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Ventura's bustling Downtown
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More from VenturaAnybody who has been in Ventura's Downtown on a weekend night has certainly noticed the place is hopping. And that's a good thing. Restaurant patrons, shoppers and theatergoers bring the economic activity needed to keep our economy thriving.But along with all that activity, comes all that noise. Recently Ventura's City Council, on a 5-1 vote, directed city staff to prepare an amendment to the Downtown Specific Plan to prohibit residences that directly face Main Street in the entertainment area between Figueroa and Fir streets. Residences obviously will be allowed on side streets and in other areas of Downtown, including the interior of blocks on Main Street.This amendment was heartily supported as a pro-active measure by the Ventura Police Department, which has increasingly fielded noise calls and other complaints in recent months for the Downtown area. It was also supported by our Downtown Ventura Organization director, Rob Edwards, who has multiple years of experience as a director of thriving business districts.While the areas under the proposed amendment are not ideal for living spaces because of nighttime noise, they are, however, perfect for daytime office activity.In-depth studies on the economic needs of Ventura have determined that the city needs more Class A office space, especially in the Downtown area where workers can walk to lunch and nearby shopping. The recently approved Downtown Retail and Office Strategy provides data about the need for additional small, unique offices downtown and the economic boost that new high-value, high-wage jobs will provide. Downtown restaurateurs are also thrilled at the prospect of more office space coming to the area and the lunchtime crowds they will generate.
The proposed amendment is a win-win for all concerned. Residents and police will not have to deal with noise issues, developers will be able to build premium office spaces, existing businesses will be supported by more daytime activity and businesses looking to relocate to our thriving Downtown will be able to do so.
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