Yucaipa council advances Freeway Corridor Specific Plan update, chooses option that includes Pacific Oaks infrastructure plan

The Yucaipa City Council voted 4–1 on May 12 to direct staff to advance Option 3 of the Freeway Corridor Specific Plan update, the staff‑recommended path that would allow a mix of business park, commercial and housing uses and includes a developer proposal to finance new public infrastructure.

The council’s vote moves the plan toward a version staff says balances development opportunities and environmental constraints. Staff recommended Option 3 after reviewing five alternatives and concluded it would provide greater fiscal benefit than a no‑warehouse alternative while limiting visibility of large warehouse buildings from the freeway.

City staff and consultant presentations summarized the five options presented at earlier study sessions. Option 1 retains the 2008 plan; Option 2 (the September draft) and Option 3 limit visible warehouse frontage by “tucking” business park and warehouse uses behind hills and into lower‑visibility…