By Ventura Breeze Staff –
Livable Ventura has appealed a court decision that sided with the City of Ventura regarding a six-story apartment building approved in Ventura. The case involves a proposed project at 211 E. Thompson Blvd., which includes 94 multifamily units at the northeast corner of Thompson and Figueroa Street. The City Council approved the proposal in August 2023.
In September 2023 Livable Ventura filed a lawsuit in Ventura County Superior Court, alleging that the city’s Planning Division and City Council violated state laws concerning housing density and environmental review in approving the complex.
Livable Ventura also contended that the city violated the California Coastal Act by approving a project that exceeded height and density limits, obstructed coastal views, and was incompatible with the scale and character of downtown.
In late 2024, Judge Matthew P. Guasco ruled that the community group’s argument “misleadingly overstates the height of the project in comparison to approved projects in the development area, which are of similar or greater height.” Judge Guasco also ruled that the city and developer Vince Daly could recover court costs from the lawsuit.
Livable Ventura filed an appeal in late January.
“We have a strong case and a good chance of prevailing at the next court level,” said Carol Spector of Livable Ventura.
Ventura City Manager Bill Ayub stated that the court’s decision reinforces that the City Council “is on the right track when it comes to meeting housing requirements” and addressing community needs.
Livable Ventura, Inc. is a group of Ventura citizens concerned about rapid over-development in the city. They serve as a liaison between citizens and the city, providing transparency and feedback to city officials. www.livableventura.com.
