So the third time was the charm for Manny Asadurian. After his plans to open a swap meet in Newbury Park were rejected by the Thousand Oaks City Council, the longtime Conejo Valley businessman is finally getting his chance in Moorpark. The small Ventura County bedroom community approved plans for what Asadurian prefers to call a “community marketplace” – though that euphemism didn’t help much when Thousand Oaks denied him a special use permit despite plans to locate it in an industrial park. “Sometimes things just don’t go as planned,” said Asadurian. “Today when I look back, it was a blessing because the building we have in Moorpark is way more compatible and beautiful.” But opening in Moorpark hasn’t been easy either. Asadurian first proposed in the fall to open on Princeton Avenue but pulled his application due to the opposition of a neighboring business. His second proposal was granted a permit last month by the City Council. The approved marketplace will open in a large warehouse at 709 Science Drive with about 80,000 square feet available to vendors. The smallest spaces will go for just $800 a month and it’s expected the 150 to 300 vendors will set up shop. There is already a waiting list of nearly 250 applicants, said Mickey Reiser, who will manage the marketplace. “We’re opening up the door for ma and pa shops and young entrepreneurs to have the opportunity to go into business,” Reiser said. Asadurian was sensitive to the idea that opening a swap meet in Newbury Park might not go over so well in the tony community, so he promised his vendors would be different from those at typical swap meets. Still, with low monthly rents, the marketplace – or whatever you want to call it – can feature vendors that likely wouldn’t thrive on a Class A space along Ventura Boulevard. For example, one vendor will be selling hair extensions and hairpieces for women who survived or have cancer. Another vendor specializes in selling lingerie to people who have undergone mastectomies. Others will be selling more typical services, clothing, crafts and food. “It is a great place for start-up businesses. It also provides a physical presence for home businesses, and a place to test the market on new products,” said Mayor Janice Parvin. “We are looking forward to all of the new businesses they will offer us.” Asadurian is spending $600,000 to build out, air condition and heat the warehouse space, which should be ready next month. The marketplace will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with no admission fee. – John Saringo-Rodriguez