PAWW:
Tax Payers are being told to Bail OUT... Corporation for Better Housing a Private Development Company that distributes all its Profits to its Management and Employees retaining no Profit for is own for distribution to Stock Holders a (501.3) Not for Profit Business... Not a Not for Profit Charity.
Bailed Out for the Cost Over Runs caused by their own action not the actions of Citizens. IT was their action to not communicate sufficiently with the Neighbors and Citizens regarding the Design and Environmental Concerns of the Community. It was their action that caused there to be a insufficient EIR to be filed and contested. It was their action for apparently not paying attention to water connection fees.
NOW is this Bail Out going to be offered to anyone else in the city when they want to develop their property or sub-divide.
I recall a citizen requesting to subdivide their property but being told they had to UP Front Pay for Street and Utilities Improvements and setbacks, PRIOR to any development or map change. The City nor the Redevelopment Agency offered to pay for these fees.
Did the Center for Better Housing say they will back out of the "Deal" made without a bidding process if the RDA/City did not pay for the increased bill?
OH, the Center for Better Housing and the RDA and the City could have avoided all the Court Costs and put the building where it was Planned in the General Plan in the first Place... Even their own EIR said that environmentally due to the location of Public Transportation and Retail Shops the Original Public Approved General Plan to have the Senior Center and Housing Located on Barton Rd in the Proximity of the Terraces where there are services for those needing assisted care was a BETTER OPTION that the City and Center for Better Housing failed to adjust their minds to.
NO the Citizens are not the Cause of Increased Costs to the Project. The Citizens should not have to pay for the added costs. OH sure, some one at the city will say, it is paid with DEVELOPMENT FUNDS.... guess what that means... CITIZENS PAY FOR IT.
SAY NO to any Council Member RDA BOARD Member who BAILED OUT a Bad Contractor.
Let CFBH back out of the Deal pack up their tools and LEAVE.. Do us all a favor would you.
Thanks Jim Miller the lone voice of reason... Thanks for not voting lock step with the others. Thanks for giving your reasons for not doing so.
Additional Blue Mountain senior project funds OK'd
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
By JULIE FARREN
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace Redevelopment Agency will pay an additional $740,000 toward completion of the Blue Mountain Senior Villas project. The two-story senior residential facility is expected to open in early 2009.
The City Council, sitting as the redevelopment agency board, authorized the additional money Tuesday night.
The project, approved in 2005, includes a senior center and a park on Grand Terrace Road, south of Mount Vernon Avenue.
Story continues below
The redevelopment agency and the city agreed in September 2005 on an agency contribution of $8.8 million for the project with Corporation for Better Housing.
Tuesday night's action increased the amount to $9.5 million. Redevelopment agency consultant Ralph Megna said the amount would not increase again.
"It was our goal to make this as inclusive as possible," said Megna.
The total cost of the project has increased from $19.2 million to $21.6 million.
The agency board voted 4-1 to authorize the funds. Councilman Jim Miller cast the dissenting vote.
The amount increased because of water-connection and service fees, some materials costs and construction-related services and expenses associated with ongoing litigation over the senior housing project.
A group called Citizens for Responsible and Open Government filed suit to stop the project.
Miller questioned how the water connection fees could have been overlooked when the plans were submitted. "It looks like we're being asked to pick up those fees," said Miller.
Reach Julie Farren at 909-806-3066 or jfarren@PE.com
PAWW: The Following just FEELS WRONG. I can't put my finger on it... Why does this make the hair on the back of my hairy back stand up?
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Grand Terrace
Finance director announces retirement
Grand Terrace Finance Director Larry Ronnow will retire Oct. 31 after eight years with the city, officials said Wednesday.
Ronnow began as a contract finance director in October 2000 and was hired full time in January 2001. He was honored Tuesday night by the City Council for his service.
Ronnow will be replaced by Bernard Simon, who was finance director before Ronnow was hired.
--Julie Farren jfarren@PE.com
Gramps Reply:
I don't know why your woolie back has a reaction to the above. Hmm perhaps Bernard Simon has become qualifed now when he was not at time Ronnow was hired to "Help OUT"..
Recall there is insufficient records regarding the Payment for a City Owned car purchased by Steve Berry.
Recall there was a mixing of funds between RDA and City Funds...
Recall the Punishment of the Citizens for not passing increased Sales Taxes, by ending Parks and Recreation Programs. While the City Staff gets higher wages, home improvement loans, and even a house provided. Hmmmm I don't know... follow the money and you may find the answer to your grooming problem. Good Luck.... Pa.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
New Law Suits Hit City of Grand Terrace....
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE DEFENDANT
GROVE-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ET AL
Miscellaneous Complaint
CIVSS807573 06/10/2008
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE DEFENDANT
JARA-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Breach of Contract
CIVSS808700 06/27/2008
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE DEFENDANT
GROVE-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Complaint for Damages
CIVSS809432 07/15/2008
GROVE-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ET AL
Miscellaneous Complaint
CIVSS807573 06/10/2008
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE DEFENDANT
JARA-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Breach of Contract
CIVSS808700 06/27/2008
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE DEFENDANT
GROVE-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Complaint for Damages
CIVSS809432 07/15/2008
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Added Information((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
In Simple English... it appears that the Grove-V-City of Grand Terrace is related to law enforcment. and the JARA -V-City of Grand Terrace is a Breach of Contract.
Case CIVSS807573 - GROVE-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ET AL
Complaint Number: 1
Complaint Type: COMPLAINT (UNLIMITED)
Filing Date: 06/10/2008
Complaint Status: ACTIVE
Party Number Party Type Party Name Attorney Party Status
1 PLAINTIFF MICHAEL GROVE LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
2 PLAINTIFF GARY GRAY LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
3 PLAINTIFF GLORIA ESQUIBEL-SMILEY LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
4 PLAINTIFF JOHN CLARKE LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
5 PLAINTIFF RICK SANDBERG LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
6 PLAINTIFF RICARDO DORAME LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
7 PLAINTIFF BOBBY MORGAN LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
8 DEFENDANT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE HARPER & BURNS, LLP Answer 07/10/2008
9 DEFENDANT THOMAS J SCHWAB HARPER & BURNS, LLP Answer 07/10/2008
10 DEFENDANT GRAND TERRACE CITYMANAGER Unrepresented Serve Required (WaitS)
Case CIVSS809432 - GROVE-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Complaint Number: 1
Complaint Type: COMPLAINT (UNLIMITED)
Filing Date: 07/15/2008
Complaint Status: ACTIVE
1 to 12 total records Next >
Party Number Party Type Party Name Attorney Party Status
1 PLAINTIFF MICHAEL GROVE LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
2 PLAINTIFF GARY GRAY LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
3 PLAINTIFF GLORIA ESQUIBEL-SMILEY LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
4 PLAINTIFF JOHN CLARKE LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
5 PLAINTIFF RICK SANDBERG LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
6 PLAINTIFF RICARDO DORAME LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
7 PLAINTIFF BOBBY MORGAN LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
8 PLAINTIFF MICHAEL R BREWSTER LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
9 DEFENDANT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE HARPER & BURNS, LLP Demurr 08/13/2008
10 DEFENDANT THOMAS SCHWAB HARPER & BURNS, LLP Demurr 08/13/2008
11 DEFENDANT DEPUTY F HERNANDEZ Unrepresented Served 07/21/2008
12 DEFENDANT COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO Unrepresented Served 07/17/2008
< Previous 11 to 12 of 12 total records
Case CIVSS808700 - JARA-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Complaint Number: 1
Complaint Type: COMPLAINT (UNLIMITED)
Filing Date: 06/27/2008
Complaint Status: ACTIVE
Party Number Party Type Party Name Attorney Party Status
1 PLAINTIFF JARA BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, INC. LAW OFFICES OF ROBERT F. SCHAUER First Paper Fee Paid
2 DEFENDANT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE HARPER & BURNS, LLP Demurr 08/21/2008
3 DEFENDANT LCI BUILDERS, INC.A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION Unrepresented Served 07/22/2008
4 DEFENDANT STEVE LETWINCH Unrepresented Served 07/22/2008
Complaint Number: 1
Complaint Type: COMPLAINT (UNLIMITED)
Filing Date: 06/10/2008
Complaint Status: ACTIVE
Party Number Party Type Party Name Attorney Party Status
1 PLAINTIFF MICHAEL GROVE LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
2 PLAINTIFF GARY GRAY LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
3 PLAINTIFF GLORIA ESQUIBEL-SMILEY LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
4 PLAINTIFF JOHN CLARKE LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
5 PLAINTIFF RICK SANDBERG LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
6 PLAINTIFF RICARDO DORAME LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
7 PLAINTIFF BOBBY MORGAN LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
8 DEFENDANT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE HARPER & BURNS, LLP Answer 07/10/2008
9 DEFENDANT THOMAS J SCHWAB HARPER & BURNS, LLP Answer 07/10/2008
10 DEFENDANT GRAND TERRACE CITYMANAGER Unrepresented Serve Required (WaitS)
Case CIVSS809432 - GROVE-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Complaint Number: 1
Complaint Type: COMPLAINT (UNLIMITED)
Filing Date: 07/15/2008
Complaint Status: ACTIVE
1 to 12 total records Next >
Party Number Party Type Party Name Attorney Party Status
1 PLAINTIFF MICHAEL GROVE LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
2 PLAINTIFF GARY GRAY LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
3 PLAINTIFF GLORIA ESQUIBEL-SMILEY LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
4 PLAINTIFF JOHN CLARKE LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
5 PLAINTIFF RICK SANDBERG LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
6 PLAINTIFF RICARDO DORAME LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
7 PLAINTIFF BOBBY MORGAN LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
8 PLAINTIFF MICHAEL R BREWSTER LAWSON, CARROLL M First Paper Fee Paid
9 DEFENDANT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE HARPER & BURNS, LLP Demurr 08/13/2008
10 DEFENDANT THOMAS SCHWAB HARPER & BURNS, LLP Demurr 08/13/2008
11 DEFENDANT DEPUTY F HERNANDEZ Unrepresented Served 07/21/2008
12 DEFENDANT COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO Unrepresented Served 07/17/2008
< Previous 11 to 12 of 12 total records
Case CIVSS808700 - JARA-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Complaint Number: 1
Complaint Type: COMPLAINT (UNLIMITED)
Filing Date: 06/27/2008
Complaint Status: ACTIVE
Party Number Party Type Party Name Attorney Party Status
1 PLAINTIFF JARA BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, INC. LAW OFFICES OF ROBERT F. SCHAUER First Paper Fee Paid
2 DEFENDANT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE HARPER & BURNS, LLP Demurr 08/21/2008
3 DEFENDANT LCI BUILDERS, INC.A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION Unrepresented Served 07/22/2008
4 DEFENDANT STEVE LETWINCH Unrepresented Served 07/22/2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
THIS BLOG IS NOT DEAD
GrandPaTerrace has moved on......
HOWEVER: This Blog is going to continue.... YEAH...
GrandPaTerrace or PAWW will answer questions and will post Emails as requested.
Over Time others will also administer the blog as needed...
HOWEVER: This Blog is going to continue.... YEAH...
GrandPaTerrace or PAWW will answer questions and will post Emails as requested.
Over Time others will also administer the blog as needed...
PC Meeting Report: From the Email InBOX
Paww....
Although small, sparks happened at recent City of G.T. planning commission meeting.Commissioner Wilson requested the city Planning Dept,.... to get in gear and go through their records to see if the trucking outfit on south Michigan is OK or not.
I understand the C.U.P. they had been operating from is expired and is no longer valid. The Plan. Dept. was requested to come up with the facts back in spring of 2008, and have yet to present anything. "Still working on it" Via the P.C. the city code enforcement has been asked to look into some of the complaints of persons parking 6, 8, 10 autos in their street overnight, and on their front lawns. All magically gone in morning.
The power plant in south G.T. off of Main street is still going. The report as per newspaper is wrong. AES failed to meet one little element in their environmental papers, and that somehow got meant to mean the whole thing went sour. As was mentioned at the meeting earlier in year, AES has like a ten year lease on the property (which in itself is worth something) and have all that time to develop a new work-around project.
They aren't stupid on these things.
Fresh Markets (for N.W. corner of Barton and Mr. Vernon) was shown, but not discussed much. Somewhere rumour got going that they will be in and up and running within six months. Then why did Stater Bros. sign on for a 4 year extension to present location? Someone s not telling us all the real facts.
Also via snoopy neighbor, heard you closed on a deal to sell your house this week.
Pa says...
YEP... I have moved on to other adventures. I'll post what you folks provide.
NW Corner of Barton & Mt. Vernon is the side where StarBucks, is. This has nothing to do with the current Location of Stater Bros Market's Location and lease.
Fresh Markets will take the entire space inclusive of the Old Mrs Moo's, the Old Drug Store and the Pink House... This land was purchased by one single individual who acquired the property the old fashioned way... "Without the City Redevelopment Agency"... forcing people to sell or saying they are going to use Eminent Domain to take their property.
Stater Brother's Market has often used a Lease to Block Competition following into a vacated location. Even IF Stater's Builds a NEW Store on the Land Jacobsen Forced people to sell to him by using the RDA and Schwab to threaten Eminent Domain and a single option as to who they sold to.... they will like to make sure that no other store moves in to the existing store to compete with them. Stater's will sub lease the property out to a non competitive business for a remainder of the lease option, or they will just pay rent and keep the place vacant. Don't think that Jack Brown cares about the BLIGHT of an EMPTY Store will bring to the other businesses in that Retail Development.
Jacobsen may find that he bought land that may be forced back into agriculture use or for a Small High School Site... and his association and venture in GT has been a loss of time and money.
AES, has the 10 year lease on the property and in part the most valuable portion of that lease is the rights to add pollution to the air. "Pollution Credits" are sold on a market and it may be that the cost of development does not provide an income greater than the value of selling the "Pollution Credits". In addition, the old plant was not the best design, and if they manage a better design and a Zero Pollution Use for the Property... Have at it... Be aware the High School is still "Planned" and the State of California is going to issue a Note of Concern about the Power Plant what ever the plans will be.
Although small, sparks happened at recent City of G.T. planning commission meeting.Commissioner Wilson requested the city Planning Dept,.... to get in gear and go through their records to see if the trucking outfit on south Michigan is OK or not.
I understand the C.U.P. they had been operating from is expired and is no longer valid. The Plan. Dept. was requested to come up with the facts back in spring of 2008, and have yet to present anything. "Still working on it" Via the P.C. the city code enforcement has been asked to look into some of the complaints of persons parking 6, 8, 10 autos in their street overnight, and on their front lawns. All magically gone in morning.
The power plant in south G.T. off of Main street is still going. The report as per newspaper is wrong. AES failed to meet one little element in their environmental papers, and that somehow got meant to mean the whole thing went sour. As was mentioned at the meeting earlier in year, AES has like a ten year lease on the property (which in itself is worth something) and have all that time to develop a new work-around project.
They aren't stupid on these things.
Fresh Markets (for N.W. corner of Barton and Mr. Vernon) was shown, but not discussed much. Somewhere rumour got going that they will be in and up and running within six months. Then why did Stater Bros. sign on for a 4 year extension to present location? Someone s not telling us all the real facts.
Also via snoopy neighbor, heard you closed on a deal to sell your house this week.
Pa says...
YEP... I have moved on to other adventures. I'll post what you folks provide.
NW Corner of Barton & Mt. Vernon is the side where StarBucks, is. This has nothing to do with the current Location of Stater Bros Market's Location and lease.
Fresh Markets will take the entire space inclusive of the Old Mrs Moo's, the Old Drug Store and the Pink House... This land was purchased by one single individual who acquired the property the old fashioned way... "Without the City Redevelopment Agency"... forcing people to sell or saying they are going to use Eminent Domain to take their property.
