Ventura council upholds 75-unit Thompson Court Apartments on 5-2 vote
Council denies appeal of Planning Commission approval for the 75-unit apartment building at 1655 East Thompson Boulevard, clearing the way for the density-bonus project to proceed.
Ventura City Council voted 5-2 on June 30 to deny an appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's approval of the Thompson Court Apartments, a 75-unit residential project at 1655 East Thompson Boulevard. Councilmembers Jim Duran and Bill McReynolds made the motion; Alex Mangone and Liz Campos voted no, according to the June 30 meeting minutes.
Project plans include eight very low-income units and rely on state density bonus law (Government Code Section 65915) for concessions and waivers. It requires a Major Design Review, Coastal Development Permit, and Lot Line Adjustment, per the minutes. Council approved Resolution 2026-45, which denies the appellant's challenge and upholds the Planning Commission decision.
Twenty-six public speakers addressed the council on the item, including Philip Fields, Josh Baker, and Kelly Dorsey, the minutes record. Councilmember Mangone disclosed ex parte communications with Baker and the appellant. McReynolds disclosed a conversation with Baker, and Deputy Mayor Halter spoke with Dorsey and Lisa Burton.
Council found the project categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review under the Class 32 infill exemption. Ayes: Duran, McReynolds, Schumacher, Halter, and Mayor Sanchez-Palacios. Noes: Mangone, Campos, per the minutes.
Meeting adjournment followed at 9:59 p.m. after a council recess from 9:21 to 9:32 p.m. during the hearing.
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