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City adopts resolution to acquire 496 Corona Mall as part of North Mall redevelopment
Summary
The Planning and Housing Commission voted 4-0 to find the City of Corona's proposed acquisition of 496 Corona Mall consistent with the general plan, clearing the way for the city's economic development department to continue negotiations and redevelopment planning for the North Mall area.
The Planning and Housing Commission voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2675, finding that the City of Corona's proposed acquisition of property at 496 Corona Mall is consistent with the city's general plan.
The action, approved during the commission's consent calendar, authorizes the city's economic development staff to continue negotiations to acquire the property currently occupied by Cortez Jewelers as part of a broader North Mall redevelopment effort. Sandra Vanian, planning manager, told commissioners the item is a city economic development request and recommended the finding of consistency with the general plan.
Joel Belding, the city's economic development director, described the larger acquisition strategy for the North Mall area and the South Mall. "There are two rows of buildings. The entire eastern portion the city's acquired everything," Belding said, and added the city is "rapidly approaching a finalized deal with two of those property owners."
Belding said the city has acquired several buildings in the mall area, is in active talks with multiple owners, and is preparing renovation plans for a large former retail building. "We should have those plans in for permits by the end of next month," he said, adding the goal is to create a lively lifestyle center with dining, music and regular programming.
Commissioner Woody moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Vernon seconded. The vote was 4-0.
Votes at a glance
- Consent item 5.2: Approved, 4-0 (consent item on file; no public comment). - Consent item 5.1 (easement dedication for dike maintenance, APN 101-110-002): Approved, 4-0. - Consent item 5.3 (Resolution No. 2675, acquisition of 496 Corona Mall, APN 117-143-036): Approved, 4-0. - Public hearing item GPA-2025-002 (general plan amendment to update wildfire hazard severity zone map): Recommended for approval to the City Council, 4-0.
Why this matters: The acquisition is part of a package of purchases and negotiations the city says are intended to consolidate ownership and enable coordinated redevelopment of Corona Mall's North and South Mall areas. The city said it plans renovations, tenant recruitment and regular programming intended to draw residents and visitors.
Background and next steps: Staff said state law requires a general-plan consistency determination before the city finalizes an acquisition. The commission's action forwards the item to the city for further steps in the acquisition and redevelopment process; final purchase terms and timelines were described as still under negotiation.
Commissioners recorded no public speaker cards on the item and staff said no written comments were received. The commission's next scheduled meeting was announced as Nov. 10, 2025.
