Tag Archives: Leal Property

Eastvale: Leal Property Update

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Leal Property eastvale ca

Past aerial view of the Leal Property (Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale)

Eastvale – The Leal Property, a 160-acre parcel of some of the last open land in Eastvale, has been a popular subject around the community. The land is owned by dairyman, Brad Leal, who has been working with the City of Eastvale in developing a plan that brings his ideas into juxtaposition with what is best for the City. Leal has long been a proponent of ensuring that what is ultimately built on his property is beneficial to Eastvale.

After many negotiations, the property has been re-zoned to be primarily used for commercial and retail development, with a small percentage retained for residential housing. The housing is a requirement of the State of California.

The Leal Property was previously zoned for agricultural as well as some residential development. With the new Land Use Plan, the area was able to be re-zoned to include mixed-use purposes for retail, office, civic, etc.  This will pave the way for the development of a large downtown area that combines commercial and retail with open spaces and landmark features that would become a major part of Eastvale’s economy and esteem.

The land is now “entitled,” and according to Eastvale Councilmember Bill Link, this will provide a more streamlined process for applicants to come in and develop the land. Since the re-zoning has already taken place, they will be able to save time and money. Developers can now just draw up plans for their desired location (per zoning requirements), submit their plans to the City, pay their fees, obtain an Environmental Impact Review, and build. Link estimates that this will save them about a year of time.

The new Specific Plan is expected to come before the City Council in January or February 2015 for approval, after it goes through the Planning Commission.

According to Leal at a previous meeting about the project, “This is a big project and it will develop slowly. I don’t want some guy to just come in and build a big building.”

Instead Leal hopes that it will come in phases of construction and establish a real Downtown Eastvale feeling.

 

Eastvale: City Council Recap 04.29.14

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

At the April 9 City Council meeting for Eastvale, Council members Ric Welch, Jeff DeGrandpre, and Bill Link were present, as well as Mayor Pro Tem Adam Rush and Mayor Ike Bootsma. Julie Velasquez, the first Student Liaison to the City Council, was also present. The invocation was led by Pastor Dennis Morales from Calvary Chapel. Two presentations were given by Waste Management. First, the Recycle All Star Awards were given to two local families and one business for their positive recycling habits during 2013. Second, a Recycle Bank Program update was provided.

During the Public Comment/Citizen Participation section of the meeting, Curtis Seymour from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints offered to help provide volunteers from the church to assist in various community service activities in the City. Dickie Simmons expressed his desire to continue open-forum events at the Town Hall meetings for entities who provide service to the community, and for citizens who wish to converse with City leaders in a casual manner. He went on to request that the City take over the Town Hall meetings and publicize them on the City notification website, so as to better inform the community about upcoming meetings. Finally, Kelly Howell requested that the City be conservative in their staffing.

On the Consent Calendar, Item 5.1 was approved 5-0; and Item 5.2 was approved 4-0-1, with Adam Rush abstaining due to his absence at the March 26 meeting.

In the Public Hearings section, Item 6.1 was discussed and involved Project No. 12-0750. There were three main aspects of the project: a change of zone, a major development review, and associated improvements. The Council moved to approve the project 4-1, with Welch voting no.

There were no Old Business items, so the meeting moved to New Business, as follows: Item 8.1 – The Council members moved to continue the Appointment of a Planning Commissioner to the Economic Development Committee to the next meeting under the condition that the three nominees would be present. It was approved 4-1 with DeGrandpre voting no; Item 8.2 – The Council members reviewed a Code Enforcement PowerPoint; Item 8.3 – The Policy for Considering General Plan Amendments was approved 5-0; and Item 8.4 – The Council approved the Cost Allocation Plan and OMB-A-87 Plan, 5-0.

The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m. with closing statements from the Council.

The April 23 City Council meeting began promptly at 6:30 p.m., with all members of City Council present. The invocation was led by Pastor Ed Moreno from New Day Christian Church. New Student Liaison, Julia Vasquez, was introduced to the Council. Julia will serve as Liaison through August. She is a senior at Roosevelt High School, as well as the current ASB president. The Eastvale Fire Department introduced their new Fire Inspector, Ken King, and there was a small presentation by Wildan Financial regarding the new Market Tax Credits.