Stater Brother's Market has often used a Lease to Block Competition following into a vacated location. Even IF Stater's Builds a NEW Store on the Land Jacobsen Forced people to sell to him by using the RDA and Schwab to threaten Eminent Domain and a single option as to who they sold to.... they will like to make sure that no other store moves in to the existing store to compete with them. Stater's will sub lease the property out to a non competitive business for a remainder of the lease option, or they will just pay rent and keep the place vacant. Don't think that Jack Brown cares about the BLIGHT of an EMPTY Store will bring to the other businesses in that Retail Development.
Jacobsen may find that he bought land that may be forced back into agriculture use or for a Small High School Site... and his association and venture in GT has been a loss of time and money.
AES, has the 10 year lease on the property and in part the most valuable portion of that lease is the rights to add pollution to the air. "Pollution Credits" are sold on a market and it may be that the cost of development does not provide an income greater than the value of selling the "Pollution Credits". In addition, the old plant was not the best design, and if they manage a better design and a Zero Pollution Use for the Property... Have at it... Be aware the High School is still "Planned" and the State of California is going to issue a Note of Concern about the Power Plant what ever the plans will be.
Fire Still Being Investigated: "Suspicious"
======================================================================Firefighter injured, strip mall burns in Grand Terrace
10:32 PM PDT on Wednesday, September 17, 2008
By IMRAN GHORI and RICHARD BROOKS
Staff Writers
The cause of a three-alarm fire that destroyed four businesses and slightly injured one firefighter in a Grand Terrace strip mall early Wednesday is being investigated as suspicious, fire officials said.
The fast moving fire started around 3 a.m. at the Terrace Village Plaza on Barton Road near La Crosse Avenue. The fire started at the EZ Mart liquor store and spread through a common attic to JC Stylez hair and nail salon, A-1 Cleaners and a florist shop that had not yet opened for business, officials said. Because of the early hour, none of the businesses was occupied. "The strip mall is a complete loss.
The entire roof has collapsed," said Tracey Martinez, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Damage is estimated at more than $1 million, said Dave Nunez, a county fire battalion chief.
When the first crews arrived, the EZ Mart liquor store was fully ablaze and flames were spreading to the other businesses, he said. It took about 60 firefighters two to three hours to contain and control the flames. With a roof collapse and concern over flammable materials in the stores, it was unsafe for firefighters to attack the blaze from inside the structure, Nunez said. "There was just no way we could stop it," he said.
One firefighter was treated at the scene for a pulled hamstring.
Arson investigators from the county fire and sheriff's departments are investigating the cause, which appears to be suspicious, said Battalion Chief Ken Munsey. A sheriff's arson/bomb dog was at the scene sniffing for clues.
Owners of the businesses watched from across the parking lot as firefighters finished up their work Wednesday morning. "We just came to open the place and the place was burned out," said Zouhir Aldyab, owner of the EZ Mart, as he waited to talk to firefighters and see what he could salvage from his store. Aldyab said he bought the business eight months ago. Stacey Hernandez, who opened the hair salon with her father, Todd Peters, a year ago, sat on a curb with several stylists who worked for her, all of whom will be out of work, she said. "What do we do now?" she asked.
Reach Richard Brooks at 909-806-3057 or rbrooks@PE.com
Reach Imran Ghori at 909-806-3061 or ighori@PE.com
10:32 PM PDT on Wednesday, September 17, 2008
By IMRAN GHORI and RICHARD BROOKS
Staff Writers
The cause of a three-alarm fire that destroyed four businesses and slightly injured one firefighter in a Grand Terrace strip mall early Wednesday is being investigated as suspicious, fire officials said.
The fast moving fire started around 3 a.m. at the Terrace Village Plaza on Barton Road near La Crosse Avenue. The fire started at the EZ Mart liquor store and spread through a common attic to JC Stylez hair and nail salon, A-1 Cleaners and a florist shop that had not yet opened for business, officials said. Because of the early hour, none of the businesses was occupied. "The strip mall is a complete loss.
The entire roof has collapsed," said Tracey Martinez, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Damage is estimated at more than $1 million, said Dave Nunez, a county fire battalion chief.
When the first crews arrived, the EZ Mart liquor store was fully ablaze and flames were spreading to the other businesses, he said. It took about 60 firefighters two to three hours to contain and control the flames. With a roof collapse and concern over flammable materials in the stores, it was unsafe for firefighters to attack the blaze from inside the structure, Nunez said. "There was just no way we could stop it," he said.
One firefighter was treated at the scene for a pulled hamstring.
Arson investigators from the county fire and sheriff's departments are investigating the cause, which appears to be suspicious, said Battalion Chief Ken Munsey. A sheriff's arson/bomb dog was at the scene sniffing for clues.
Owners of the businesses watched from across the parking lot as firefighters finished up their work Wednesday morning. "We just came to open the place and the place was burned out," said Zouhir Aldyab, owner of the EZ Mart, as he waited to talk to firefighters and see what he could salvage from his store. Aldyab said he bought the business eight months ago. Stacey Hernandez, who opened the hair salon with her father, Todd Peters, a year ago, sat on a curb with several stylists who worked for her, all of whom will be out of work, she said. "What do we do now?" she asked.
Reach Richard Brooks at 909-806-3057 or rbrooks@PE.com
Reach Imran Ghori at 909-806-3061 or ighori@PE.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Water Rates to Increase:
Pawww..
Didn't take long for the rates to go up.
We got to pay for their new building and exercise room.
Pa Says...
YEP... no need to hold some funds in reserve, or perhaps invest in Solar PV's so Pumping water isn't dependent on SEC Electricity... NO Needed to Invest in a New Building with Private Gym for Employees, the Staff, and Board Members and their families...
Who is on that Water Board? Who are the employees and their families?
Didn't take long for the rates to go up.
We got to pay for their new building and exercise room.
Pa Says...
YEP... no need to hold some funds in reserve, or perhaps invest in Solar PV's so Pumping water isn't dependent on SEC Electricity... NO Needed to Invest in a New Building with Private Gym for Employees, the Staff, and Board Members and their families...
Who is on that Water Board? Who are the employees and their families?
Fire... in GT:
Sorry to hear that the strip mall near Demitri's and the Good Sam's Trailer Court, and the Barton Rd Trailer Park burned.... That must have been quite a scare for everyone and a big loss to the owners of the property and businesses there.
Please be careful, out there people. Let's hope the businesses can find a place to relocate in GT so they can continue to support their families.
Please be careful, out there people. Let's hope the businesses can find a place to relocate in GT so they can continue to support their families.
Senior Center Progress and Cost OverRuns...
Pawww....
Had short talk with someone who may know what is going on at the G.T. (New) Senior center. And, why the delay.Aparently he says the air conditioning for the whole unit was undersized. At a goodly expense now it is being re-designed. Where is the money coming from for this oversight?
The addition of simple carports along eastern boundary also hit them hard. It was not in original estimate, nor funded for.
I think the residents of G.T. would be stupid to say OK to a new School Bond issue. They got zero for the first one. Apparently the school district went and spent more than 60% of the dollars collected prior to beginning of year. Leaving near nothing except a tax on each and every one's property bill every fall. Fool me once that is OK. Fool me twice, and it won't happen.
Sell, the property, and move the school to another neighborhood. I also see the wood truss Mfg'r has not really moved. And, they are receiving shipments of wood from Oregon and Canada about four times per week. That don't seem like a business ready to move to me.
PA says SNIFF SNIFF... NO MORE GT MONEY FOR the Senior Center... a Budget is a BUDGET... Schwab HIRED a PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPER... to Design and Build the building it sould come in on budget not a dime more.
Is is possible that the larger air conditioner will cause more noise that would have been flagged in the EIR?
YEP... Debt Financing of Governmental Operations? HEAR IT YET??? Is it time to capture the city assets and the assets of the City Management and Council to pay off the debts? Isn't that what you do when you go Bankrupt?
Had short talk with someone who may know what is going on at the G.T. (New) Senior center. And, why the delay.Aparently he says the air conditioning for the whole unit was undersized. At a goodly expense now it is being re-designed. Where is the money coming from for this oversight?
The addition of simple carports along eastern boundary also hit them hard. It was not in original estimate, nor funded for.
I think the residents of G.T. would be stupid to say OK to a new School Bond issue. They got zero for the first one. Apparently the school district went and spent more than 60% of the dollars collected prior to beginning of year. Leaving near nothing except a tax on each and every one's property bill every fall. Fool me once that is OK. Fool me twice, and it won't happen.
Sell, the property, and move the school to another neighborhood. I also see the wood truss Mfg'r has not really moved. And, they are receiving shipments of wood from Oregon and Canada about four times per week. That don't seem like a business ready to move to me.
PA says SNIFF SNIFF... NO MORE GT MONEY FOR the Senior Center... a Budget is a BUDGET... Schwab HIRED a PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPER... to Design and Build the building it sould come in on budget not a dime more.
Is is possible that the larger air conditioner will cause more noise that would have been flagged in the EIR?
YEP... Debt Financing of Governmental Operations? HEAR IT YET??? Is it time to capture the city assets and the assets of the City Management and Council to pay off the debts? Isn't that what you do when you go Bankrupt?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Site History...
GrandTerraceNews
Site Summary
3 years
VISITS Total 36,628
PAGE VIEWS Total 57,665
Impacted:
Attempted Use of Eminent Domain on a Private Party to force sell to a Second Private Party.
Public Awareness to Outdoor Activity Center Plan Flaws.
Public Awareness to Power Plant Plans and Flaws. Ultimately the end of the Power Plant.
Public Awareness of the Senior Villa's Plans and eventual changes to original plans.
Public Awareness of HS3 Site Flaws and Finance Problems.
Flawed Contracting Practices by City Manager and City Council (No Bid Contracts and Agreements)
Flawed Asset Distributions including the Missing Car and lack of document proof that Steve Berry actually paid for the City Car he bought "From the City"..
Brought to Attention the Political Action Groups the City Council Associates with and is advised by is not acting in the Best Interest of Citizens but Debt Finance Dealers and Large Developers.
Brought to Light the Library being promised by Doug Jacobsen in his Town Center Plan... was not a City Owned Facility, and the County had no plans for a larger space or the budget for it.
Brought to Light that the Town Center as planned would bring Day Labor Workers and other problems to the City.
YEP... it has been an interesting effort... and many folks contributed to this blog...
Other changes in the city include a Better City Web Page, that provides more information.. This still can be better.
Most important is that the VOTERS of GRAND TERRACE are better informed and now have
a choice if they care to make things different. Thanks Blog Supporters..
Site Summary
3 years
VISITS Total 36,628
PAGE VIEWS Total 57,665
Impacted:
Attempted Use of Eminent Domain on a Private Party to force sell to a Second Private Party.
Public Awareness to Outdoor Activity Center Plan Flaws.
Public Awareness to Power Plant Plans and Flaws. Ultimately the end of the Power Plant.
Public Awareness of the Senior Villa's Plans and eventual changes to original plans.
Public Awareness of HS3 Site Flaws and Finance Problems.
Flawed Contracting Practices by City Manager and City Council (No Bid Contracts and Agreements)
Flawed Asset Distributions including the Missing Car and lack of document proof that Steve Berry actually paid for the City Car he bought "From the City"..
Brought to Attention the Political Action Groups the City Council Associates with and is advised by is not acting in the Best Interest of Citizens but Debt Finance Dealers and Large Developers.
Brought to Light the Library being promised by Doug Jacobsen in his Town Center Plan... was not a City Owned Facility, and the County had no plans for a larger space or the budget for it.
Brought to Light that the Town Center as planned would bring Day Labor Workers and other problems to the City.
YEP... it has been an interesting effort... and many folks contributed to this blog...
Other changes in the city include a Better City Web Page, that provides more information.. This still can be better.
Most important is that the VOTERS of GRAND TERRACE are better informed and now have
a choice if they care to make things different. Thanks Blog Supporters..
School Bond Measure: Why I vote NO...
I am voting No on the School Bond Measure...
I am tired of Bonds, and Debt Financing and have every expectation that the Next Bond will be spent on projects other than the stated purpose.
I do not agree with the location of HS3
I do not agree with the need for CHS to look like a Internment Camp.
I do not agree with the funds spent to Cage the Foot Ball field because of ill behaved individuals.
Cancel the games, toss the ill behaved Parents and set higher social expectation for the communities conduct.
Have you attended a graduation at CHS... It is a mob of disrespectful people... How did that happen... In part it was facilitated by letting the first person get away with acting badly. Building a Cage around the field rather than stopping the bad actions of individuals.
The School Administration not offering a Dignified Alternative Graduation demonstrates support for the decline in public appreciation for education and civil conduct that is not on the edge of a riot regardless of the occasion.
Here are some options of School Management that will eliminate the need for building HS3 and remove the overcrowding of the Campus.
If you view the Campus as a business there is no reason for the Class Rooms to be empty half of the day... Yes teachers need a place to work their 8 hours and be available for student assistance. I believe that there is sufficient room to make an office space for each teacher adjacent to their class rooms...
Have a Morning High School and a After Noon High School and have a double staff.. ( This will require a larger staff parking lot or structure)
Have a better designed students services building including a cafeteria/library/computer lab facility that is also adjacent to the School Administration Offices... as the hub of the school not a tangent to it.
This is IF you want to have a HUGE School like CHS or HS3 of 2000 students or more at one location.
An Alternative would be to have spin off of the Morning and Afternoon hours of School and have Spin Off sites. Say, at the K-Mart near the Apartments along Mt. Vernon and Washington St. Why not use Eminent Domain to take this un-used property and put in facility for 300 students to attend a Charter School type program administered by CJUSD? Or the empty retail space near Big Lots. or the soon to be empty Stater Brothers Market in Grand Terrace...
Imagine a Neighborhood School... gads... no need for a long expensive bus ride... drat..
Some will say.. but my son wants to play football... OK,,, sign him up where football is worshiped CHS will be the Official School and the other Spin Off Sites are adjuncts to that Campus. Worshiping the Football God does not mean that we can't accommodate other students needs in other facilities. If the school facility doesn't have a field for track or gym... let them Dance, or ... be in a Marching Band/Drill Team for PE..
Yes this will cause a shift in when the school maintenance has to be done. This means that the majority of work will be done at night... YES this is a good thing... this will put school staff on campus and this means break ins and so forth will be minimized.
How about students cleaning their own campus? Gads... mess it up clean it up... assignments for general operations and say, litter once pick up trash for 1/2 hour... or work with janitor for 1/2 hour. Write on a wall... you get to scrub, paint or help clean the restrooms for a week.
Yes, even construction can be done at night... provided the local city will allow a waiver for the noise at night... or weekends. This is not a year round schedule it is a 12 hour day for the use of the facility.
Now, why think about this now...
I don't like debt spending. I don't like rewarding a population with additional debt to not spend where it was intended. I don't think alternatives have been investigated, and more of the same will only give us more of the same.
What we have now is not working... Why would I send the bad shopper to the store to buy bad food again and again and then be shocked that there is no food to cook?
Of course we are looking again an Election where one of the people was 5th from the bottem of his class and the other was at the top of his. So Perhaps Schools aren't so important afterall.
This community of the USA / Parents/ Students/ and apprently Voters don't care that the current President nearly failed out of school. Predict that a High School Dropout will be elected in the near future.. Our own City Council has members that have Deploma Mill Degrees and no one cares.
Well, you can guess it. Gramps has sold his house in GT and will be moving in a week. It is important not to be here when the CRASH Comes... no the Crash has come the sound just has not reached us quite yet... wait a few seconds... you'll hear it too.
Some one who wants to keep the blog running.... let me know... I'll let you have the pass words..
I am tired of Bonds, and Debt Financing and have every expectation that the Next Bond will be spent on projects other than the stated purpose.
I do not agree with the location of HS3
I do not agree with the need for CHS to look like a Internment Camp.
I do not agree with the funds spent to Cage the Foot Ball field because of ill behaved individuals.
Cancel the games, toss the ill behaved Parents and set higher social expectation for the communities conduct.
Have you attended a graduation at CHS... It is a mob of disrespectful people... How did that happen... In part it was facilitated by letting the first person get away with acting badly. Building a Cage around the field rather than stopping the bad actions of individuals.
