Simi Valley Development – What’s Going On at the Corner of Madera & Los Angeles Ave

Simi Valley Development – The corner of Madera and Los Angeles Ave has been a curiosity for the residents of Simi Valley for a number of years.  The corner would have been ideal for a commercial shopping center or business Park, however the city had already rezoned too many other properties to commercial. Adding more commercial zoning would create another struggling corner to eventually become another retail eyesore in Simi Valley. Plans initially approved for a high density residential development which included housing for seniors, never were started. With the recession and the distressed real estate community, developers of corner held off as long as they could until they eventually sold the property to another development group.

Many residents regularly discuss concerns over the corner stating there is a high water table under this property. These concerns were addressed during the approval stages with developers and the city. Keep in mind there is another residential development property existing behind the Mount McCoy post office adjacent to this project. The city would not be able to approve plans to move forward with development if these issues could not be addressed. The Simi Valley Acorn reported on 12/21/07:

“If the City Council grants final approval to Casden next month, the developer plans to first begin construction on a 66inch public storm drain running beneath Madera Road and Los Angeles Avenue, which is expected to resolve flooding and the high water table characteristic of the surrounding area.”

The project was originally brought to the city and approved for Casden Properties.  The property is now a joint venture between Landsea and Ravello Holdings.  They plan to build 150+ homes on the 13 acre site with additional units for senior housing.  The development will be known as “The Westerly”.  The preliminary plan includes two separate single family detached neighborhoods and a separate age qualified neighborhood.

This will be a good use for the corner and a good project for the area as residential neighborhoods tend to impact traffic less than commercial developments.  The city of Simi Valley needs more housing to meet demand and to also help support the local retail community. This project already fits in well the surrounding densities of the Parklane Development, Sinaloa Villas Condominiums,  and apartments on the south west corner of Madera and Los Angeles Avenues.  New housing is good for all home owners; let’s hope the city can help the new developer get this project going.