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Oxnard votes to alter ordinance on cineplex
STORY TOOLS 
More from Local NewsA second cineplex could open in Oxnard in roughly two years after the City Council altered an ordinance that limited competition.
Council members voted 4-1 Tuesday to modify the ordinance in a required second reading. Councilman Tim Flynn voted no.
The law previously protected a downtown cineplex by not allowing such establishments in other areas. Council members adopted the policy about eight years ago so a theater, which opened in August 2005, would jump start the downtown's economic recovery.
The revision allows a cineplex in RiverPark, a massive residential project under construction north of Highway 101. The development will include a large commercial plaza, but prospective tenants have balked at signing leases unless it includes a theater, RiverPark officials say.
RiverPark has agreed to pay the city $9 million to offset effects on the downtown — an offer that apparently has mollified the operator and landlords of the downtown Plaza Cinema.
The money could be used to market the downtown district, shave neighborhood maintenance costs or reduce debt on a loan that financed the theater and restaurant plaza. The city backs the loan up to $1.6 million a year for 25 years.
City staff members will bring back a plan for using the $9 million in September.
Posted by shaver_one on July 25, 2007 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Say good-bye to Downtown Oxnard. It will whither and die. A bad move by Oxnard's City Council.
And, just wait. The Council will appropriate the $9 million to be used for their pet projects, everywhere BUT Downtown Oxnard. We'll be able then to welcome back the closed businesses, run-down buildings, and gang members hanging out at Plaza Park. RiverPark will flourish, and traffic will be horrible. Thanks, Council.
Posted by nsolorzano87 on July 26, 2007 at 2:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I should come to you so you can tell me what I'm going to be doing ten years from now since you can tell the futute!! Everyone pretends to be an economist!!!
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