The School Administration not offering a Dignified Alternative Graduation demonstrates support for the decline in public appreciation for education and civil conduct that is not on the edge of a riot regardless of the occasion.
Here are some options of School Management that will eliminate the need for building HS3 and remove the overcrowding of the Campus.
If you view the Campus as a business there is no reason for the Class Rooms to be empty half of the day... Yes teachers need a place to work their 8 hours and be available for student assistance. I believe that there is sufficient room to make an office space for each teacher adjacent to their class rooms...
Have a Morning High School and a After Noon High School and have a double staff.. ( This will require a larger staff parking lot or structure)
Have a better designed students services building including a cafeteria/library/computer lab facility that is also adjacent to the School Administration Offices... as the hub of the school not a tangent to it.
This is IF you want to have a HUGE School like CHS or HS3 of 2000 students or more at one location.
An Alternative would be to have spin off of the Morning and Afternoon hours of School and have Spin Off sites. Say, at the K-Mart near the Apartments along Mt. Vernon and Washington St. Why not use Eminent Domain to take this un-used property and put in facility for 300 students to attend a Charter School type program administered by CJUSD? Or the empty retail space near Big Lots. or the soon to be empty Stater Brothers Market in Grand Terrace...
Imagine a Neighborhood School... gads... no need for a long expensive bus ride... drat..
Some will say.. but my son wants to play football... OK,,, sign him up where football is worshiped CHS will be the Official School and the other Spin Off Sites are adjuncts to that Campus. Worshiping the Football God does not mean that we can't accommodate other students needs in other facilities. If the school facility doesn't have a field for track or gym... let them Dance, or ... be in a Marching Band/Drill Team for PE..
Yes this will cause a shift in when the school maintenance has to be done. This means that the majority of work will be done at night... YES this is a good thing... this will put school staff on campus and this means break ins and so forth will be minimized.
How about students cleaning their own campus? Gads... mess it up clean it up... assignments for general operations and say, litter once pick up trash for 1/2 hour... or work with janitor for 1/2 hour. Write on a wall... you get to scrub, paint or help clean the restrooms for a week.
Yes, even construction can be done at night... provided the local city will allow a waiver for the noise at night... or weekends. This is not a year round schedule it is a 12 hour day for the use of the facility.
Now, why think about this now...
I don't like debt spending. I don't like rewarding a population with additional debt to not spend where it was intended. I don't think alternatives have been investigated, and more of the same will only give us more of the same.
What we have now is not working... Why would I send the bad shopper to the store to buy bad food again and again and then be shocked that there is no food to cook?
Of course we are looking again an Election where one of the people was 5th from the bottem of his class and the other was at the top of his. So Perhaps Schools aren't so important afterall.
This community of the USA / Parents/ Students/ and apprently Voters don't care that the current President nearly failed out of school. Predict that a High School Dropout will be elected in the near future.. Our own City Council has members that have Deploma Mill Degrees and no one cares.
Well, you can guess it. Gramps has sold his house in GT and will be moving in a week. It is important not to be here when the CRASH Comes... no the Crash has come the sound just has not reached us quite yet... wait a few seconds... you'll hear it too.
Some one who wants to keep the blog running.... let me know... I'll let you have the pass words..
Monday, September 01, 2008
More Liquor Sales Store Opens in GT
The Fresh and Easy is a welcome addition to Grand Terrace. However another "Drug Store"... Citizens should write to the ABC Board and Indicate their desire or not regarding additional Liquor Sales Points in Grand Terrace.
The businesses existing in the area to be developed hopefully can find a place in the soon to be vacated Current Stater's Center. The businesses in the "Old Drug Store" for those of us who remember the "Drug Store" and "Five and Dime: that were in the area to be developed know that the parking in these shops has always been less than fun.
It is good to see Development can be done without the Inclusion of Entanglements from the Redevelopment Agency. No one was Threatened by the City or it's Agencies with Eminent Domain or other forms of harassment in order for this development to come about. No the land owner slowly acquired the land and leases and as a PRIVATE PARTY has a PLAN and INVESTORS. I think that is called FREE COMMERCE or FREE ENTERPRISE. OH MY right here in Grand Terrace.
That being said... Another Drug Store? Remember the Super Stater's is supposed to have an internal Drug Store and Jacobson's "Plan" includes a drug store if he can find one to bite. Repeating a problem of saturation of product and services in a local economy does not seem like a wise investment.
It seems gone are the days when the business owner is the land owner... This is a trend that does not bode well for the economy in general.
Shopping center planned
Business booming in Grand Terrace
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 08/31/2008 09:46:38 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - A new shopping center is in the works here.
Plans were submitted last week for what's being called Barton Square, a retail center slated to include a Walgreens, a Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market, a sit-down restaurant, and other shops.
The project is planned on the northwest corner of Barton Road and Mount Vernon Avenue.
A Starbucks Coffee on the site will remain as part of the project. The coffee house will get a remodeled exterior to match the architecture of the rest of the buildings, city officials said.
Construction is expected to start in about six months, with the center slated to open in less than a year, officials said.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she doesn't know the details of the project, but she is glad the area is being improved.
"I think the corner definitely needs to be upgraded," Ferre said. "It's one of the main intersections of our town."
The new project is a short distance from another proposed retail development known as Town Center. That project, expected to open next year at Barton Road and Michigan Avenue, will feature a new Stater Bros. market and other shops and restaurants.
Acting City Manager Steve Berry said that attracting new businesses is key to the city's financial future.
During the first quarter of 2008, Grand Terrace's sales tax revenues were up 17 percent over the same period a year ago, according to the HdL Cos., a Diamond Bar firm that tracks sales tax receipts for cities.
That's a big contrast from neighboring cities that have experienced sluggish or negative sales tax numbers because of the slumping economy, Berry said.
"When you look at what's happening surrounding us, Grand Terrace is pretty safe," Berry said. "When you look at the new businesses coming on line here, it's going to go up even more."
Grand Terrace recently brought in a host of new businesses, including Miguel Jr.'s Mexican restaurant, CVS Pharmacy, Subway, Little Caesar's Pizza and the Tapout clothing company.
The city is working with the owner of the shopping center across from the proposed Barton Square to find a tenant to replace the old Stater Bros. on the site. The old Stater Bros., which is one of the company's smaller models, will close when the new supermarket opens at Barton and Michigan. The new market will offer an expanded deli, a bakery, a bank and a wider selection of products.
"The council has made attracting more retail businesses a high priority, and we are just beginning to see the results," Berry said. "With the Town Center and Barton Square in the permitting stage, we are on track for a bright future."
The businesses existing in the area to be developed hopefully can find a place in the soon to be vacated Current Stater's Center. The businesses in the "Old Drug Store" for those of us who remember the "Drug Store" and "Five and Dime: that were in the area to be developed know that the parking in these shops has always been less than fun.
It is good to see Development can be done without the Inclusion of Entanglements from the Redevelopment Agency. No one was Threatened by the City or it's Agencies with Eminent Domain or other forms of harassment in order for this development to come about. No the land owner slowly acquired the land and leases and as a PRIVATE PARTY has a PLAN and INVESTORS. I think that is called FREE COMMERCE or FREE ENTERPRISE. OH MY right here in Grand Terrace.
That being said... Another Drug Store? Remember the Super Stater's is supposed to have an internal Drug Store and Jacobson's "Plan" includes a drug store if he can find one to bite. Repeating a problem of saturation of product and services in a local economy does not seem like a wise investment.
It seems gone are the days when the business owner is the land owner... This is a trend that does not bode well for the economy in general.
Shopping center planned
Business booming in Grand Terrace
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 08/31/2008 09:46:38 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - A new shopping center is in the works here.
Plans were submitted last week for what's being called Barton Square, a retail center slated to include a Walgreens, a Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market, a sit-down restaurant, and other shops.
The project is planned on the northwest corner of Barton Road and Mount Vernon Avenue.
A Starbucks Coffee on the site will remain as part of the project. The coffee house will get a remodeled exterior to match the architecture of the rest of the buildings, city officials said.
Construction is expected to start in about six months, with the center slated to open in less than a year, officials said.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she doesn't know the details of the project, but she is glad the area is being improved.
"I think the corner definitely needs to be upgraded," Ferre said. "It's one of the main intersections of our town."
The new project is a short distance from another proposed retail development known as Town Center. That project, expected to open next year at Barton Road and Michigan Avenue, will feature a new Stater Bros. market and other shops and restaurants.
Acting City Manager Steve Berry said that attracting new businesses is key to the city's financial future.
During the first quarter of 2008, Grand Terrace's sales tax revenues were up 17 percent over the same period a year ago, according to the HdL Cos., a Diamond Bar firm that tracks sales tax receipts for cities.
That's a big contrast from neighboring cities that have experienced sluggish or negative sales tax numbers because of the slumping economy, Berry said.
"When you look at what's happening surrounding us, Grand Terrace is pretty safe," Berry said. "When you look at the new businesses coming on line here, it's going to go up even more."
Grand Terrace recently brought in a host of new businesses, including Miguel Jr.'s Mexican restaurant, CVS Pharmacy, Subway, Little Caesar's Pizza and the Tapout clothing company.
The city is working with the owner of the shopping center across from the proposed Barton Square to find a tenant to replace the old Stater Bros. on the site. The old Stater Bros., which is one of the company's smaller models, will close when the new supermarket opens at Barton and Michigan. The new market will offer an expanded deli, a bakery, a bank and a wider selection of products.
"The council has made attracting more retail businesses a high priority, and we are just beginning to see the results," Berry said. "With the Town Center and Barton Square in the permitting stage, we are on track for a bright future."
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Thoughts on Next City Council Agenda
The new city web site is doing a better job of providing information.
When it notes on the Agenda that the Support Documents will be provided to the "Majority of the Council" and will be posted on the web site CONCERNS SHOULD BE RAISED.
Who on the Council is not getting the Information? OR Who on the Council is just too busy to read the support documents to the items on the agenda? THIS should be of interest to the community of VOTERS.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA:
Assistant City Manager is to be appointed to be Acting Temporary City Manager. Isn't this what is already in his job description? Or are we seeing the City Council Pre-disposition to moving Steve Berry into Tom Schwab's job? Is City Manager Tom Schwab going to retire due to his medical situation?
Here are a few more thought on the matter of the appointment on the agenda.
Steve Berry has been acting as the head of the Community Services and Public Works... he has not been involved directly with the City Manager's work. If he has enough time to do both jobs perhaps he was an unnecessary hire all along, and his job should be eliminated in future budgeting.
The City Clerk and Tom Schwab's Secretary have a better understanding of the work Tom Schwab has been doing. They have been working at the city longer, and have not only history but first hand involvement in all things at the City Manager's Function Level. So why is it that the city's Park and Party Planner is being appointed above the City Clerk or City Manager's Secretary? Is it because they are only "Women".
Or is it something else?
When it notes on the Agenda that the Support Documents will be provided to the "Majority of the Council" and will be posted on the web site CONCERNS SHOULD BE RAISED.
Who on the Council is not getting the Information? OR Who on the Council is just too busy to read the support documents to the items on the agenda? THIS should be of interest to the community of VOTERS.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA:
Assistant City Manager is to be appointed to be Acting Temporary City Manager. Isn't this what is already in his job description? Or are we seeing the City Council Pre-disposition to moving Steve Berry into Tom Schwab's job? Is City Manager Tom Schwab going to retire due to his medical situation?
Here are a few more thought on the matter of the appointment on the agenda.
Steve Berry has been acting as the head of the Community Services and Public Works... he has not been involved directly with the City Manager's work. If he has enough time to do both jobs perhaps he was an unnecessary hire all along, and his job should be eliminated in future budgeting.
The City Clerk and Tom Schwab's Secretary have a better understanding of the work Tom Schwab has been doing. They have been working at the city longer, and have not only history but first hand involvement in all things at the City Manager's Function Level. So why is it that the city's Park and Party Planner is being appointed above the City Clerk or City Manager's Secretary? Is it because they are only "Women".
Or is it something else?
Friday, August 22, 2008
JUST SAY NO TO ADDED COST TO SENIOR HOUSING
Quick Comments on the "ADDED COSTS" being asked for by Corporation for Better Housing.
FIRST: THEY are the professionals who wrote the original quotation and failed to provide sufficient planning professional expertise and construction estimates. So any additional cost should be their Burden, not the Taxpayer's.
The "Fund" is a DEBT that Taxpayers will have to repay. There is no FREE MONEY HERE even if Steve Berry wants to suggest that to be the case.
IF the City is going to pay for this added cost the funds to pay for it should come from the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Planning Department Head's Income. Perhaps they should have a 10 percent per year reduction in their income until the cost over run is paid for. They contributed to the contractual, design, and management falure which caused the "Delay" and Cost Overruns.
IF the Bid had been Competitive, If the Location had been where it was in the City's General Plan, IF the Contractor and City had done a EIR and IF the City and Contractor had done their design work in conjunction with citizen input being included in the planning and IF the Financial Plan was clear and explained to the public prior to the signing of the DEAL, one may be more willing to say it was a Materials Cost Increase that caused the price over run and delay.
Inflation or the cost of money is a part of any contract bid. IF the Center for Better Housing failed in their estimate the City of Grand Terrace should not have to pay for their failures. The Center for Better Housing is not a Charity. This will just lower the income of their Board of Directors who may have to drive their sports car for one more year if the Citizens of GT don't pay the price mark up.
SAY NO: DON'T Pay Extra
Delays increase cost of senior housing project
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer Article Launched: 08/21/2008 08:11:52 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - The price tag for the city's first senior housing project is rising.
The city may have to spend another $740,000 in redevelopment funds to complete the $21 million project.
The City Council is expected to discuss the issue at its Sept. 9 meeting.
If approved, the added expense would bring the city's share of the cost to about $10 million, said City Manager Pro Tem Steve Berry. The developer partnering with the city is paying the rest.
Berry said the city's contribution is coming from a special fund that can only be used to build low- and moderate-income housing. City services such as police and fire protection won't be affected by the additional cost, he said.
The 120-unit apartment project, known as the Blue Mountain Senior Villas, has been in the works for several years. It is under construction on Grand Terrace Road, just east of Mount Vernon Avenue.
After it was approved by the council in 2005, a group of residents filed a lawsuit, claiming the city did not adequately address potential environmental impacts such as traffic, noise and air pollution.
The group, known as Citizens for Responsible and Open Government, prevailed in court and the city had to complete an environmental-impact report.
The city agreed to reduce the height of the apartment complex and adjacent senior center from three stories to two to appease neighbors concerned about losing their views.
The price of wood, copper, cement, tile, carpeting and other building materials has gone up dramatically since the original cost estimates for the project were produced, Berry said.
"This is an example of what happens when a project gets delayed," Berry said.
The one- and two-bedroom apartment units are expected to open in January. The project also will include a 7,000-square-foot senior center and a 2.5-acre park for passive uses.
More than 200 people are on a waiting list to move in. One-bedroom apartments will range from $600 to $1,000 per month and two-bedroom units will range from $750 to $1,200, utilities included.
JoAnn Johnson, who runs the Grand Terrace Senior Center, called the project "absolutely essential." "When you stop and think, we have been talking about this for about seven years," Johnson said. "I used to jokingly say that if I should live so long, I would move there. But the fact is we've had seniors who intended to move there that died. It's gone so far past the expected date. It's really been a hardship."
stephen.wall@ inlandnewspapers.com (909) 386-3916
FIRST: THEY are the professionals who wrote the original quotation and failed to provide sufficient planning professional expertise and construction estimates. So any additional cost should be their Burden, not the Taxpayer's.
The "Fund" is a DEBT that Taxpayers will have to repay. There is no FREE MONEY HERE even if Steve Berry wants to suggest that to be the case.
IF the City is going to pay for this added cost the funds to pay for it should come from the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Planning Department Head's Income. Perhaps they should have a 10 percent per year reduction in their income until the cost over run is paid for. They contributed to the contractual, design, and management falure which caused the "Delay" and Cost Overruns.
