Post by update article on Oct 27, 2008 0:37:26 GMT -8
Azusa proceeds with downtown plans
By Daniel Tedford, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 10/26/2008 10:51:47 PM PDT
AZUSA - After scrapping plans in August for a retail/housing project downtown, the city once again is taking proposals from developers to create a walkable, transit-oriented downtown area.
But this time, Azusa is asking that housing be left out of the equation, at least until the housing market turns around.
Six builders presented their credentials to the City Council at a meeting last week.
City officials hope to choose which one will develop a combined 8.7 acres of land in downtown Azusa near Azusa Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.
The council hopes to make a decision by Nov. 3.
"This is part of our downtown that our residents have been gearing up for for years," councilman Robert Gonzales said.
"It is one of our main objectives as a council to give it the top priority it deserves."
Block 36 at the southeast corner of Azusa and Foothill previously was scheduled to be developed as a residential-and-retail center. That plan dissolved in August when the developer couldn't obtain financing for the residential portion.
The city now is looking to develop at that site, as well as two others.
Business owners say they are excited to see the plan moving forward.
"For us it is good because it will be a lot more people," said Martha Arteaga, who owns Max's restaurant across from Block 36 with her husband. "There will be a lot of people walking the street and the city."
The six developers vying for the project are: The Olson Company, Hopkins Real Estate Group, Azusa Redevelopment Corp., Trachman Indevco, Lewis Operating Corp., and Fountainhead Development.
City leaders made it clear they intend the project to be predominantly, if not exclusively, retail.
The city has determined that residential development isn't an option during the current market downturn and officials instead hope a second phase will incorporate a residential portion, Delach said.
One of the top priorities of the projects is to get a supermarket into the downtown area, Delach said.
Other than that, the project is open to retail opportunities.
The council's choice will come down to flexibility in design, funding and retail connections, Delach said.
www.sgvtribune.com/ci_10825014