By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – 2014 is off and running and Eastvale is heading toward its fourth year (officially incorporating in October 2010) as a prominent city in Riverside County. The beautiful city is virtually unrecognizable from a decade ago when dairies ruled the roost, and Eastvale is beginning to show a cosmopolitan flair.

But what’s left? There is still some land left to be developed and some amenities to be had. If you read the ‘Interview with Bill Link’ article on www.anapr.com, you know, as our newest City Council Member and former member of Eastvale’s Planning Commission, he is committed to developing the land in our fair city for long-term financial sustainability, as well as what is best for the residents.

We have a multitude of new housing projects moving forward, including Copper Sky (DR Horton) at Schleisman Road and Scholar Way; the Trails at Eastvale (Richland Communities), Archibald and 65th Street; Cleveland Square (KB Homes), on Limonite at Scholar Way; and perhaps the most luxurious community, The Palms (Lennar Homes), at Citrus Avenue and Granja Vista del Rio Road, where street improvements have kept traffic measured for some time.

Estancia West (Lennar Homes)

With some homes ready as early as March 2014, The Palms includes three distinct collections coming to Eastvale in neighborhoods set in lush landscaping just south of Eleanor Roosevelt High School: Estancia East, Estancia West, and the Desi Collection, named after esteemed actor, musician and producer, Desi Arnaz. Still central to this project is the beautiful Spanish-style home once owned by Arnaz when he retired to this area as a horse breeder. Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) now owns the home and is preserving it as a jewel in the Eastvale crown, with its use yet to be finalized.

Just east of The Palms, the Eastvale Community Park at Citrus and Hamner avenues is nearly ready for its Grand Opening. The 45 acres of Phase I has Sports Fields, Concession Stands, Picnic Areas, Restroom Facilities and plenty of parking. The park also includes the much anticipated connection to the Eastvale Trail at Riverwalk Park, completing another link in the Santa Ana River Trail which will extend from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

Around the corner from the new park onto Hamner Avenue at “A” Street, Eastvale’s first actual church building is nearing completion. New Day Christian Church’s 8,530 square foot worship center and adjacent 3,000 square foot assembly area will bring more urbanization to the 4.36 acre lot next to the Fire Station. Other prominent churches such as Edgewater Lutheran Church, Vantage Point, and Life Church still worship at local Eastvale Schools.

Speaking of Fire Stations, Eastvale will be getting a second station for its more than 57,000 residents and projected future growth. The new station will be constructed on a recently purchased 1.75 acre lot at Chandler Street and Selby Avenue. The property will also include a second building that will house Eastvale’s Emergency Operations Center. Construction is anticipated to begin sometime within the next two years.

So obviously Eastvale is flourishing and has a lot going on, but what about a future Civic Center, the Arts, a Police Station inside city limits, more upscale restaurants, and a car wash that you don’t have to drive through? There are a lot of nice-to-haves, but there are still things we need like schools, industrial parks, a possible hotel, and other businesses that generate jobs and revenue.

There is still land available for some major developments. The substantial piece of property on the northwest corner of Limonite and Hamner avenues is under specific discussion. The Leal Property has a lot of potential. According to the website, http://www.lealspecificplan.com, this property is “An opportunity for the City (of Eastvale) to re-imagine the Leal Property as a Regional Destination”, or a unique entertainment, shopping or recreation experience for which people are willing to travel long distances. The first step is a Vision Plan, which will determine the best direction for the City.

Just think of the possibilities. Indeed, Eastvale is truly becoming a destination city with much ado for the future.