IF the Bid had been Competitive, If the Location had been where it was in the City's General Plan, IF the Contractor and City had done a EIR and IF the City and Contractor had done their design work in conjunction with citizen input being included in the planning and IF the Financial Plan was clear and explained to the public prior to the signing of the DEAL, one may be more willing to say it was a Materials Cost Increase that caused the price over run and delay.
Inflation or the cost of money is a part of any contract bid. IF the Center for Better Housing failed in their estimate the City of Grand Terrace should not have to pay for their failures. The Center for Better Housing is not a Charity. This will just lower the income of their Board of Directors who may have to drive their sports car for one more year if the Citizens of GT don't pay the price mark up.
SAY NO: DON'T Pay Extra
Delays increase cost of senior housing project
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer Article Launched: 08/21/2008 08:11:52 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - The price tag for the city's first senior housing project is rising.
The city may have to spend another $740,000 in redevelopment funds to complete the $21 million project.
The City Council is expected to discuss the issue at its Sept. 9 meeting.
If approved, the added expense would bring the city's share of the cost to about $10 million, said City Manager Pro Tem Steve Berry. The developer partnering with the city is paying the rest.
Berry said the city's contribution is coming from a special fund that can only be used to build low- and moderate-income housing. City services such as police and fire protection won't be affected by the additional cost, he said.
The 120-unit apartment project, known as the Blue Mountain Senior Villas, has been in the works for several years. It is under construction on Grand Terrace Road, just east of Mount Vernon Avenue.
After it was approved by the council in 2005, a group of residents filed a lawsuit, claiming the city did not adequately address potential environmental impacts such as traffic, noise and air pollution.
The group, known as Citizens for Responsible and Open Government, prevailed in court and the city had to complete an environmental-impact report.
The city agreed to reduce the height of the apartment complex and adjacent senior center from three stories to two to appease neighbors concerned about losing their views.
The price of wood, copper, cement, tile, carpeting and other building materials has gone up dramatically since the original cost estimates for the project were produced, Berry said.
"This is an example of what happens when a project gets delayed," Berry said.
The one- and two-bedroom apartment units are expected to open in January. The project also will include a 7,000-square-foot senior center and a 2.5-acre park for passive uses.
More than 200 people are on a waiting list to move in. One-bedroom apartments will range from $600 to $1,000 per month and two-bedroom units will range from $750 to $1,200, utilities included.
JoAnn Johnson, who runs the Grand Terrace Senior Center, called the project "absolutely essential." "When you stop and think, we have been talking about this for about seven years," Johnson said. "I used to jokingly say that if I should live so long, I would move there. But the fact is we've had seniors who intended to move there that died. It's gone so far past the expected date. It's really been a hardship."
stephen.wall@ inlandnewspapers.com (909) 386-3916
Monday, August 11, 2008
5 to Run for 3 Seats
So far Citizens have taken up the challenge to lead the City. Thank You... for running for City Council.
It will be interesting to evaluate statements of the individuals seeking a council seat. Of course we will contrast those statements with the pact actions of individuals and the council, and the expressed community desires.
FIRST and FOREMOST: Thank You For Running...
It will be interesting to evaluate statements of the individuals seeking a council seat. Of course we will contrast those statements with the pact actions of individuals and the council, and the expressed community desires.
FIRST and FOREMOST: Thank You For Running...
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Here We Go Again
Fiber Optics is interesting Technology but to hear the City is Considering Burdening the City Tax Base with between 1 to 10 Million cost to install it well I just have to shake my head and in my best Ronald Reagan voice say, "Well, Here We Go Again".
The reasonable reader would say there is a big difference between 1 Million and 10 Million.. and that an estimate with such a gap is not an estimate it is a wild guess based on ignorance not information.
The reasonable reader would ask, oh how much is this going to cost me? How much for the individual home owner, and tax payer, and eventually the monthly fee required to use the fiber optics connection. Nothing is free.
Once upon a time you could own a house, and not Be FORCED to buy CITY WATER, CITY SEWER SERVICE, CITY TRASH SERVICE and so forth. This is one more thing the City Will FORCE us to pay for one way or another.
As far as the need for Fiber Optics to build any type of business in Grand Terrace is fiction. Eventually the data stream from "Our Fiber Optics System" would be flowing into a non fiber link or server somewhere along the line and the data transfer would slow down. For folks who live with the Grand Terrace 215 Bottle Neck as part of our identity we should know that a fast system is only good if it links to a free flowing fast system.
So Steve Berry may want to check his enthusiasm and put the City Check Book back in his pocket. This "Great Opportunity" doesn't pass the smell test.
Cities explore fiber options
Loma Linda may share system with GT to help it win business
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 08/05/2008 09:32:36 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - The city is exploring the possibility of hooking into Loma Linda's fiber-optic network as a way to boost economic development.
Officials in both cities are in preliminary discussions on a plan to bring a fiber-optic connection to Grand Terrace businesses.
Loma Linda has linked 2,000 new homes in the city to high-speed fiber-optic Internet service through its Connected Community Program. Loma Linda University, the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center and many businesses in town are part of the network. The city is in the process of expanding the four-year-old program to include older homes.
Grand Terrace would like to tap into the same technology.
The City Council has included the development of a fiber-optic program among its top priorities for the current budget year.
"We're looking at bringing the fiber-optic loop into the city of Grand Terrace as an economic development tool," said City Manager Pro Tem Steve Berry.
Berry has met several times with Konrad Bolowich, Loma Linda's information systems director, to discuss how the two cities could work out a fiber-optic partnership.
"We've got well over $1.5 million in electronics and optics that run the network that they don't have to acquire and build," Bolowich said. "Our advantage is we have somebody to share that cost with us. It becomes a very reasonable partnership between two neighbors."
Many details have not been determined, including how the fiber would be installed.
Carrying the fiber through a hair-thin tube is cheaper and less invasive than traditional underground pipes, Bolowich said.
He estimates it would cost somewhere between $1 million and $10 million to bring the network from Loma Linda's westerly city limits on Barton Road to the 215 Freeway interchange in Grand Terrace about four miles away.
One idea Berry wants to pursue involves the participation of Loma Linda University Medical Center, which is expanding into other communities because of space limitations at its main site on Barton Road and Anderson Street.
The hospital leases a fiber strand from the city of Loma Linda, connecting its off-campus facilities to the medical center via a secure network.
Grand Terrace could use fiber optics as a selling point to bring hospital-related businesses that provide higher-paying jobs into town, Berry said.
"We have vacant land available if they would be interested in developing that land with us for medical facilities," Berry said.
Berry said he plans to set up a meeting with hospital officials in the next week or so to discuss the concept.
The reasonable reader would say there is a big difference between 1 Million and 10 Million.. and that an estimate with such a gap is not an estimate it is a wild guess based on ignorance not information.
The reasonable reader would ask, oh how much is this going to cost me? How much for the individual home owner, and tax payer, and eventually the monthly fee required to use the fiber optics connection. Nothing is free.
Once upon a time you could own a house, and not Be FORCED to buy CITY WATER, CITY SEWER SERVICE, CITY TRASH SERVICE and so forth. This is one more thing the City Will FORCE us to pay for one way or another.
As far as the need for Fiber Optics to build any type of business in Grand Terrace is fiction. Eventually the data stream from "Our Fiber Optics System" would be flowing into a non fiber link or server somewhere along the line and the data transfer would slow down. For folks who live with the Grand Terrace 215 Bottle Neck as part of our identity we should know that a fast system is only good if it links to a free flowing fast system.
So Steve Berry may want to check his enthusiasm and put the City Check Book back in his pocket. This "Great Opportunity" doesn't pass the smell test.
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Cities explore fiber options
Loma Linda may share system with GT to help it win business
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 08/05/2008 09:32:36 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - The city is exploring the possibility of hooking into Loma Linda's fiber-optic network as a way to boost economic development.
Officials in both cities are in preliminary discussions on a plan to bring a fiber-optic connection to Grand Terrace businesses.
Loma Linda has linked 2,000 new homes in the city to high-speed fiber-optic Internet service through its Connected Community Program. Loma Linda University, the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center and many businesses in town are part of the network. The city is in the process of expanding the four-year-old program to include older homes.
Grand Terrace would like to tap into the same technology.
The City Council has included the development of a fiber-optic program among its top priorities for the current budget year.
"We're looking at bringing the fiber-optic loop into the city of Grand Terrace as an economic development tool," said City Manager Pro Tem Steve Berry.
Berry has met several times with Konrad Bolowich, Loma Linda's information systems director, to discuss how the two cities could work out a fiber-optic partnership.
"We've got well over $1.5 million in electronics and optics that run the network that they don't have to acquire and build," Bolowich said. "Our advantage is we have somebody to share that cost with us. It becomes a very reasonable partnership between two neighbors."
Many details have not been determined, including how the fiber would be installed.
Carrying the fiber through a hair-thin tube is cheaper and less invasive than traditional underground pipes, Bolowich said.
He estimates it would cost somewhere between $1 million and $10 million to bring the network from Loma Linda's westerly city limits on Barton Road to the 215 Freeway interchange in Grand Terrace about four miles away.
One idea Berry wants to pursue involves the participation of Loma Linda University Medical Center, which is expanding into other communities because of space limitations at its main site on Barton Road and Anderson Street.
The hospital leases a fiber strand from the city of Loma Linda, connecting its off-campus facilities to the medical center via a secure network.
Grand Terrace could use fiber optics as a selling point to bring hospital-related businesses that provide higher-paying jobs into town, Berry said.
"We have vacant land available if they would be interested in developing that land with us for medical facilities," Berry said.
Berry said he plans to set up a meeting with hospital officials in the next week or so to discuss the concept.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
GT YOUTH SHOW DETERMINATION WORKS
Flying to the World Series
GT girls softball squad wins West
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 08/04/2008 09:23:59 PM PDT
This Success Story shows how parents and children and ADULTS can have a positive impact on the lives of children.
Now, if only the support from our community could come via other than FIREWORKS that would just be dandiest of all.
GT girls softball squad wins West
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 08/04/2008 09:23:59 PM PDT
This Success Story shows how parents and children and ADULTS can have a positive impact on the lives of children.
Now, if only the support from our community could come via other than FIREWORKS that would just be dandiest of all.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Sufficient Justification for Speed Reduction.
The Rational Reasons to allow LEV's and NEV's and other Light Vehicles on our Roads can be simply stated, and Justify the changing of City Code and Ordinance and Street Signs to facilitate the use of Greener Vehicles in our City's.
For those Drivers in Traditional Vehicles the Slower Speed Limit:
1: Reduce the need to SPEED UP to the Maximum Speed Limit between 1/3 to 1/4 mile stop lights and Signs.
2: Reduce impact of higher speed accidents,(not only a medical issue but a financial savings).
For those Drivers in LEV's and NEV's
1: You would be able to go from the Soon to be Completed Senior Housing and all areas of Grand Terrace to the Retail Shopping areas in Grand Terrace via a LEV or NEV. Currently you would be in violation of the law because Barton Road and Mt. Vernon have posted speed limits of 40 MPH in the retail and even residential areas of these streets. Making the use of an LEV or NEV IMPOSSIBLE or at least IMPRACTICAL unless you are to be limited to your Quarter of the Town. (This may be needed as the Design is Short on Parking Spaces and LEV's are Smaller)
2: You would enjoy the ease of popping out to the store or restaurant and spending your money in town.
3: You will enjoy not polluting the air, and tearing up the roads the way heavy vehicles do. This is a savings for the LEV Driver and the City.
Your Businesses in Town, will enjoy a Captive Market. Well more captive. Folks will spend a buck on a hair cut in town rather than drive to Riverside for a Higher Styled Cut.
For US ALL
1: LEV's NEV's and E-Bikes Produce ZERO Air Pollution, cost less to purchase and run.
It would be interesting to see what City Council Members will add this LOCAL ENERGY and TRANSPORTATION ISSUE to their desired topics for why Voters should Support them.
For those Drivers in Traditional Vehicles the Slower Speed Limit:
1: Reduce the need to SPEED UP to the Maximum Speed Limit between 1/3 to 1/4 mile stop lights and Signs.
2: Reduce impact of higher speed accidents,(not only a medical issue but a financial savings).
For those Drivers in LEV's and NEV's
1: You would be able to go from the Soon to be Completed Senior Housing and all areas of Grand Terrace to the Retail Shopping areas in Grand Terrace via a LEV or NEV. Currently you would be in violation of the law because Barton Road and Mt. Vernon have posted speed limits of 40 MPH in the retail and even residential areas of these streets. Making the use of an LEV or NEV IMPOSSIBLE or at least IMPRACTICAL unless you are to be limited to your Quarter of the Town. (This may be needed as the Design is Short on Parking Spaces and LEV's are Smaller)
2: You would enjoy the ease of popping out to the store or restaurant and spending your money in town.
3: You will enjoy not polluting the air, and tearing up the roads the way heavy vehicles do. This is a savings for the LEV Driver and the City.
Your Businesses in Town, will enjoy a Captive Market. Well more captive. Folks will spend a buck on a hair cut in town rather than drive to Riverside for a Higher Styled Cut.
For US ALL
1: LEV's NEV's and E-Bikes Produce ZERO Air Pollution, cost less to purchase and run.
It would be interesting to see what City Council Members will add this LOCAL ENERGY and TRANSPORTATION ISSUE to their desired topics for why Voters should Support them.
Colton Police Enforce LEV LAWS?
There was an Editorial in today's paper indicating that the Colton PD were unfriendly to the use of LEV/ (Electric Golf Cart Size Vehicles) and will not let them be used on the Under Utilized Bike Path along Inland Center Drive/Colton Ave. Colton should know that the Bike Path Can be designated for Bikes and LEV's it is simply a action of the City Council to "Make it So". However, it would take City Council Action to make the bike path available for LEV's.
IF you have an LEV or NEV and you have the guts, I suggest taking your ticket court, and make a federal case about it if you can.
Here is the deal. IF the Vehicle is on a road that has a speed limit more than 35 mph it is operating on a road reserved for the Oil Company and Big Auto Company Manufactures. These roads also can be used by persons on a bicycle, horse or even pedestrians if they follow the law as they use the same surface area and space the auto's and trucks use. BUT, NO we would not want the LEV or NEV (Golf Cart Size Vehicle) to be on or in the same space that would just be unacceptable.
The flawed logic that this is a safety issue is simply an attempt to perpetuate the use of fule guzzling over powered heavy vehicles. It is time the City of Grand Terrace and the City of Colton join Rank on this issue and have all roads in the two cities designated to a 35mph speed limit.
OF course the Freeway would be excluded from the speed limit reduction. However, La Cadena, Valley Blvd, Mt. Vernon, Barton Rd, Washington, and all other streets should be 35mph and the POLICE and Sheriff should be informed that the use of LEV/NEV/ and Electric Bikes should be encouraged on our city streets.
People who use LEV's and NEV's Shop and work in the TOWNS they LIVE IN... The City Councils looking to keep Sales tax Revenue should think about how they can keep the shoppers in town... The promotion of the use of LEV's would effectively do this.
The use of LEV's would also increase the use of Metro Link and Bus Lines for longer commutes. If there was a way to drive an LEV to the Metro Link Station in either Riverside or San Bernardino, more riders would ride. Bus Service to the stations is not convenient for many potential Train Riders.
When will our City Councils see that Sustainability takes guts to break away from the ways things have been done in the past. Protecting the Auto Industry, or Big Oil should be suspect. Protecting the concept that ever increasing consumption, and debt is a good thing should be suspect.
When we say, we have enough and produce a bit more to share, we should understand that is not only sufficient but desirable.
IF you have an LEV or NEV and you have the guts, I suggest taking your ticket court, and make a federal case about it if you can.
Here is the deal. IF the Vehicle is on a road that has a speed limit more than 35 mph it is operating on a road reserved for the Oil Company and Big Auto Company Manufactures. These roads also can be used by persons on a bicycle, horse or even pedestrians if they follow the law as they use the same surface area and space the auto's and trucks use. BUT, NO we would not want the LEV or NEV (Golf Cart Size Vehicle) to be on or in the same space that would just be unacceptable.
