Community Voices Support Arroyo Vista Project Amid Traffic Concerns in Woodcrest

The Riverside County Planning Commission held a regular meeting on September 3, 2025, where community members voiced their opinions on the proposed Arroyo Vista project. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding traffic impacts and the preservation of the rural character of the Woodcrest community.

During the meeting, several residents expressed their worries about increased traffic on local roads, particularly Iris and Gamble Avenue, which are already narrow and congested. One resident emphasized the need for additional exit points to alleviate potential traffic issues stemming from the new development. Despite these concerns, many community members acknowledged the efforts made by the developers to accommodate local feedback, with some expressing conditional support for the project if it aligns with the presented plans.

Patty Ostvalk, a resident of Chicago Avenue, shared her long-standing connection to the area and her desire to maintain its rural lifestyle. She indicated her support for the project, provided it is developed as promised. Similarly, Nancy Edwards, a long-time Woodcrest resident, noted that the developers had made significant adjustments to their original plans, which had initially faced strong opposition from the community. She stated that the current proposal is more acceptable than earlier versions.

Elena Nelson, who lives adjacent to the proposed site, expressed her hope for a nature conservancy but acknowledged the reality of development. She voiced her support for the project, contingent on the developers' commitment to maintaining promised amenities. Deborah Yocum, a community member and MAC member, shared her personal connection to the land and her history with the developers, indicating a willingness to support the project based on their past interactions.

The meeting underscored the delicate balance between development and community preservation in Riverside County. As discussions continue, the Planning Commission will consider both the residents' concerns and the developers' commitments to ensure that the Arroyo Vista project aligns with the community's values and needs.