Nonprofits have eyes on old library building

The city of Camarillo is negotiating with Ventura County, which owns the old Camarillo Library at 3100 Ponderosa Drive, to transfer possession of the property to the city.

On Monday, Camarillo received a phase one environmental assessment. The city must ascertain if the structure is environmentally and structurally sound.

"I just got the report on my desk today," Richard Petropulos said Monday morning. Petropulos is the director of general services for the city. "I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but we don't anticipate any issues."

Petropulos said the transfer of the old library, which closed its doors on Feb. 25 of last year, is in its "final stages of approval."

If the transfer of the title is successful, then the City Council must decide what to do with the old library.

"A lot of local nonprofits are interested in it," said Bruce Feng, the assistant city manager.

The new library, which opened in March, is at 4101 Las Posas Road.

- Eliav Appelbaum