The flawed logic that this is a safety issue is simply an attempt to perpetuate the use of fule guzzling over powered heavy vehicles. It is time the City of Grand Terrace and the City of Colton join Rank on this issue and have all roads in the two cities designated to a 35mph speed limit.
OF course the Freeway would be excluded from the speed limit reduction. However, La Cadena, Valley Blvd, Mt. Vernon, Barton Rd, Washington, and all other streets should be 35mph and the POLICE and Sheriff should be informed that the use of LEV/NEV/ and Electric Bikes should be encouraged on our city streets.
People who use LEV's and NEV's Shop and work in the TOWNS they LIVE IN... The City Councils looking to keep Sales tax Revenue should think about how they can keep the shoppers in town... The promotion of the use of LEV's would effectively do this.
The use of LEV's would also increase the use of Metro Link and Bus Lines for longer commutes. If there was a way to drive an LEV to the Metro Link Station in either Riverside or San Bernardino, more riders would ride. Bus Service to the stations is not convenient for many potential Train Riders.
When will our City Councils see that Sustainability takes guts to break away from the ways things have been done in the past. Protecting the Auto Industry, or Big Oil should be suspect. Protecting the concept that ever increasing consumption, and debt is a good thing should be suspect.
When we say, we have enough and produce a bit more to share, we should understand that is not only sufficient but desirable.
Friday, August 01, 2008
This should not be NEWS:
City's freeway funds at risk
San Bernardino Sun
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:54
PM PDTGRAND TERRACE - The city risks losing millions of dollars to replace an outdated interchange with the 215 Freeway if the state raids local coffers to balance its budget.
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The above reflects the direct result of conduct for which our own City Council Participates. The conduct of False Pride and Bad Economics.
Our City Council and Our Local Realtors prided themselves in the Ever Increasing Property Values of homes and property in Grand Terrace. Yet, while Property Prices increased PRODUCTION of any PRODUCT became NILL... this is a FALSE Economy.
To fund these increased Housing Prices the Home Owners went into ever increasing debt. That ever increasing debt inflated the property tax revenue that justified the Redevelopment Agency to obtain DEBT.
This Imaginary type of Economy is more like a soap bubble than a balloon it will pop were as a balloon sometimes slowly deflates.
As we enter into this changing economy perhaps we need to redefine successful economics.
In a Successful Economy housing should cost no more than 1/4th the income generated on or within a 5 mile commute. The lowest paid head of household should be able to afford sufficient safe housing. Sufficient Housing should include alternatives such as accommodations the size of hotel rooms. ( The State of California can put how many criminals in a small jail cell and it is not considered, Un Safe, Un Healthy, or Undersized. ) How is it that building a small house or housing accommodations that are small and efficient is NOT LEGAL for anyone other than State or Government Facilities such as the Senior Center?
In a Successful Economy we are able to consume and produce real tangible items. Respecting Permaculture, Agriculture, and Manufacturing in our community is needed. We need to develop a product or justification for human settlement in Grand Terrace other than Retail Sales Tax on Imported Items, and Earnings Earned 40 to 90 miles away, or Debt Financing.
Failure to rethink and remold ourselves will contribute to the problem rather than be a leader to a Sustainable Future and a Healthy Community Model for California.
The California Employees who are finding out what it may be like to work for minimum wage when they have Maximum Living Expenses, and Debt and no other support should be an example for us all that the California Dream should be based on something produced not a DEBT on a DEBT on a Dream.
San Bernardino Sun
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:54
PM PDTGRAND TERRACE - The city risks losing millions of dollars to replace an outdated interchange with the 215 Freeway if the state raids local coffers to balance its budget.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((GEEEEEE)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
The above reflects the direct result of conduct for which our own City Council Participates. The conduct of False Pride and Bad Economics.
Our City Council and Our Local Realtors prided themselves in the Ever Increasing Property Values of homes and property in Grand Terrace. Yet, while Property Prices increased PRODUCTION of any PRODUCT became NILL... this is a FALSE Economy.
To fund these increased Housing Prices the Home Owners went into ever increasing debt. That ever increasing debt inflated the property tax revenue that justified the Redevelopment Agency to obtain DEBT.
This Imaginary type of Economy is more like a soap bubble than a balloon it will pop were as a balloon sometimes slowly deflates.
As we enter into this changing economy perhaps we need to redefine successful economics.
In a Successful Economy housing should cost no more than 1/4th the income generated on or within a 5 mile commute. The lowest paid head of household should be able to afford sufficient safe housing. Sufficient Housing should include alternatives such as accommodations the size of hotel rooms. ( The State of California can put how many criminals in a small jail cell and it is not considered, Un Safe, Un Healthy, or Undersized. ) How is it that building a small house or housing accommodations that are small and efficient is NOT LEGAL for anyone other than State or Government Facilities such as the Senior Center?
In a Successful Economy we are able to consume and produce real tangible items. Respecting Permaculture, Agriculture, and Manufacturing in our community is needed. We need to develop a product or justification for human settlement in Grand Terrace other than Retail Sales Tax on Imported Items, and Earnings Earned 40 to 90 miles away, or Debt Financing.
Failure to rethink and remold ourselves will contribute to the problem rather than be a leader to a Sustainable Future and a Healthy Community Model for California.
The California Employees who are finding out what it may be like to work for minimum wage when they have Maximum Living Expenses, and Debt and no other support should be an example for us all that the California Dream should be based on something produced not a DEBT on a DEBT on a Dream.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
CJUSD School Board OK's Air Quality Test
The CJUSD BOARD reversed the Superintendent's Decision not to allow SCAQMD the access to test the air quality at schools near the Cement Plants and Mining Operations. The reason offered at the Board Meeting and in the Colton News Paper was the "School Administration" was afraid of possible bad "P.R.".
PUBLIC RELATIONS or STUDENT AND STAFF HEALTH... hmmmm I think the next action the School Board should take is to replace the Administrator who would rather risk the health of students and staff than to face possible P.R. Problem.
This blog and others informed the School Board Members and Public and by these public actions brought the CJUSD Board to take action. If the Air is OK, GREAT if it IS BAD we need to address that. However, not KNOWING is not an OPTION.
Thank You All.
PUBLIC RELATIONS or STUDENT AND STAFF HEALTH... hmmmm I think the next action the School Board should take is to replace the Administrator who would rather risk the health of students and staff than to face possible P.R. Problem.
This blog and others informed the School Board Members and Public and by these public actions brought the CJUSD Board to take action. If the Air is OK, GREAT if it IS BAD we need to address that. However, not KNOWING is not an OPTION.
Thank You All.
Barton Rd. Development EIR Concerns
LETER SENT TO CITY of GRAND TERRACE
EIR CONCERNS for Barton Road Project
July 28, 2008
Gary Koontz
City of Grand Terrace
Letter of Concern for proposed EIR Report on Barton Road Project
1. La Pax is a one lane thorough way joining our neighborhood streets. It has always been a site for hoodlums to hang out and drink, do drugs and have sex. There is a lot of paraphernalia left behind. The properties on each corner of Pascal have block walls. If another block wall is built opposing them, this would give the hoods an added sense of security and increase our problem.
2. Our children play in the streets of our neighborhood streets, because our area does not have a play area and there is little through traffic. By increasing the traffic on La Pax, you will be endangering our children.
3. By setting loading and unloading zones behind the stores, next to our neighborhood, you will be increasing diesel fuel fumes, which are known to carry large particles that cause cancer. You will also be increasing noise and taking away our right as land owners to “quiet enjoyment” of our property
The Clean Air Act and Amendments of 1990 define a "nonattainment area" as a locality where air pollution levels persistently exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or that contributes to ambient air quality in a nearby area that fails to meet standards.
4. If you make these stores more than one story, then you have over-built and burdened our neighborhood and taken away our privacy.
5. The two corner homes on Pascal and La Pax have front doors facing the fields. If you build a block wall there, it will give thieves and incentive to hit those homes. One has been broke into already.
6. Children walk and ride their bikes to Grand Terrace Elementary, five days a week. Barton Road is presently unsafe. By building a shopping center across the street, you will increase traffic, and transient activity. This will make it hazardous for our children.
7. With Highgrove building thousands of homes and Grand Terrace increasing Michigan to accommodate them, I cannot see how Barton Road can handle that amount of traffic and still maintain our neighborhood quality.
Friday, July 25, 2008
An Informed Public: The Goal of the Blog
Issues regarding the AES Plan to start up the Power Plant were brought to light by Roxanne Williams and this Blog. The Blog informed many of the members of the School Board, and City Council regarding the conflicting uses of the property adjacent to the Proposed High School #3.
The School Board took the bold step and communicated its Concerns About the Proposed Power Plant to the Energy Commission. Where as the City Council of Grand Terrace chose to remain silent as a body, regarding the proposed plan and the potential risk to the students and Citizens of Grand Terrace.
Only Hermin Hilkey Former Council Member expressed a high degree of concern when AES and the Redevelopment Agency wanted to swap land, to make the AES plan easier to implement.
Demonstrating the Schizophrenic Nature of the City's Attitude regarding AES, just note the current statements by Steve Berry, now we have an "Ugly" Power Plant. Not that the NEW Power Plant would somehow be UN-UGLY. Remember he is also known for promoting the Old Power Plant as a Movie Set.
If you have Lemons make Lemon Aid... but it is easier to sell if you don't badmouth lemons.
Perhaps new Council Members will be more Citizen Focused, rather than focused on who donates to Grand Terrace Days, or their Political Campaign Funds.
Power-plant plan plug pulled
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 07/22/2008 10:14:19 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - Plans for a 300-megawatt power plant that caused concern among some residents are off the table.
The Long Beach company hoping to build the approximately $200million plant said it has withdrawn its applications with state and local licensing authorities to proceed with the project.
AES Highgrove LLC tried to sell the site on which the plant was slated to be built to another company, but the deal fell apart a week or two ago, AES officials said.
"We were up against deadlines from both the California Energy Commission and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to move the project forward," AES Highgrove project director Don Vawter said in an e-mail to the city. "When the sale of the development fell apart, we had no choice but to have our applications at both the (energy commission) and (AQMD) pulled."
Vawter said "some interesting alternative energy ideas" are being considered for the site, but it will take the company a few months to decide what to do.
AES Corp. spokeswoman Meghan Dotter declined to provide additional information on the project.
The plant was slated as a peaking facility to meet electric generation load during high demand periods. It would have consisted of three 100 megawatt gas-fired turbine generators and related equipment to operate the facility.
The plant was proposed on a 10-acre parcel at 12700 Taylor St., across the street from a proposed high school.
Neighbors and Colton Joint Unified School District officials expressed concern about the proximity of the high school - scheduled to open in September 2011 - to a power plant.
"It's been a long, hard fight," said Roxanne Williams, a 12-year resident who lives near the plant site. "It's better for the city and the residents and the proposed new high school. What this will do is open up that whole area.
"Instead of having it exposed to heavy industry, now we can bring in commercial and retail and clean up that area."
A deactivated power plant formerly owned by Southern California Edison now sits on the site.
AES Highgrove planned to demolish the plant and build the new facility on property once used by Edison for fuel oil storage.
Assistant City Manager Steve Berry said the city would like to see the old power plant on the site dismantled.
"On the positive side, it's one less obstacle we have to deal with in order to get the new high school built," Berry said. "On the down side, we're stuck with a hulking, aging power plant that's an eyesore on our landscape."
The School Board took the bold step and communicated its Concerns About the Proposed Power Plant to the Energy Commission. Where as the City Council of Grand Terrace chose to remain silent as a body, regarding the proposed plan and the potential risk to the students and Citizens of Grand Terrace.
Only Hermin Hilkey Former Council Member expressed a high degree of concern when AES and the Redevelopment Agency wanted to swap land, to make the AES plan easier to implement.
Demonstrating the Schizophrenic Nature of the City's Attitude regarding AES, just note the current statements by Steve Berry, now we have an "Ugly" Power Plant. Not that the NEW Power Plant would somehow be UN-UGLY. Remember he is also known for promoting the Old Power Plant as a Movie Set.
If you have Lemons make Lemon Aid... but it is easier to sell if you don't badmouth lemons.
Perhaps new Council Members will be more Citizen Focused, rather than focused on who donates to Grand Terrace Days, or their Political Campaign Funds.
Power-plant plan plug pulled
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 07/22/2008 10:14:19 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - Plans for a 300-megawatt power plant that caused concern among some residents are off the table.
The Long Beach company hoping to build the approximately $200million plant said it has withdrawn its applications with state and local licensing authorities to proceed with the project.
AES Highgrove LLC tried to sell the site on which the plant was slated to be built to another company, but the deal fell apart a week or two ago, AES officials said.
"We were up against deadlines from both the California Energy Commission and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to move the project forward," AES Highgrove project director Don Vawter said in an e-mail to the city. "When the sale of the development fell apart, we had no choice but to have our applications at both the (energy commission) and (AQMD) pulled."
Vawter said "some interesting alternative energy ideas" are being considered for the site, but it will take the company a few months to decide what to do.
AES Corp. spokeswoman Meghan Dotter declined to provide additional information on the project.
The plant was slated as a peaking facility to meet electric generation load during high demand periods. It would have consisted of three 100 megawatt gas-fired turbine generators and related equipment to operate the facility.
The plant was proposed on a 10-acre parcel at 12700 Taylor St., across the street from a proposed high school.
Neighbors and Colton Joint Unified School District officials expressed concern about the proximity of the high school - scheduled to open in September 2011 - to a power plant.
"It's been a long, hard fight," said Roxanne Williams, a 12-year resident who lives near the plant site. "It's better for the city and the residents and the proposed new high school. What this will do is open up that whole area.
"Instead of having it exposed to heavy industry, now we can bring in commercial and retail and clean up that area."
A deactivated power plant formerly owned by Southern California Edison now sits on the site.
AES Highgrove planned to demolish the plant and build the new facility on property once used by Edison for fuel oil storage.
Assistant City Manager Steve Berry said the city would like to see the old power plant on the site dismantled.
"On the positive side, it's one less obstacle we have to deal with in order to get the new high school built," Berry said. "On the down side, we're stuck with a hulking, aging power plant that's an eyesore on our landscape."
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Six Running for Three Seats
http://www.sbsun.com/ci_9936536?source=rss
Six showing interest in council race
3 seats up for election in GT
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 07/19/2008 08:53:55 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - Five months from now, the City Council could have a trio of new faces.
Three council seats are up for grabs in the Nov. 4 election.
The nomination period for the general election began Monday and ends Aug. 8, unless an elected incumbent doesn't file candidacy papers. In that case, the deadline is extended to Aug. 13.
Six potential candidates have taken out papers, including Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia and Councilman Jim Miller.
Planning Commission Chairman Doug Wilson, restaurant owner Walt Stanckiewitz, firefighter Robert Mendez and businessman Dontay Nunn also have pulled papers.
As of Thursday, Councilman Dan Buchanan had not taken out papers for the race.
No one has qualified for the ballot so far, according to the City Clerk's Office.
Garcia, who has served on the council since 1996, said she wants to continue moving the city of about 13,000 residents in the right direction.
"We're a wonderful little town," said Garcia, a 45-year-old single mother who owns a consulting, marketing and public relations business. "We have a great quality. We have many exciting things on the horizon. We want to continue building on what we've accomplished in our first 30 years as a city."
Construction of a new high school in town is one of Garcia's priorities.
The project has been beset by funding challenges and difficulties in relocating tenants off the proposed 67-acre site on Main Street, between Taylor Street and Michigan Avenue.
The Colton Joint Unified School District, which is building the high school, hopes to open the campus by September 2011.
"It's our job as a city to figure out a way to keep pushing the school board to get this high school built," said the 58-year-old Stanckiewitz, who owns La Pasta Italia, an Italian deli, restaurant and pasta factory in town.
Miller, a 60-year-old real property manager for San Bernardino County, also said the high school is important.
Another key issue for several candidates is the development of a new shopping center on the south side of Barton Road between Michigan and Mountain View avenues.
