James Howe presents land development plan for former Orange Grove in Woodcrest

The Riverside County Planning Commission held a regular meeting on September 3, 2025, focusing on various community and development issues. The meeting began with public comments, where attendees expressed concerns about local support for vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless. One speaker emphasized the importance of engaging with the homeless community to understand their needs better.

Following public comments, James Howe, representing P and F, addressed the commission regarding a proposed land development project. He detailed the history of the property, which had been an orange grove since 1990. Howe explained that due to economic challenges, the operation of the grove became unsustainable, leading to its closure in 2020. He noted that the current development plan, created in collaboration with TrueLife, aims to honor the cultural heritage of the Greater Woodcrest area while acknowledging the need for change.

The commission listened to Howe's presentation, which highlighted the balance between preserving local history and adapting to economic realities. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by landowners and the importance of community input in shaping future developments.

As the meeting progressed, the commission continued to address various agenda items, focusing on community needs and development strategies. The session concluded with a commitment to further engage with residents and stakeholders to ensure that future projects align with the community's values and needs.