Council denies developer's second amendment request for Rancho Del Sol golf-course agreement

The Moreno Valley City Council on Sept. 2 denied a developer request to amend terms of the Rancho Del Sol Golf Course agreement, adopting staff's recommendation to require completion under the existing contract terms.

City Manager Brian Mohan summarized the developer’s second unsolicited request. The proposal sought $500,000 payment to the city, an increase in the bond by $1 million, a 12-month extension for the apartment clubhouse deadline, release of certificates of occupancy for Buildings 1 through 14 and phased release for the remaining buildings tied to the golf-course clubhouse completion, and the right to sell the golf course to another operator subject to city approval. The developer also indicated it would retain responsibility to complete the new golf-course clubhouse by an unspecified mechanism.

City staff recommended denial, saying the existing agreement ensures the completion of the golf-course clubhouse as originally agreed. Public commenters urged the city to hold the developer to the original schedule; Christopher Baca and Luis Palomares criticized perceived developer favoritism and argued the developer had not met prior obligations. Roy Bleckard urged the council to "stick to the agreement."

Council members expressed disappointment at the developer’s repeated amendment requests and emphasized that the project was originally approved in 2018 and that residents have waited for clubhouse and course completion. Council Member Bernard said she would vote against any amendment until the developer met the original agreement's obligations.

Council voted 4-0 to approve staff's recommendation to deny the requested amendment and keep the existing completion requirements in force.