The project was originally slated to include a Lowe's but was scaled back because of neighborhood opposition to the home improvement warehouse.
The only confirmed tenant at the center is a new Stater Bros. market.
"I've very supportive of the Town Center, but it's got to be planned correctly and it has to be congruent with the neighborhood," said Wilson, a 54-year-old construction consultant who has served on the Planning Commission for 16 years.
Wilson said he also wants to ensure that traffic circulation issues are addressed before a proposed 120-acre commercial and residential project off the 215 Freeway is built.
He also would like to see a larger library in the city.
Wilson was an unsuccessful applicant to fill a council vacancy created in 2006 when Mayor Maryetta Ferre relinquished her council seat when she became the city's first directly elected mayor.
Buchanan, an attorney for a title insurance company, was chosen by the council to fill the vacant position in January 2007. He previously served on the council from 1994 to 2002. He could not be reached for comment.
Miller, who was elected to the council in 2004, wants more youth programs in the city.
"My main thing is to make sure that the city maintains balanced budgets and that we grow at a pace that is not too fast, so that our infrastructure can keep up," Miller said.
Garcia said she supports quality development that "gives us a secure financial stream and quality land use that doesn't impact our good neighborhoods."
Her other priorities include protecting open space and creating a wilderness park on Blue Mountain.
Stanckiewitz and his wife, Monique, bought a home in Grand Terrace after the couple lost their Running Springs home in the Slide Fire in October. They have owned La Pasta Italia on Barton Road almost 20 years.
He said he can bring a new perspective to the council as a small businessman.
"I want to get the Town Center done," he said. "All we've got is Miguel's (Mexican Restaurant) and a lot of dirt."
Mendez and Nunn could not be reached for comment
Six showing interest in council race
3 seats up for election in GT
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 07/19/2008 08:53:55 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - Five months from now, the City Council could have a trio of new faces.
Three council seats are up for grabs in the Nov. 4 election.
The nomination period for the general election began Monday and ends Aug. 8, unless an elected incumbent doesn't file candidacy papers. In that case, the deadline is extended to Aug. 13.
Six potential candidates have taken out papers, including Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia and Councilman Jim Miller.
Planning Commission Chairman Doug Wilson, restaurant owner Walt Stanckiewitz, firefighter Robert Mendez and businessman Dontay Nunn also have pulled papers.
As of Thursday, Councilman Dan Buchanan had not taken out papers for the race.
No one has qualified for the ballot so far, according to the City Clerk's Office.
Garcia, who has served on the council since 1996, said she wants to continue moving the city of about 13,000 residents in the right direction.
"We're a wonderful little town," said Garcia, a 45-year-old single mother who owns a consulting, marketing and public relations business. "We have a great quality. We have many exciting things on the horizon. We want to continue building on what we've accomplished in our first 30 years as a city."
Construction of a new high school in town is one of Garcia's priorities.
The project has been beset by funding challenges and difficulties in relocating tenants off the proposed 67-acre site on Main Street, between Taylor Street and Michigan Avenue.
The Colton Joint Unified School District, which is building the high school, hopes to open the campus by September 2011.
"It's our job as a city to figure out a way to keep pushing the school board to get this high school built," said the 58-year-old Stanckiewitz, who owns La Pasta Italia, an Italian deli, restaurant and pasta factory in town.
Miller, a 60-year-old real property manager for San Bernardino County, also said the high school is important.
Another key issue for several candidates is the development of a new shopping center on the south side of Barton Road between Michigan and Mountain View avenues.
The project was originally slated to include a Lowe's but was scaled back because of neighborhood opposition to the home improvement warehouse.
The only confirmed tenant at the center is a new Stater Bros. market.
"I've very supportive of the Town Center, but it's got to be planned correctly and it has to be congruent with the neighborhood," said Wilson, a 54-year-old construction consultant who has served on the Planning Commission for 16 years.
Wilson said he also wants to ensure that traffic circulation issues are addressed before a proposed 120-acre commercial and residential project off the 215 Freeway is built.
He also would like to see a larger library in the city.
Wilson was an unsuccessful applicant to fill a council vacancy created in 2006 when Mayor Maryetta Ferre relinquished her council seat when she became the city's first directly elected mayor.
Buchanan, an attorney for a title insurance company, was chosen by the council to fill the vacant position in January 2007. He previously served on the council from 1994 to 2002. He could not be reached for comment.
Miller, who was elected to the council in 2004, wants more youth programs in the city.
"My main thing is to make sure that the city maintains balanced budgets and that we grow at a pace that is not too fast, so that our infrastructure can keep up," Miller said.
Garcia said she supports quality development that "gives us a secure financial stream and quality land use that doesn't impact our good neighborhoods."
Her other priorities include protecting open space and creating a wilderness park on Blue Mountain.
Stanckiewitz and his wife, Monique, bought a home in Grand Terrace after the couple lost their Running Springs home in the Slide Fire in October. They have owned La Pasta Italia on Barton Road almost 20 years.
He said he can bring a new perspective to the council as a small businessman.
"I want to get the Town Center done," he said. "All we've got is Miguel's (Mexican Restaurant) and a lot of dirt."
Mendez and Nunn could not be reached for comment
Friday, July 18, 2008
Death/Possible Murder Near HS#3 Site
Friends:
Yes this event was late at night, however, Rails and Students and High School Traffic DO NOT MIX WELL. I Repeat my alarm on this issue. A Freigh Derailment of a Toxic Nature, or a Bus on the tracks, or a car load of students or staff trying to get to class or practice on time. Remember Trains ALWAYS WIN...
My thoughts go to the train conductor who has to deal with the results of someone taking on a train.
Train hits body on the rails near Grand Terrace; unclear if man was already dead
02:50 PM PDT on Friday, July 18, 2008
By JOHN ASBURY
The Press-Enterprise
Video: Man hit by train near Grand Terrace
San Bernardino County sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating a man's body that was hit by a train early this morning in Grand Terrace.
Police do not know if the man was alive or dead when he was hit by the train shortly after midnight at Main Street and Transit Avenue. Authorities are investigating whether the death was accidental or if it could be a homicide, sheriff's spokeswoman Arden Wiltshire said.
While nothing yet points to a homicide, deputies and railroad officials shut down the tracks and treated the area as a crime scene.
The conductor of a BNSF freight train told Riverside County authorities the train hit the man near the Riverside County line, Wiltshire said.
"The train conductor thought he saw a man on the tracks but he couldn't stop in time," Wiltshire said. 'We're not sure why he was on the tracks. Our homicide detectives are out there because you can never go back and reconstruct a crime scene. We don't know if this was a transient or a homicide."
The investigation completely shut down railway traffic, including the Metrolink commuter line that runs from San Bernardino, through Orange County, to Oceanside.
The closure "completely disrupted" the 803 and 805 trains that run from San Bernardino to Orange County and caused extreme delays to the 807 train.
One track on the Inland Empire-Orange County rail line was reopened shortly before 8 a.m. after railroad officials removed a long piece of the snaking freight train blocking tracks, Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell said. All lines are expected to be open by this afternoon's commute, Tyrell added.
Once rail traffic was reopened, trains were instructed to reduce speeds and take precautions while traveling through the scene.
"This was a long slog for those customers," Tyrrell said. "I know we're all in a hurry this morning but this was a homicide investigation and if this was one of our loved ones we wouldn't want (investigators) rushing through it."
A sheriff's K-9 unit and scientific investigators combed the scene where the freight train was stopped this morning. The man has not been identified.
This marks the fourth person hit by a train in the Riverside area in the past two months and the second person killed this week.
On Monday, a bicyclist was hit by a Metrolink train in Riverside at the Merrill Avenue crossing near Riverside Plaza.
On June 30, 16-year-old Alyssa McCroskey was killed by a train in Riverside. Authorities later ruled that death a suicide.
Traci Lynn McKnight was killed June 2when she crashed her car into a passing train at Spruce Avenue near UC Riverside. That death is still under investigation.
Reach John Asbury at 951-763-3451 or jasbury@PE.com
Yes this event was late at night, however, Rails and Students and High School Traffic DO NOT MIX WELL. I Repeat my alarm on this issue. A Freigh Derailment of a Toxic Nature, or a Bus on the tracks, or a car load of students or staff trying to get to class or practice on time. Remember Trains ALWAYS WIN...
My thoughts go to the train conductor who has to deal with the results of someone taking on a train.
Train hits body on the rails near Grand Terrace; unclear if man was already dead
02:50 PM PDT on Friday, July 18, 2008
By JOHN ASBURY
The Press-Enterprise
Video: Man hit by train near Grand Terrace
San Bernardino County sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating a man's body that was hit by a train early this morning in Grand Terrace.
Police do not know if the man was alive or dead when he was hit by the train shortly after midnight at Main Street and Transit Avenue. Authorities are investigating whether the death was accidental or if it could be a homicide, sheriff's spokeswoman Arden Wiltshire said.
While nothing yet points to a homicide, deputies and railroad officials shut down the tracks and treated the area as a crime scene.
The conductor of a BNSF freight train told Riverside County authorities the train hit the man near the Riverside County line, Wiltshire said.
"The train conductor thought he saw a man on the tracks but he couldn't stop in time," Wiltshire said. 'We're not sure why he was on the tracks. Our homicide detectives are out there because you can never go back and reconstruct a crime scene. We don't know if this was a transient or a homicide."
The investigation completely shut down railway traffic, including the Metrolink commuter line that runs from San Bernardino, through Orange County, to Oceanside.
The closure "completely disrupted" the 803 and 805 trains that run from San Bernardino to Orange County and caused extreme delays to the 807 train.
One track on the Inland Empire-Orange County rail line was reopened shortly before 8 a.m. after railroad officials removed a long piece of the snaking freight train blocking tracks, Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell said. All lines are expected to be open by this afternoon's commute, Tyrell added.
Once rail traffic was reopened, trains were instructed to reduce speeds and take precautions while traveling through the scene.
"This was a long slog for those customers," Tyrrell said. "I know we're all in a hurry this morning but this was a homicide investigation and if this was one of our loved ones we wouldn't want (investigators) rushing through it."
A sheriff's K-9 unit and scientific investigators combed the scene where the freight train was stopped this morning. The man has not been identified.
This marks the fourth person hit by a train in the Riverside area in the past two months and the second person killed this week.
On Monday, a bicyclist was hit by a Metrolink train in Riverside at the Merrill Avenue crossing near Riverside Plaza.
On June 30, 16-year-old Alyssa McCroskey was killed by a train in Riverside. Authorities later ruled that death a suicide.
Traci Lynn McKnight was killed June 2when she crashed her car into a passing train at Spruce Avenue near UC Riverside. That death is still under investigation.
Reach John Asbury at 951-763-3451 or jasbury@PE.com
Thursday, July 17, 2008
GT Obstructive RED TAPE Removed for 2
City Admits to having Obstructive Red Tape:
Today there was a small report of the City of Grand Terrace facilitating the move of 2 businesses from property where High School #3 is to be located to new locations within the City of Grand Terrace.
The Action includes the locating one of the businesses on City Owned or one may think Redevelopment Agency Owned Property.
A couple of items come to mind here. One the use of Eminent Domain to build a School is an Appropriate use of that Governmental Power and this blog does not object to its use in this example.
HOWEVER: WHEN Eminent Domain is used the Agency using such power should be held accountable to make the displaced Individual or Business is made WHOLE or Better than WHOLE. IN THIS Displacecement the burden should be upon the CJUSD to make the arrangements.
The City of Grand Terrace should not be playing favourites in making a relocation easier for these businesses. IF there is a way to make it easier for these businesses than ALL similar transactions should be made EASY. The wording suggests as many suspect the City is involved in being Obstructionist to some, Rude to Others, and just plain Excessively Accommodating or in Bed With Others.
The Political or Economic Whimsy of the application of City Code, and Process and Procedure is a form of interjecting the Government into the area of Trade and Ultimately could be a Restraint of Trade or Unfair Competition Situation which is against the basic principals of our National and State Government Laws and Regulations.
No Bid Contracts for some, and for others excessive code inspections and applications to lease pre-existing business locations and operations for others.
With the posture the city has taken in regard to directing Cal Trans as to where the freeway and off ramps will be will the City Accommodate the Relocation of Cal Skate, and the other impacted businesses and the Elementary School they so clearly indicate a desire to have removed and rezoned to Commercial.
Today there was a small report of the City of Grand Terrace facilitating the move of 2 businesses from property where High School #3 is to be located to new locations within the City of Grand Terrace.
The Action includes the locating one of the businesses on City Owned or one may think Redevelopment Agency Owned Property.
A couple of items come to mind here. One the use of Eminent Domain to build a School is an Appropriate use of that Governmental Power and this blog does not object to its use in this example.
HOWEVER: WHEN Eminent Domain is used the Agency using such power should be held accountable to make the displaced Individual or Business is made WHOLE or Better than WHOLE. IN THIS Displacecement the burden should be upon the CJUSD to make the arrangements.
The City of Grand Terrace should not be playing favourites in making a relocation easier for these businesses. IF there is a way to make it easier for these businesses than ALL similar transactions should be made EASY. The wording suggests as many suspect the City is involved in being Obstructionist to some, Rude to Others, and just plain Excessively Accommodating or in Bed With Others.
The Political or Economic Whimsy of the application of City Code, and Process and Procedure is a form of interjecting the Government into the area of Trade and Ultimately could be a Restraint of Trade or Unfair Competition Situation which is against the basic principals of our National and State Government Laws and Regulations.
No Bid Contracts for some, and for others excessive code inspections and applications to lease pre-existing business locations and operations for others.
With the posture the city has taken in regard to directing Cal Trans as to where the freeway and off ramps will be will the City Accommodate the Relocation of Cal Skate, and the other impacted businesses and the Elementary School they so clearly indicate a desire to have removed and rezoned to Commercial.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
First Reviews on the New Prelim EIR on Jacobsen Center
The Traffic Problems are understated and do not address the pedestrian and school traffic due to the proximity of Grand Terrace Elementary School.
The Added Pollution and noise is identified as an issue to be addressed.
The Study starts off without respect to history.
First of all this area was primarily agricultural lands and small ranches. So to say there is no impact on the Agricultural Land Use is a disregard for history and possible restoration of some level of sustainable Agricultural Practices in Grand Terrace. This may be the last open land available for Agriculture. This fact should not be discounted.
Second, there is a statement that indicates no significant impact on low income housing. Well the home owners who were forced off their property by the threat of Eminent Domain, and the loss of the Mobile Home Park and the residents may consider this a significant issue. There has been no replacement of these home units by Jacobsen. Homes available to all age groups not just Seniors.
Third: The assessment that the development will not have a significant impact on criminal activity and or demands on public safety. This is wrong. A field of crops and a few homes that existed prior to the development process compared to a Drive up ATM and Potential Bars and Restaurants and Stores with Parked cars and high foot traffic are an attractive venue for all sorts of crimes that did not exist prior to the planned development. The study does not Limit or suggest Limits on what type of businesses should be included respecting that there are homes and a school adjacent or near the property. This was discounted by saying there will be a block wall along the back side of the development. A 6 foot block wall may stop cars, but it does not stop noise, and other problems associated with the potential development.
Phase 5 is Jo Stringfield's Property. This is property that the City of Grand Terrace, the City Council at least has said they will not force into development, yet the Planning Department includes it in THEIR STUDY. What do you trust? Actions or Words? To say the current use is out of "Compliance" is unjustified. The Current Owner never asked for a Zone Change or a General Plan Change to force a different use of their property. No the Zone is out of Compliance with the Owner's Right to determine the best use of Private Personal Property.
IF area 5 is to be developed it should be done by the owner of the property not the owner of adjacent property. Or is this the Fascist City of Grand Terrace?
Why was this Preliminary Study done, without significant Public Input? Who Paid for this Study?
The Added Pollution and noise is identified as an issue to be addressed.
The Study starts off without respect to history.
