ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Call to Order/Roll Call 1:06 PM
EDC MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor Deborah Robertson
Councilmember Ed Scott
CITY/AGENCY STAFF PRESENT
David Carmany, City Manager
Arron Brown, Assistant City Manager
Robert Messinger, Deputy City Attorney
Colby Cataldi, Director of Community
Daniel Casey, Principal Planner
Kim Dame, Administrative Analyst
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
No minutes to approve.
REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
EDC-24-1191
Discussion regarding the South Rialto Mixed Use Development Project – by Costanzo Investments Presented by Daniel Casey
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Daniel Casey informs EDC that Costanzo Investments came to EDC in November of 2021. Costanzo Investments were selected for this project due to their extensive knowledge in the environmental industry. Costanzo Investments has received a lot of push back in developing the site from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. A biologist Ken Oswald did a survey of the site and found ample evidence of the Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly on seven (7) acres of the development site. Costanzo Investments was told that they could proceed with the development of the rest of the site if they put those seven (7) acres as “conservation land”. It took three (3) years of negotiations to work around the push back. Costanzo Investments believes they have a good project on their hands considering the circumstances.
Mayor Robertson asked if they have this agreement in writing with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department is currently reviewing the HCP and will provide comments when ready; there is no reason to believe there will be push back moving forward. There is an executed letter of intent with Northgate Market along with interest from Raising Cane’s, Pollo Campero, and Circle K.
Costanzo Investments explained that per the setbacks in the current specific plan, the proposed development won’t fit in the current area. It would be preferred if there is a seven (7) to ten (10) foot setback in landscape as opposed to the twenty-five (25) foot requirement. Ideally there should be six (6) stalls per one thousand feet. Mr. Casey confirmed that the Planning Department is okay with these setbacks. Mayor Robertson expressed concern for the roadway on San Bernardino Ave. in terms of points of entry.
Costanzo Investments wants to ensure the City is in agreement with the proposed dwelling units, the design of the layout, and setbacks as proposed. Mayor Robertson asked how many units will be included in the residential development. There will be 46 units. Mr. Casey added that this residential development will be in the Gateway Specific Plan, which doesn’t have any residential land use so the Specific Plan Amendment will include a new residential land use category.
The residential land broker elaborated that the dwellings in the residential portion of the project will be two-story detached homes in the 1700-1900 square foot range. It will be very similar to what Lennar is building in the Renaissance residential area. Mayor Robertson posed a question to Mr. Casey regarding the single-story home developments and if they are included in an ordinance. Mr. Casey advised that if there are fifty (50) or more units proposed units in a development area, single-story homes can be requested. The residential land broker discussed the price point of homes in this new development.
Costanzo Investments ends the presentation by asking the City to work with them in terms of the setback constraints to help this project move forward. EDC expresses their support for this project.
Representatives from Northgate Market provide a brief overview of what they would bring to the community of Rialto. Mayor Robertson suggests that since they are very community oriented, they may want to be present at the 18th annual State of the Women event held at Cal State San Bernardino.
EDC-24-1190
Discussion of the American Towing Group Recovery Center and Corporate Office Presented by Daniel Casey
Representing the applicant is Thomas Williams – ATG Recovery Owner Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations
Colby Cataldi advised that this project came to City Council via a public comment. Mr. Casey elaborated that the owner would like to develop the site to the northwest corner of Baseline Road and Meridian Ave. The plan is to convert this site into an outdoor storage yard. Mayor Robertson asked what the current zoning is – Mr. Casey stated that it is zoned as residential. Councilmember Scott asked why the applicant is asking for a zone change. Mr. Casey explains that although the current zoning code is an R-1 residential zone, the General Plan designates the site as light industrial. The applicant would therefore like a zone change to light industrial to match the General Plan. Councilmember Scott is in support of the residents who are opposed to the zone change.
Mayor Robertson confirmed with the owner that he also owns the land and has for about a year. Mayor Robertson also inquired as to who owns the land with the cell tower east of the site. Mr. Casey stated that it belongs to the City of San Bernardino. Councilmember Scott asked what the owner intends to do with the slope on the site. The owner and civil engineer propose a retaining wall. Councilmember Scott reaffirms that he will not be in support of this project. Mayor Robertson inquired as to when the last General Plan update was, Mr. Casey stated that it was in 2010. Councilmember Scott added that the Police Department would recommend against this project.
EDC-24-1189
Discussion of the 215 Table Top LLC – The Oasis at Glen Helen Parkway Project Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations
Councilmember Scott starts off by saying that he is in support of this project. However, he would like the letter of support to include a condition that it remains to what the site plan is. If it gets changed, Councilmember Scott would like it sent back to EDC for reassessment. Mayor Robertson added that it needs to be compatible with what was originally planned. It is mentioned that this fire station will not, in the opinion of the fire chief, be serving the residents of Rialto.
EDC-24-1188
Discussion of the One Stop Shop Anticipated Construction Costs Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations
Councilmember Scott briefly mentions that he is in full support of the One Stop Shop but is not in favor of spending three (3) or four (4) million dollars for it.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 2:26 p.m.