The Council presented Eastvale Police Chief, Captain Danny Feltenberger, with a proclamation to thank him for his service to the City. Feltenberger will be heading to the Riverside County Gang Task Force and will be replaced with former Eastvale Police Chief, Captain Jason Horton, effective May 1.

All items on the Consent calendar were approved.

The highlight of the evening came from the presentation on the Leal Property. Eric Norris, Eastvale Planning Director, gave the presentation highlighting the City’s move toward a more flexible plan with input from property owner, Brad Leal. Leal gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Ric Welch questioned what the City has paid for, as it seemed that the Vision Plan wasn’t as far along as he thought and there seemed to still be a large amount of disagreement. Leal made it clear that he was in agreement with all aspects of the new vision plan with the exception of the high density housing. After a brief discussion and further explanation from Norris, the Council voted to approve the progression of the plan creation by staff, reflecting the new land use ideas.

In the new business section of the meeting, Mayor Ike Bootsma was appointed to the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee. Planning Commissioner, Larry Oblea, was appointed to the Economic Development Committee after some discussion and debate. The idea to possibly add another member of the Planning Commission to the Economic Development Committee was discussed and will be looked into at a future meeting. Joe Tessari and Karen Patel were also nominated. The City also approved a request for proposal for Eastvale Entryway Monument signs. Although there isn’t any funding for them at this time, City Manager, Carol Jacobs, hopes to put the estimated $40,000 cost into the 2014/2015 budget consideration under general funds. .

There was not a City Manager report. Julia Vasquez, the new Student Liaison gave an update. She spoke about her concern for the traffic on Scholar Way and would like to see the Walk to School Program expanded and extended. She has met with her high school principal as well as School Board member, Bill Newberry, about some ideas for an incentive program to encourage local children and high schoolers to walk to school to help ease traffic congestion.

The meeting adjourned around 8:15 p.m. with closing statements from Council.

 

 

Eastvale: Leal Project Advances to Next Step

brad.leal.speaks.to.eastvale.city.council

Brad Leal speaks to the Eastvale City Council

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL 

Eastvale – The Leal Property, a 160-acre parcel of some of the last open land in Eastvale, has been a popular subject around the community. The land is owned by dairyman Brad Leal, who has tried to work with the City of Eastvale in developing a plan that brings his ideas into juxtaposition with what is best for the City. Leal has long been a proponent of ensuring what is most beneficial to Eastvale as a neighborhood is built on his property. The idea for a “downtown feel” is one that Leal is adamant about maintaining. He has worked with the City on making that dream a reality and at the City Council meeting on Wed., April 21, it seemed that Leal and the City are one step closer to making his dream come to life.

The Leal Property is currently zoned for agricultural as well as some residential development. With the Land Use Plan, the area would be re-zoned to include mixed use purposes for retail, office, civic, etc., and pave the way for the development of a large downtown area that combines commercial and retail with open spaces and landmark features that would become a major part of Eastvale’s economy and esteem.

Since February’s Leal Property update, the Leal family and the City have been busy moving away from the strict “bubble map” version of the property layout, which included exact sections to be developed (i.e. commercial in one specific area, retail in another), and moved more toward a flexible approach. The City sat down with Mr. Leal, who was concerned with the property plan being “too specific” about where things are and showing too little retail development. The City then took his comments and came up with a new, more flexible approach.

The New Leal Property Plan allows more retail to occur, doesn’t specify locations and uses at this time, and focuses on setting a higher bar for the quality of development. The new plan calls for 326,700 to 1,300,000 square feet of commercial development, up to 920,000 square feet of office/medical development, up to 450 hotel rooms, a possible Civic Center, as well as medium and high density housing. The plan also includes many community features like open spaces and entry features.

Leal and the City have been able to agree on most of the plan with the exception of the high density housing. Leal wants to ensure that the city remains flexible to development and that there aren’t any “dead spaces.” Councilmember Bill Link seemed to have the same concern but was informed that this housing doesn’t necessarily have to be in a certain area of the property development, but instead can be a more integrated part of the overall plan. Also, according to Eastvale’s Planning Director, Eric Norris, if the project is successful, then high density housing may not even have to be built at all.

The next step is to formalize a Vision Plan that will reflect this new land use concept. The City hopes to get this reflected into some type of brochure that will describe the land use ideas to potential developers by showing them that this project is open for business and they need only bring us their ideas. Members of the City and City Council will be attending the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference in May 2014, where many developers attend; this will allow them to get the project out to interested parties.