First of all this area was primarily agricultural lands and small ranches. So to say there is no impact on the Agricultural Land Use is a disregard for history and possible restoration of some level of sustainable Agricultural Practices in Grand Terrace. This may be the last open land available for Agriculture. This fact should not be discounted.
Second, there is a statement that indicates no significant impact on low income housing. Well the home owners who were forced off their property by the threat of Eminent Domain, and the loss of the Mobile Home Park and the residents may consider this a significant issue. There has been no replacement of these home units by Jacobsen. Homes available to all age groups not just Seniors.
Third: The assessment that the development will not have a significant impact on criminal activity and or demands on public safety. This is wrong. A field of crops and a few homes that existed prior to the development process compared to a Drive up ATM and Potential Bars and Restaurants and Stores with Parked cars and high foot traffic are an attractive venue for all sorts of crimes that did not exist prior to the planned development. The study does not Limit or suggest Limits on what type of businesses should be included respecting that there are homes and a school adjacent or near the property. This was discounted by saying there will be a block wall along the back side of the development. A 6 foot block wall may stop cars, but it does not stop noise, and other problems associated with the potential development.
Phase 5 is Jo Stringfield's Property. This is property that the City of Grand Terrace, the City Council at least has said they will not force into development, yet the Planning Department includes it in THEIR STUDY. What do you trust? Actions or Words? To say the current use is out of "Compliance" is unjustified. The Current Owner never asked for a Zone Change or a General Plan Change to force a different use of their property. No the Zone is out of Compliance with the Owner's Right to determine the best use of Private Personal Property.
IF area 5 is to be developed it should be done by the owner of the property not the owner of adjacent property. Or is this the Fascist City of Grand Terrace?
Why was this Preliminary Study done, without significant Public Input? Who Paid for this Study?
City IS LEAD AGENCY on Study 4 Jacobsen/Private Development
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
NOTICE OF PREPARATION
To:
Distribution List
Date:
July 02, 2008
Subject: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report
Lead Agency:
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Community Development Department
22795 Barton Road
Grand Terrace, California 92313
(909) 430-2247
Contact: Gary Koontz, Community Development Director
Consulting Firm Preparing the Draft EIR:
LSA ASSOCIATES, INC.
1500 Iowa Avenue, Suite 200
Riverside, California 92501
(951) 781-9310
Contact: Chris Del Ross-Risher, AICP, Senior Planner
The CITY OF GRAND TERRACE, acting as the Lead Agency, is preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project identified below. We need to know your views or the views of your agency as to the scope and content of the information that should be included in the EIR. If you represent an agency, we are particularly interested in information germane to your statutory responsibilities. If you are a public agency, you may need to use the EIR prepared by our agency when considering your permit or other approval for the project.
This Notice of Preparation contains a brief project description and identifies the environmental issues to be examined in the EIR.
Due to the time limits mandated by State law, your response must be sent at the earliest possible date, but not later than 30 days after receipt of this notice.
Please send your response to Mr. Gary L. Koontz, at the address shown above. Please include the name, phone number, and address of a contact person in your response.
Project Title: Grand Terrace Town Square Master Development Plan
Project Applicant: Jacobsen Family Holdings
Mark Hawley
21800 Burbank Boulevard, Suite 330
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Project Location: The project site is located along the south side of Barton Road east of Interstate 215, between Michigan Street and the Gage Canal. Surrounding land uses include single-family residential uses to the south, commercial to the west, a Senior Facility, Multifamily Residential, and Professional Offices to the east, with Mixed Commercial and Single Family Residential to the north.
Project Description: The project proposes development of approximately 202,635 square feet of commercial uses in accordance with the Barton Road Specific Plan in five Development Units on approximately 21.11 acres. Proposed development includes:
Development Unit 1 (up to 88,750 square feet of retail space on 8.15 acres),
Development Unit 2 (up to 47,250 square feet of retail space on 4.34 acres),
Development Unit 3 (up to 22,825 square feet of retail uses on 4.60 acres
Development Unit 4 (up to 22,760 square feet of retail space on 2.09 acres) and;
Development Unit 5 (up to 21,050 square feet of commercial uses on 1.93 acres).
These five Development Units are proposed to be constructed in five phases: Phase 1 (consisting of Development Unit 1), Phase 2 (consisting of Development Unit 2, Phase 3 (consisting of Development Unit 3), Phase 4 (consisting of Development Unit 4) is proposed to be completed at a future date following completion of Phases 1 and 2, and Phase 5 (consisting of Development Unit 5) is proposed to be completed at a future date following completion of Phases 1 and 2.
A General Plan Amendment is required for the realignment/extension of Commerce Way as part of the proposed project. The realignment/extension of Commerce Way is proposed to provide a secondary access to Development Units 1 and 2. The General Plan Amendment is necessary to include the realignment/extension of Commerce Way in the Circulation Element of the General Plan.
The proposed project would include a Sign Program that is compatible with the architectural theme and site layout and compliant with Chapter 18.80 of the Grand Terrace Municipal Code. Signs within the General Commercial (GC) district shall be permitted in accordance with the provision of the BRSP. The Sign Program for the proposed project identifies sign design guidelines for all signs (free standing signs, menu board signs, awning signs, and wall signs) associated with the project, prohibited signs, and construction requirements for all signs. The Community Development Director may approve a sign that does not strictly adhere to the sign provisions of Chapter 18.80 of the Grand Terrace Municipal Code provided that the sign is compatible with the surrounding development and is in harmony with the general aesthetics and welfare of the local area. Furthermore, the Planning Commission has the authority to allow deviations from the sign ordinance to approve creative and innovative sign programs or sign solutions under exceptional or unusual circumstances.
Probable Environmental Effects
The proposed project may produce environmental effects associated with air quality, cultural resources, noise, and transportation. The EIR will include an analysis of these topics. The EIR will address the short-term and long-term effects of the project on the environment, the proposed project’s potential to cause direct and indirect growth inducing impacts, and cumulative impacts associated with the proposed project. Alternatives to the proposed project will be evaluated that may reduce impacts determined to be significant in the EIR. Mitigation will be proposed for those impacts that are determined to be significant, to reduce those impacts to levels less than significant. Impacts that are determined to be significant after mitigation will be identified. A mitigation monitoring program will also be developed, as required by Section 15097 of the CEQA Guidelines.
The scope of the environmental analysis for the proposed project is subject to comments from agencies and the public. This Notice of Preparation will remain in effect for a 30-day public review period, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15082. Public agencies, interested organizations, and individuals have the opportunity to comment on and identify those environmental issues which have the potential to be affected by the project and should be addressed further by the City of Grand Terrace in the EIR.
Public Review Period of the Notice of Preparation
July 03, 2008 – August 04, 2008.
A copy of the Notice of Preparation, Initial Study and related files are available for public review at the City of Grand Terrace Community Development Department located at 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, CA 92313 during regular business hours. The Notice of Preparation and Initial Study are available for public review on the City’s website: http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/.
Public Scoping Meeting
In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 21083.9, a public scoping meeting regarding the project is required. The City of Grand Terrace has scheduled a public scoping meeting at the date, time, and place shown below. The purpose of the scoping meeting is to obtain input regarding the environmental impacts that will be included in the environmental impact report for the subject project. You are invited to attend.
Date:
Time:
Location:
July 15, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Grand Terrace City Hall
Council Chambers
22795 Barton Road
Grand Terrace, California 92313
Date:
July 02, 2008
Signature:
Signature on Original
Title:
Community Development Director
NOTICE OF PREPARATION
To:
Distribution List
Date:
July 02, 2008
Subject: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report
Lead Agency:
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
Community Development Department
22795 Barton Road
Grand Terrace, California 92313
(909) 430-2247
Contact: Gary Koontz, Community Development Director
Consulting Firm Preparing the Draft EIR:
LSA ASSOCIATES, INC.
1500 Iowa Avenue, Suite 200
Riverside, California 92501
(951) 781-9310
Contact: Chris Del Ross-Risher, AICP, Senior Planner
The CITY OF GRAND TERRACE, acting as the Lead Agency, is preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project identified below. We need to know your views or the views of your agency as to the scope and content of the information that should be included in the EIR. If you represent an agency, we are particularly interested in information germane to your statutory responsibilities. If you are a public agency, you may need to use the EIR prepared by our agency when considering your permit or other approval for the project.
This Notice of Preparation contains a brief project description and identifies the environmental issues to be examined in the EIR.
Due to the time limits mandated by State law, your response must be sent at the earliest possible date, but not later than 30 days after receipt of this notice.
Please send your response to Mr. Gary L. Koontz, at the address shown above. Please include the name, phone number, and address of a contact person in your response.
Project Title: Grand Terrace Town Square Master Development Plan
Project Applicant: Jacobsen Family Holdings
Mark Hawley
21800 Burbank Boulevard, Suite 330
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Project Location: The project site is located along the south side of Barton Road east of Interstate 215, between Michigan Street and the Gage Canal. Surrounding land uses include single-family residential uses to the south, commercial to the west, a Senior Facility, Multifamily Residential, and Professional Offices to the east, with Mixed Commercial and Single Family Residential to the north.
Project Description: The project proposes development of approximately 202,635 square feet of commercial uses in accordance with the Barton Road Specific Plan in five Development Units on approximately 21.11 acres. Proposed development includes:
Development Unit 1 (up to 88,750 square feet of retail space on 8.15 acres),
Development Unit 2 (up to 47,250 square feet of retail space on 4.34 acres),
Development Unit 3 (up to 22,825 square feet of retail uses on 4.60 acres
Development Unit 4 (up to 22,760 square feet of retail space on 2.09 acres) and;
Development Unit 5 (up to 21,050 square feet of commercial uses on 1.93 acres).
These five Development Units are proposed to be constructed in five phases: Phase 1 (consisting of Development Unit 1), Phase 2 (consisting of Development Unit 2, Phase 3 (consisting of Development Unit 3), Phase 4 (consisting of Development Unit 4) is proposed to be completed at a future date following completion of Phases 1 and 2, and Phase 5 (consisting of Development Unit 5) is proposed to be completed at a future date following completion of Phases 1 and 2.
A General Plan Amendment is required for the realignment/extension of Commerce Way as part of the proposed project. The realignment/extension of Commerce Way is proposed to provide a secondary access to Development Units 1 and 2. The General Plan Amendment is necessary to include the realignment/extension of Commerce Way in the Circulation Element of the General Plan.
The proposed project would include a Sign Program that is compatible with the architectural theme and site layout and compliant with Chapter 18.80 of the Grand Terrace Municipal Code. Signs within the General Commercial (GC) district shall be permitted in accordance with the provision of the BRSP. The Sign Program for the proposed project identifies sign design guidelines for all signs (free standing signs, menu board signs, awning signs, and wall signs) associated with the project, prohibited signs, and construction requirements for all signs. The Community Development Director may approve a sign that does not strictly adhere to the sign provisions of Chapter 18.80 of the Grand Terrace Municipal Code provided that the sign is compatible with the surrounding development and is in harmony with the general aesthetics and welfare of the local area. Furthermore, the Planning Commission has the authority to allow deviations from the sign ordinance to approve creative and innovative sign programs or sign solutions under exceptional or unusual circumstances.
Probable Environmental Effects
The proposed project may produce environmental effects associated with air quality, cultural resources, noise, and transportation. The EIR will include an analysis of these topics. The EIR will address the short-term and long-term effects of the project on the environment, the proposed project’s potential to cause direct and indirect growth inducing impacts, and cumulative impacts associated with the proposed project. Alternatives to the proposed project will be evaluated that may reduce impacts determined to be significant in the EIR. Mitigation will be proposed for those impacts that are determined to be significant, to reduce those impacts to levels less than significant. Impacts that are determined to be significant after mitigation will be identified. A mitigation monitoring program will also be developed, as required by Section 15097 of the CEQA Guidelines.
The scope of the environmental analysis for the proposed project is subject to comments from agencies and the public. This Notice of Preparation will remain in effect for a 30-day public review period, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15082. Public agencies, interested organizations, and individuals have the opportunity to comment on and identify those environmental issues which have the potential to be affected by the project and should be addressed further by the City of Grand Terrace in the EIR.
Public Review Period of the Notice of Preparation
July 03, 2008 – August 04, 2008.
A copy of the Notice of Preparation, Initial Study and related files are available for public review at the City of Grand Terrace Community Development Department located at 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, CA 92313 during regular business hours. The Notice of Preparation and Initial Study are available for public review on the City’s website: http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/.
Public Scoping Meeting
In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 21083.9, a public scoping meeting regarding the project is required. The City of Grand Terrace has scheduled a public scoping meeting at the date, time, and place shown below. The purpose of the scoping meeting is to obtain input regarding the environmental impacts that will be included in the environmental impact report for the subject project. You are invited to attend.
Date:
Time:
Location:
July 15, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Grand Terrace City Hall
Council Chambers
22795 Barton Road
Grand Terrace, California 92313
Date:
July 02, 2008
Signature:
Signature on Original
Title:
Community Development Director
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Property Rights and Fairness
http://www.castlecoalition.org/publications is a good place for reading on the topic of Eminent Domain.
The case below is where the construction is a PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT... and the use of Eminent Domain would be ok. However, mitigation of the relocation should be fair, and the businesses should be put in a situation equal or better than the pre relocation situation.---
This is what all the businesses along the 215 / Barton Rd will enjoy.
This is only half of the pain and suffering the City of Grand Terrace inflicted upon the owners of property in areas it has designs on for the "Redevelopment Projects of Tom Schwab's Choice". Redevelopment that forces a person off their land for a Retail Store or Development that is NOT a Public Utility, or Public Service such as a Road or School is in Gramp's Opinion Criminal THEFT and a VIOLATION OF AN INDIVIDUALS RIGHT TO PROPERTY.
On Thu, 7/3/08,
story from pe.com.
(Page at: http://www.pe.com/localnews/riverside/stories/PE_News_Local_W_wmagnolia02.49ee5df.html)
Now the term forced relocation is being used instead of ED.
======================================================================
Some Riverside business owners express frustration about underpass project
11:03 AM PDT on Wednesday, July 2, 2008
By DOUG HABERMAN
The Press-Enterprise
Video: The proposed Union Pacific underpass at Magnolia Avenue near the
Riverside Plaza
RIVERSIDE - The $50 million underpass planned on Magnolia Avenue at the Union
Pacific Railroad tracks near Riverside Plaza will provide relief to motorists
but is causing headaches for business owners who move to make way.
A majority of the affected 26 businesses have relocated and others are
preparing to move. At least one business hasn't found a new location.
Some of the business owners said it has not been easy dealing with the city
and many expressed concerns they would not be fairly compensated for the forced
relocations.
Assistant City Manager Michael Beck said the city's goal is to minimize
the inconvenience of the relocation and its effect on each firm's or
store's business. But the city also has a responsibility to taxpayers to be
prudent, he said.
The city hired Epic Land Solutions to work with the targeted businesses.
However, all the business owners who have moved or will move shortly found
their new locations on their own, said Epic project manager Walt Evans.
"We've tried like heck" to help them but there's limited
commercial property available in Riverside, Evans said.
(PHOTO: Story continues below Ramon Mena Owens / The Press-Enterprise
Adrian van de water, owner of Specialized Mercedes Service in Riverside, plans
to relocate his auto repair shop to a building at the Tava Center on Arlington
Avenue, where his rent will double, he said. )
Kim Robson, owner of Jerl's Muffler & Brake, said it took six months
to find a suitable site.
"If we hadn't done all this on our own, we would be on the
street," he said.
His shop, which has been in its location for 30 years and is mostly outdoors,
is moving this fall to Indiana Avenue near Van Buren Boulevard.
The city is making Jerl's build a building to do all its work indoors to
comply with new codes, Robson said. The city won't reimburse Jerl's for
the full cost of the new building, he said, so he has hired an attorney.
Beck said Robson, like all the business owners, was provided with a document
outlining what is and is not eligible for compensation and Robson didn't
follow the guidelines.
"It's a battle," Robson said. "If they want us out, they
have to help us."
