Re: your Dec. 22 article, “Harbor District says land is vital”:

Thanks to The Star for keeping the public informed of the outrageous ploy of the Oxnard Harbor District to seize one’s private property though eminent domain in our beautiful little city of Port Hueneme.

The Draconian process of eminent domain is not required or necessary for the Harbor District’s proposed project, nor does it in any way contribute to the public good.

It is interesting to note that none of the elected harbor commissioners live in Port Hueneme, the city that will be greatly impacted by their ultimate decision.

I attended the Board of Harbor Commissioners hastily called special meeting to become educated on the “homes not cars” issue in my community. Ironically, the meeting was set for 5 p.m., a time before most residents arrive home from work.

I listened carefully to the mumbled monologue of the Harbor District executive director and to the more informative comments by representatives of John Laing Homes. Members of the public were also given the opportunity to comment, and those who were not intimidated by others in attendance did so.

It was crystal clear that the port union bosses had given instructions. Their member dockworkers, with arms crossed like bodyguards, ringed the crowded boardroom by standing in the back along all available walls, even though some seats were available. However, no one wants to take dockworkers’ jobs.

I heard absolutely no evidence that the Harbor District project “is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and least private injury.” On the contrary, it was obvious that the commissioners and executive director had not done their homework. Many other sites are available, including, I’m told, optimal space directly at the port.

My neighbors and I strongly feel Port Hueneme residents and the city itself are much better served by the property owner’s city-approved plan for 150 homes, along with a park. New homes generate property taxes that, in turn, benefit our Hueneme schools and services. New residents generate business for our many Hueneme mom-and-pop stores. The district’s current plan would provide little to none of these benefits.

— Ann Holcomb, Port Hueneme