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Council denies appeal, upholds Planning Commission approval allowing Scholarship Prep to seek site for TK–8 charter
Summary
After a public hearing that included testimony from the incumbent Stone Ridge Academy and the property's owner, the council denied an appeal and upheld the Planning Commission's approval of a conditional use permit for Scholarship Prep; occupancy remains subject to ongoing landlord‑tenant litigation.
UPLAND, Calif. — The Upland City Council denied an appeal and upheld the Planning Commission’s approval of a conditional use permit that would allow Scholarship Prep to operate a transitional kindergarten through eighth‑grade charter school at a site on West Seventh Street, the council said.
The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 24‑0011 on Feb. 26, 2025; an appeal filed by Stone Ridge Academy argued the approval was improper because Stone Ridge currently occupies the property and there is pending litigation over unpaid rent and eviction. City staff told the council the CUP is consistent with zoning and the general plan, and that required findings had been made.
Why it matters: The decision affirms the Planning Commission’s land‑use finding; it does not by itself change who currently occupies the site. The property's owner, Stewart Group, said it has initiated unlawful‑detainer proceedings against the incumbent tenant for unpaid rent. Several speakers, including Stone Ridge’s executive director, urged the council to delay action until litigation is resolved; Scholarship Prep and the property owner urged the council to uphold the CUP so a new charter could take possession if the landlord prevails.
What the council decided: After public comment the council voted to deny the appeal, effectively upholding the Planning Commission decision. The city attorney advised the council that action on the CUP is appropriate and legally separate from the landlord–tenant litigation; occupancy and tenancy matters are to be resolved in court.
Public testimony: Speakers included Stone Ridge Academy Executive Director Lois Smith, who said Stone Ridge is operating and is not closed, has invested in playground and site improvements and has an option to purchase the property. She asked the council to uphold Stone Ridge’s CUP while the school continues to occupy the site. Several parents and advocates called for delay, saying displacement would harm students with disabilities and requesting additional time for relocation planning.
Scholarship Prep Executive Director Jason Watts said Scholarship Prep is an established charter network approved by county boards of education elsewhere and described plans for TK–8 programming and wraparound support; he said the county and the property owner support Scholarship Prep’s application. Stewart Group’s managing partner said the landlord had made repeated attempts to collect rent and sought a tenant able to meet obligations.
Ending: The council’s action upheld the Planning Commission’s prior findings and denied the appellant’s request. Councilmembers and staff emphasized the decision addressed land‑use approval only and that occupancy disputes remain subject to the pending court proceedings.