'Frustrating Ordeal'
J.Z.'s Party Charm, which rents tables, chairs, silverware and more for
parties, weddings and other events, moved this spring from a 7,000-square-foot
building with ample storage space to a 2,000-square-foot converted house on
Magnolia between Jackson Street and Van Buren Boulevard.
Owner Sandy Sandoval said Epic was helpful, but all the suggested locations
would have cost $2.75 to $4.50 a square foot while he was paying 50 cents a
square foot in Magnolia Center, where he had been for nine years.
(PHOTO: Story continues below )
His new place's small size forced him to rent storage for much of his
equipment, Sandoval said. He wasn't reimbursed when the city made him put
in a handicapped ramp and he widened the driveway to create extra parking
spaces.
The city has paid him back for the cost of the move and some improvements to
the house, such as telephone installations, but he had to push to get the
money, Sandoval said.
"It was a frustrating ordeal," he said.
Elliotts' For Pets hasn't found a new location, said Donna Elliott,
who owns the store with her husband, Patrick. They've been in business
since 1973 and have leased their location, which she called
"excellent," for 12 years.
They want to stay in Magnolia Center so they don't lose their customers,
Donna Elliott said.
The potential new sites Epic has suggested haven't worked out, Elliott
said.
"The properties are either too large, too small, bad area or too far
away," she said.
The lack of progress is discouraging, Elliott said.
"I am anxious," she said. "We don't want to go out of
business."
Rent Doubles
Adrian van de Water plans to relocate his auto repair shop, Specialized
Mercedes Service, to a building being constructed for him at the Tava Center on
Arlington Avenue on the east side of Highway 91, where his rent will double, he
said.
So far, he said, the city is only offering him what state law requires toward
making up the difference: $10,000.
"Why should I, a little business guy, be punished by my rent
doubling?" van de Water said. He has to put in all the tenant improvements
in the new building, he said, and is negotiating with the city over how much of
those costs it will pay for.
"I just want what's fair," he said.
Center Lumber has found a site on Jurupa Avenue north of Riverside Municipal
Airport but hasn't reached a deal with the city to enable a move there,
owner Jeff Eshelman said.
He dealt with Epic for a year or so and got nowhere, he said.
Eshelman finally came to a City Council meeting and pleaded for help. The
situation has improved since then, he said.
He and the city are negotiating the price of his Magnolia Avenue property,
which is more than an acre. Though they remain far apart, he is hopeful about
reaching a deal, including relocation costs, Eshelman said.
"I really feel that they're trying to do their best," he said.
Reach Doug Haberman at 951-368-9644 or dhaberman@PE.com
on track
The proposed Magnolia Avenue underpass at the Union Pacific Railroad line near
Riverside Plaza requires 26 businesses to relocate.
Estimated cost: $50 million, half for property acquisition and business
relocation
Money needed: $3 million
Construction start: June 2009
Construction finish: December 2010
Average daily traffic on Magnolia: 25,300 vehicles, including 10 school buses
and 178 RTA buses
Average number of trains per day: 47 freight and 12 Metrolink trains
Average time crossing arms are down: 2.5 hours a day
SOURCE: CITY OF RIVERSIDE
The case below is where the construction is a PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT... and the use of Eminent Domain would be ok. However, mitigation of the relocation should be fair, and the businesses should be put in a situation equal or better than the pre relocation situation.---
This is what all the businesses along the 215 / Barton Rd will enjoy.
This is only half of the pain and suffering the City of Grand Terrace inflicted upon the owners of property in areas it has designs on for the "Redevelopment Projects of Tom Schwab's Choice". Redevelopment that forces a person off their land for a Retail Store or Development that is NOT a Public Utility, or Public Service such as a Road or School is in Gramp's Opinion Criminal THEFT and a VIOLATION OF AN INDIVIDUALS RIGHT TO PROPERTY.
On Thu, 7/3/08,
story from pe.com.
(Page at: http://www.pe.com/localnews/riverside/stories/PE_News_Local_W_wmagnolia02.49ee5df.html)
Now the term forced relocation is being used instead of ED.
======================================================================
Some Riverside business owners express frustration about underpass project
11:03 AM PDT on Wednesday, July 2, 2008
By DOUG HABERMAN
The Press-Enterprise
Video: The proposed Union Pacific underpass at Magnolia Avenue near the
Riverside Plaza
RIVERSIDE - The $50 million underpass planned on Magnolia Avenue at the Union
Pacific Railroad tracks near Riverside Plaza will provide relief to motorists
but is causing headaches for business owners who move to make way.
A majority of the affected 26 businesses have relocated and others are
preparing to move. At least one business hasn't found a new location.
Some of the business owners said it has not been easy dealing with the city
and many expressed concerns they would not be fairly compensated for the forced
relocations.
Assistant City Manager Michael Beck said the city's goal is to minimize
the inconvenience of the relocation and its effect on each firm's or
store's business. But the city also has a responsibility to taxpayers to be
prudent, he said.
The city hired Epic Land Solutions to work with the targeted businesses.
However, all the business owners who have moved or will move shortly found
their new locations on their own, said Epic project manager Walt Evans.
"We've tried like heck" to help them but there's limited
commercial property available in Riverside, Evans said.
(PHOTO: Story continues below Ramon Mena Owens / The Press-Enterprise
Adrian van de water, owner of Specialized Mercedes Service in Riverside, plans
to relocate his auto repair shop to a building at the Tava Center on Arlington
Avenue, where his rent will double, he said. )
Kim Robson, owner of Jerl's Muffler & Brake, said it took six months
to find a suitable site.
"If we hadn't done all this on our own, we would be on the
street," he said.
His shop, which has been in its location for 30 years and is mostly outdoors,
is moving this fall to Indiana Avenue near Van Buren Boulevard.
The city is making Jerl's build a building to do all its work indoors to
comply with new codes, Robson said. The city won't reimburse Jerl's for
the full cost of the new building, he said, so he has hired an attorney.
Beck said Robson, like all the business owners, was provided with a document
outlining what is and is not eligible for compensation and Robson didn't
follow the guidelines.
"It's a battle," Robson said. "If they want us out, they
have to help us."
'Frustrating Ordeal'
J.Z.'s Party Charm, which rents tables, chairs, silverware and more for
parties, weddings and other events, moved this spring from a 7,000-square-foot
building with ample storage space to a 2,000-square-foot converted house on
Magnolia between Jackson Street and Van Buren Boulevard.
Owner Sandy Sandoval said Epic was helpful, but all the suggested locations
would have cost $2.75 to $4.50 a square foot while he was paying 50 cents a
square foot in Magnolia Center, where he had been for nine years.
(PHOTO: Story continues below )
His new place's small size forced him to rent storage for much of his
equipment, Sandoval said. He wasn't reimbursed when the city made him put
in a handicapped ramp and he widened the driveway to create extra parking
spaces.
The city has paid him back for the cost of the move and some improvements to
the house, such as telephone installations, but he had to push to get the
money, Sandoval said.
"It was a frustrating ordeal," he said.
Elliotts' For Pets hasn't found a new location, said Donna Elliott,
who owns the store with her husband, Patrick. They've been in business
since 1973 and have leased their location, which she called
"excellent," for 12 years.
They want to stay in Magnolia Center so they don't lose their customers,
Donna Elliott said.
The potential new sites Epic has suggested haven't worked out, Elliott
said.
"The properties are either too large, too small, bad area or too far
away," she said.
The lack of progress is discouraging, Elliott said.
"I am anxious," she said. "We don't want to go out of
business."
Rent Doubles
Adrian van de Water plans to relocate his auto repair shop, Specialized
Mercedes Service, to a building being constructed for him at the Tava Center on
Arlington Avenue on the east side of Highway 91, where his rent will double, he
said.
So far, he said, the city is only offering him what state law requires toward
making up the difference: $10,000.
"Why should I, a little business guy, be punished by my rent
doubling?" van de Water said. He has to put in all the tenant improvements
in the new building, he said, and is negotiating with the city over how much of
those costs it will pay for.
"I just want what's fair," he said.
Center Lumber has found a site on Jurupa Avenue north of Riverside Municipal
Airport but hasn't reached a deal with the city to enable a move there,
owner Jeff Eshelman said.
He dealt with Epic for a year or so and got nowhere, he said.
Eshelman finally came to a City Council meeting and pleaded for help. The
situation has improved since then, he said.
He and the city are negotiating the price of his Magnolia Avenue property,
which is more than an acre. Though they remain far apart, he is hopeful about
reaching a deal, including relocation costs, Eshelman said.
"I really feel that they're trying to do their best," he said.
Reach Doug Haberman at 951-368-9644 or dhaberman@PE.com
on track
The proposed Magnolia Avenue underpass at the Union Pacific Railroad line near
Riverside Plaza requires 26 businesses to relocate.
Estimated cost: $50 million, half for property acquisition and business
relocation
Money needed: $3 million
Construction start: June 2009
Construction finish: December 2010
Average daily traffic on Magnolia: 25,300 vehicles, including 10 school buses
and 178 RTA buses
Average number of trains per day: 47 freight and 12 Metrolink trains
Average time crossing arms are down: 2.5 hours a day
SOURCE: CITY OF RIVERSIDE
CJUSD Refuse to Have Air Tested and More
DEAR GRAMPS
Let us review:
The Schools of CJUSD enjoy a dropout rate similar to the State of California. AT LEAST 50 % (One HALF) or (One out of TWO), Students will drop out of High School prior to Graduation.
IF you are a Male Student that number is closer to 75 % of the total male student population.
The High Schools of CJUSD are OVER Populated.
The Building of High School #3 has been so delayed that the funds to build the school are insufficient for a fully functioning school. a 500 seat auditorium for a school with 3000 students is not a proper design. A proper High School Auditorium should have at least 1000 seats.
In addition a High School should be built to facilitate the education of no more than 2000 students at one site. This is a well known standard for excellence.
How is this related to the refusal of the CJUSD to have the Air Tested at Colton High School. It is quite simple. CJUSD wants to remain ignorant or pretend to be ignorant of the health hazards related to the Air Quality of their Campuses near the Cement Plants and Freeway and Railroad Operations. Those of us who attended or worked at Colton High School know that the dust, noise and some times in the past even rocks fall upon the campus from the Cement Activities.
Why persist in ignorance? Well, if CJUSD doesn't have the funds to build HS #3 then where on earth will the funds come from to pay for the replacement of the two High Schools with potentially bad air and contamination? Who will pay for the mitigation of the risks. Air Conditioning and the Power to run them. Who will pay for the indoor sports facility? Portland Cement?
When a School District wants to remain ignorant on an issue such as Air Quality and Health Risks to its Students is it hard to understand that there is such a high drop out rate? There is a relationship.
If the students drop out, there is more room. If there were no dropouts in CJUSD the schools would be more populated.
Should we be REAL WORRIED about how the desire to remain STUPID about the Potential Health Risks at the other High Schools and how this Attitude will be applied to the Environmental Risks at the HS#3 Site and the AES Power Plant and Railroad Tracks near that school site?
A Solution:
Small Specialized School Sites:
Lease the KMart on Mt. Vernon.
At this site:
Have a School that has General Education and a Vocational Specialty of Some Sort.
There is parking, a kitchen for cooking, and sufficient space for about 300 to 400 students and staff.
Lease the Empty Thrifty Market on Washington
Again, a Specialty Site: Perhaps a Different Vocational Tract:
For Physical Education: the facility could provide limitations but not all PE has to be "Sports" Perhaps a Dance Class or Indoor activity could be used for a School Wide Physical Education Period each day. One Teacher, and all the Staff and Students Dance before Lunch.
Thinking out of the Box, rather than hiding in the box is needed for our students.
There are other facilities in our community that are either City Owned, or Redevelopment Agency Owned that the Tax Payer has paid for in one way or another. These Project Areas we have invested in should be "Taken" by the PUBLIC for the Schools our students and teachers need.
Thanks Gramps for your Blog.
Let us review:
The Schools of CJUSD enjoy a dropout rate similar to the State of California. AT LEAST 50 % (One HALF) or (One out of TWO), Students will drop out of High School prior to Graduation.
IF you are a Male Student that number is closer to 75 % of the total male student population.
The High Schools of CJUSD are OVER Populated.
The Building of High School #3 has been so delayed that the funds to build the school are insufficient for a fully functioning school. a 500 seat auditorium for a school with 3000 students is not a proper design. A proper High School Auditorium should have at least 1000 seats.
In addition a High School should be built to facilitate the education of no more than 2000 students at one site. This is a well known standard for excellence.
How is this related to the refusal of the CJUSD to have the Air Tested at Colton High School. It is quite simple. CJUSD wants to remain ignorant or pretend to be ignorant of the health hazards related to the Air Quality of their Campuses near the Cement Plants and Freeway and Railroad Operations. Those of us who attended or worked at Colton High School know that the dust, noise and some times in the past even rocks fall upon the campus from the Cement Activities.
Why persist in ignorance? Well, if CJUSD doesn't have the funds to build HS #3 then where on earth will the funds come from to pay for the replacement of the two High Schools with potentially bad air and contamination? Who will pay for the mitigation of the risks. Air Conditioning and the Power to run them. Who will pay for the indoor sports facility? Portland Cement?
When a School District wants to remain ignorant on an issue such as Air Quality and Health Risks to its Students is it hard to understand that there is such a high drop out rate? There is a relationship.
If the students drop out, there is more room. If there were no dropouts in CJUSD the schools would be more populated.
Should we be REAL WORRIED about how the desire to remain STUPID about the Potential Health Risks at the other High Schools and how this Attitude will be applied to the Environmental Risks at the HS#3 Site and the AES Power Plant and Railroad Tracks near that school site?
A Solution:
Small Specialized School Sites:
Lease the KMart on Mt. Vernon.
At this site:
Have a School that has General Education and a Vocational Specialty of Some Sort.
There is parking, a kitchen for cooking, and sufficient space for about 300 to 400 students and staff.
Lease the Empty Thrifty Market on Washington
Again, a Specialty Site: Perhaps a Different Vocational Tract:
For Physical Education: the facility could provide limitations but not all PE has to be "Sports" Perhaps a Dance Class or Indoor activity could be used for a School Wide Physical Education Period each day. One Teacher, and all the Staff and Students Dance before Lunch.
Thinking out of the Box, rather than hiding in the box is needed for our students.
There are other facilities in our community that are either City Owned, or Redevelopment Agency Owned that the Tax Payer has paid for in one way or another. These Project Areas we have invested in should be "Taken" by the PUBLIC for the Schools our students and teachers need.
Thanks Gramps for your Blog.
Fireworks in the City.
FIREWORKS and NOISE in GT
We have Service Men and Women suffering from PTS that have written the Blog trying to explain that they don't want to be bad neighbors, but the fireworks late at night cause them a stress they can hardly express in words.
I would think that this then equals an entire family under stress.
So for our friends neighbors and family members returning from War, and for our friends with 4 feet, please contain your use of Fireworks and the making of loud noises to the first hour after dark, and not let the party noise be a burden on others.
Issue to look into:
We have Service Men and Women suffering from PTS that have written the Blog trying to explain that they don't want to be bad neighbors, but the fireworks late at night cause them a stress they can hardly express in words.
I would think that this then equals an entire family under stress.
So for our friends neighbors and family members returning from War, and for our friends with 4 feet, please contain your use of Fireworks and the making of loud noises to the first hour after dark, and not let the party noise be a burden on others.
Issue to look into:
The City of Grand Terrace allows the Sale of Fireworks for the purpose of raising funds for the Sports Teams. YET notice that Stater's had Fireworks for sale in the store. Did Stater's get a special CPU for the sale of Fireworks? Did they have the fire department certify the safe handling of the Fireworks? Did they pay the City of Grand Terrace a portion of the sale for the increased law enforcement efforts? Or is Jack Brown above the City Codes of Grand Terrace?
Is it possible that Jack Brown donates the entire amount of the fireworks sold to Youth Sports in the location of the sale? I don't know, it just seems odd to find Fireworks near the Twinkies.
Note: The City of Colton has a Firework Show later this week for their City's Birthday.
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