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Oxnard launches negotiations for second cineplex
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More from Local NewsOxnard formally launched negotiations with three business owners, hoping to bring a second cineplex to the city while protecting its two-year-old downtown theater from competition.
Under Tuesday's 4-1 vote, the city hopes to reach two pacts by Oct. 1. The first would be with RiverPark, which is building a 2,800-dwelling development and the planned mall north of Highway 101 and west of Vineyard Avenue.
A second agreement would be with Oxnard Theater Group, which owns and operates the downtown Centennial Plaza, and its theater operator, San Carlos Cinemas.
If all parties agree, the city would give RiverPark $12 million for parking, sewers, streets and other public improvements at the shopping plaza. Meanwhile, RiverPark would pay the city $9 million to create a program to assist downtown businesses.
"There is a lot to work through, but we think we can work through this in the next two months," Curtis Cannon, Oxnard's community development director, told the City Council.
At issue is RiverPark's plan to open a cineplex at the mall, known as The Collection. Prospective retail tenants have apparently balked at signing leases unless a cineplex is an anchor tenant, city officials said.
Two weeks ago, the city removed a major roadblock to RiverPark's goal when council members voted 4-1 to modify a cineplex ordinance. The law, adopted about eight years ago, restricted cineplexes to downtown, so Plaza Cinemas could jump-start the district's moribund economy. The revised ordinance allows a second movie theater in RiverPark.
The city would be repaid the $12 million from improved tax revenues generated at the mall. If the parties don't reach an agreement by Oct. 1, the city could extend negotiations, Cannon said before Tuesday's meeting.
Just how the $9 million would be spent will be worked out in the negotiations. Mayor Tom Holden said he hoped some of the money would be used to market the downtown to the public. Speaking before the meeting, Councilman Dean Maulhardt said he would like to see the money used to reduce the city's liability on a loan that financed the theater. The city backs the loan up to $1.6 million a year for 25 years.
Councilman Tim Flynn voted no, echoing a previous stand on modifying the cineplex ordinance. Flynn believes the downtown theater needs more time to establish itself and attract other retail and restaurant businesses.
"I hope that my four colleagues on the council prove me wrong," Flynn said.
Critics blasted the vote, saying the $12 million would be better spent on repairing streets and medians in south Oxnard.
"We shop in Camarillo," said Nancy Pedersen, chairwoman of the Cal-Gisler Neighborhood Council. "RiverPark has nothing to do with me. It has nothing to do with my neighborhood."
Oxnard resident Barbara Macri-Ortiz urged the council to consider a venue with live theatrical performances instead of a second movie theater that faces competition from consumers who prefer home theaters.
Posted by smlopez52 on August 9, 2007 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does the city fathers have ear plugs on? Why don't listen to the people instead the sound of money!
Oxnard resident Barbara Macri-Ortiz urged the council to consider a venue with live theatrical performances instead of a second movie theater that faces competition from consumers who prefer home theaters
We shop in Camarillo," said Nancy Pedersen, chairwoman of the Cal-Gisler Neighborhood Council. "RiverPark has nothing to do with me. It has nothing to do with my neighborhood."
Speaking before the meeting, Councilman Dean Maulhardt said he would like to see the money used to reduce the city's liability on a loan that financed the theater. The city backs the loan up to $1.6 million a year for 25 years.
Councilman Tim Flynn voted no, echoing a previous stand on modifying the cineplex ordinance. Flynn believes the downtown theater needs more time to establish itself and attract other retail and restaurant businesses.
"I hope that my four colleagues on the council prove me wrong," Flynn said.
Listen and think Oxnard, not for the money but for the people. Who wants another loan diaster and empty building.
Posted by ox4me on August 9, 2007 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
phx.18 youre mistaken.There is no need at all to get into River Park by passing through El Rio.
Ox blvd empties right into River Park and coming in off of Vineyard is not River Park.El Rio does not start on Vineyard until Orange Drive
Posted by iseepeeple on August 9, 2007 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally, if it has to be some kind of movie theater..why not bring back a drive-in...like the old days. I would LOVE to see them do something like this and give it an old time charm appeal, like from the 50's. Why the same ol same ol...?
Posted by dcmcgov on August 11, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A city of 200,000+ residents should have no problem supporting more than one cineplex. It is time for the residents of Oxnard to stop dwelling in such fear and pessimism.
The River Park development is a great boon to the economy of this city, with it's new homes and shops. It's also a great boon to the city with it's new fire station and schools.
The planned mall and cineplex will have a more upscale feel and will attract a different demograph than the downtown theatre. This is right off the freeway and will have a much more regional attraction.
If cities like Thousand Oaks and Irvine can support several theaters, so can Oxnard.
Posted by connie.avina on August 13, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How about a children's activity center, where kids can go and be off the streets. An alternative to gangs. El Rio needs a boys and girls club, something for the kids/teens, a positive place to go and feel safe. Another movie theater, ridiculous, we have enough already. I find it so hard to believe that the city is actually going to give it's theater competition, we will lose customers and the downtown theater will be at a great loss and we the tax payers will be caught with the bill, because the City will have to loan more money. Come on people think ahead, you're creating your own doom. Our theater already has to compete with Ventura and Camarillo, now El Rio, what does common sense tell you. No more THEATERS. How about some soccer fields, skate park, water park, something for the kids, stop thinking of yourselves.
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