Once this Vision Plan has been created, the next step is the Specific plan. This will provide processes and act as more of a rule book to continue to guide the project to fruition. The City Council agreed to harmonize with the general direction that the plan is going in.

Leal, who has remained adamant about emphasizing a Downtown Eastvale area and maintaining quality for the people of Eastvale, got up to speak many times during the presentation. He explained that his original idea for a downtown “contained pockets for whatever gets built there”. He wants to make sure that the City and future developers provide a destination where all the different aspects of a downtown area blend seamlessly together. According to Leal, “This is a big project and it will develop slowly. I don’t want some guy to just come in and build a big building.” Instead Leal hopes that it will come in phases of construction and establish a real downtown Eastvale feeling.

For this project, which is roughly the same size as Victoria Gardens, attention to the finer details and the overall feel of community is apparent in Leal’s determination to ensure that it is developed in the best interest of everyone involved. The project will be a large part of Eastvale and there are many who hope it will serve as a “landmark,” bringing in jobs, business and revenue for our ever growing city.

For a dairy farmer who has been an integral part of this community, it’s about seeing his dreams and hopes come together in unison with the ideas and hopes of both the City and the Eastvale Residents.

Leal Specific Plan To Be Discussed – April 23rd

Leal Property Aerial View Photo Courtesy: www.lealspecificplan.com

Leal Property Aerial View
Photo Courtesy: http://www.lealspecificplan.com

City council meeting is Wednesday April 23rd at 6:30 pm! Be there to hear more about this plan!

 Information: courtesy City of Eastvale
Posted Date: 4/21/2014 2:00 PM

CITY OF EASTVALE, CA (April 21, 2014) – At the April 23rd City Council Meeting, Council Members will be reviewing a draft of the proposed mix of uses to be built on the Leal Property at some point in the future. The land use mix includes retail for the “downtown” area, offices, civic uses (possibly a future city hall), and residential. If the proposed uses are approved by the City Council, the land use mix will be described in the “Vision Plan” and ultimately in the detailed planning document which will be prepared for the property.

The public will again have an opportunity to provide comments during this meeting. The City Council meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary School: 13830 Whispering Hills Drive, Eastvale 92880. The Public is highly encouraged to attend and provide their input on the project.  The land use program staff report is available for download on the City’s website (www.eastvaleca.gov) or the Leal Specific Plan website under documents: www.lealspecificplan.com/documents.

The meetings are open to the public to listen and participate. If you were unable to attend the last meeting (February 26, 2014), you can view the PowerPoint presentation to the City Council and Planning Commission at: www.lealspecificplan.com/documents.

For more information about the Leal Specific Plan, please visit: www.lealspecificplan.com

Eastvale: ‘Giant’ Ideas for Leal Property

BY GLENN FREEMAN

Eastvale – A giant cow statue in downtown Eastvale?

Such could become reality if Eastvale officials, developers, market forces, and the owner of a prime piece of real estate at Limonite and Hamner avenues work together in planning its future development.

The site at the center of attention is the 160 acre Leal property, which sits in the heart of Eastvale – an aspect not overlooked by city officials, who envision it ideal for a mixed-use, “regional destination” type project. Officials are hoping development of the site will create a legacy for the young city.

“This property represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design an iconic project for the city,” said City Manager Carol Jacobs. “Creating a major new project here is critical to Eastvale’s long-term success.”

Leal property northwest corner of Limonite and Hamner avenues in Eastvale

The 160-acre Leal property is located at the northwest corner of Limonite and Hamner avenues in Eastvale. (Courtesy City of Eastvale)

Eastvale has started work on a specific plan for the property, a plan designed to guide development on the site with greater detail based upon zoning as outlined within the city’s general plan. As part of the process, city staff began asking residents via an online poll in January for their input of what they’d like to see on the property.

From nearly 2,000 responses received, the top suggestions were: lifestyle center (1,511 votes / 76.7% vote total), a downtown village (612 / 31.1%), and enclosed regional mall (502 / 25.5%). Other suggestions included, hospital/medical center (273 / 13.9%), civic uses (232 / 11.8%), and university/college (171 / 8.7%). Also proposed by 45 (2.3%) of the respondents was a giant cow statue, no doubt a nod to the city’s request for something “iconic.”

