The so-called “Farm Project” is a 27-acre housing development that envisions building 191 total dwelling units, comprising 94 townhomes and 97 single-family dwellings on a section of the Carpinteria bluffs that would include the existing Tee Time golf driving range.
If the April public meeting is any indication, along with internet and newspaper comments, the residents are strongly opposed to it.
“There is something of a divine mandate to keep this land undeveloped — this is the soul of Carpinteria,” said the landscape artist Arturo Tello, a member of the Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs who has fought to protect the bluffs for decades.
“I’ve been in love with the Carpinteria Bluffs for [more than] 40 years,” he said, adding, “There have been many proposals here, and of all the proposals, this is the very worst one — it’s the most dense.”
On the other side was the development team, led by Paul Brenneke who bought the land for $15 million, and has since invested additional funds into the planning process. The developer envisions four acres of open space, recreational trails and habitat restoration.
A comment period was already held from June 11 to July 10, which would be part of an Environmental Impact Report.
The public can still stay involved by asking questions and keeping apprised of the project’s progress. Send the email below for updates with the subject “interested party”:
TheFarmProject@CarpinteriaCA.gov
Residents have seen this ‘movie’ before, with campaigns to “Save the Bluffs” beginning in the ’70s. The community acquired the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve in the 1990s. The community also saved the Carpinteria salt marsh, now part of UC-Santa Barbara’s purview.
The developer would include three distinct common spaces: a Passive Park, Demonstration Garden, and the Play Park. In any case, details and updates are located here.
