University Channel Islands campus- will put more cars on Camarillo roads.

Camarillo lies at the heart of Ventura County and will forever be a traffic corridor for commuters moving across the county.

The interchange will be needed to move those cars off Camarillo side streets and onto the freeway.

Although the interchange is far from becoming a reality, it's clear to see that city officials recognize the future needs of residents and have plans in place to help ensure a smooth ride into tomorrow.