Meeting to be held for 215 freeway development
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 05/01/2008 06:10:42 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - A community meeting is scheduled for May 14 in which preliminary plans will be unveiled to develop a 100-acre commercial, office and residential gateway project adjacent the 215 Freeway.
"We're introducing the project and general concept. We expect to get input from the public on what they think the general uses should be out there," said Gary Koontz, the city's community development director.
He said the project is in the "very preliminary" stages, and that the city is working with developer Mar Ventures, Inc. on a specific plan for the area they're hoping is completed within the next year.
The city has been pondering the development of the land east of the 215 Freeway, south of Barton Road, west of Michigan Street and north of Pico Street for the last 20 years. It entered into a formal agreement with the Torrance-based Mar Ventures, Inc. in late 2007 to prepare a development plan for the area that would provide a strong retail base for city residents, healthy sales and property tax revenue for the city and "an aesthetically pleasing entrance to the community."
At the May 14 meeting, which will be held in the Community Room at City Hall, 22795 Barton Rd., representatives of the City and Mar Ventures will seek input and comments from citizens regarding how the area will be developed. The information gathered at the meeting will be used in developing the specific plan, which will contain development standards and issues in the area where the project is to occur.
Mar Ventures is paying for the specific plan.
Once complete, the specific plan and environmental impact report will be available for public review and comment. Public hearings will also be scheduled for the Planning Commission and city Council, where the public will also be able to provide additional comment.
The city redevelopment agency owns about 50 percent of the land, and the rest is privately owned. Mar Ventures is currently in negotiation for the remaining 50 acres, Koontz said.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 14. For more information, call (909) 430-2247
joe.nelson@sbsun.com, (909) 386-3874