The results, revealed during a public workshop on Feb. 26, are likely to please city leaders, who are promoting the specific plan as a way to ensure the property generates a high rate of return, both in a community sense as well as in a fiscal sense.

During the Feb. 26 workshop, a presentation prepared for the city by consultant PMC weighed the feasibility and fiscal impacts of the suggestions submitted. Using competitive market/demographic analysis, PMC rated the downtown village/town center and the hotel/resort alternatives as the most likely and best use options. Although rated high on the fiscal return end, less feasible was found to be the lifestyle center, enclosed regional mall, concert venue, and sports stadium. Another suggestion – civic uses (city hall, etc.) – rated high on the feasibility aspect, but low in the fiscal return portion. At the bottom of the list – receiving low marks for both feasibility and fiscal impact – were university/college and the giant cow statue.

Although many residents and city officials hope to see the site used for a regional type project, whether that becomes reality remains to be seen, and is likely many years in the making. According to the city, the Leal family has owned the land and operated a dairy on the site for approximately 40 years. Officials say they are working with the family to achieve a development based upon the specific plan now underway that will benefit both the community and the city.

In the public presentation, FMC pointed out the need for residents and officials alike to think “outside of the box” beyond traditional retail and big box uses, which have been impacted by the growing trend of online shopping. However, the report stated, “place making, entertainment and consumption is the key – you can’t eat over the internet and you can’t drink online.”

The city will now draft a vision plan to be reviewed at a follow-up public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on March 26 at Rosa Parks Elementary School.

The proposed specific plan and a detailed environmental impact report for the Leal property are expected to be released in early fall 2014, with final approval scheduled for early 2015. The city has set up a website (www.lealspecificplan.com) for residents to stay informed during the process.

Eastvale: Here We Grow Again: What’s Left?

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)

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.

Eastvale: Council Recap November 13, 2013

By: Jennifer Madrigal

Eastvale – The Eastvale City Council Meeting took place at Rosa Parks on Wednesday, November 13, with Council members Welch, Howell, DeGrandpre, Rush and Mayor Bootsma present. The invocation was led by Pastor Rick Morris from The Crossings Church. Staff members present from the City of Eastvale were: City Manager Jacobs, City Attorney Cavanaugh, Public Information Officer Nissen, Planning Director Norris, City Engineer Alvarez, Police Captain Feltenberger, Lieutenant Yates, Management Analyst Rowe, Deputy Finance Director Gitmed, and Assistant City Clerk Hall.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance the following presentations were given:

3.1    Presentation of Proclamation by John Fields, with Supervisor John Tavaglione’s Office, to Council Member Howell.

3.2    Presentation of Proclamation Designating Eastvale as a Purple Heart City.

3.3    Presentation by City Engineer Alvarez regarding the Cucamonga Creek Bridge Widening Project.

The Public Comment/Citizen Participation section of the meeting then began.  Mike Armijo, with the Eastvale Chamber, provided an update on the Chamber and upcoming events; followed by Christopher Nissen, a seventh-grade resident, who introduced himself, and thanked Council Member Howell for her service to the City of Eastvale.

The Consent Calendar section of the meeting began and all items 5.1 – 5.7 were approved by all members, 5-0.

The Public Hearings section of the meeting then began. Item 6.1 on the agenda was the Ordinance to Adopt the 2013 California Fire Code. There was no public comment on this item and the motion was carried 5-0. Item 6.2, was the Resolution to Vacate a Portion of Schleisman Road. City Manager Jacobs provided the staff report for this item. Motion was carried 5-0.

There were no Old Business Items and the meeting then moved on to New Business Items. Item 8.1, Initiating a Planning Process for The Leal Property: Motion was passed 5-0.  Item 8.2, Amend the Fiscal Year 2013/14 Operating and Capital Improvement Program by Adding Schleisman Road Project No. 93015. Motion was passed 5-0. Mayor Bootsma asked to remove items 9 and 10 out of the order. A Few council members expressed their gratitude to Kelli Howell and wished her luck and she was presented with a plaque in appreciation for all her hard work. After a closed session, the City Council adjourned the meeting around 8:15pm.

These minutes were provided by Asst. City Clerk, Ariel Hall.