City staff says EIR for school-site townhomes is open for comment; Highland Promenade and trail projects advancing

Director Craig Hensley presented the Community Development update, reporting several projects and permitting milestones.

EIR and former school site: Hensley said the environmental impact report for the redevelopment at the former Andrus/Andres (as described in the staff presentation) school site is out for public comment through Aug. 31. Staff said the EIR and project materials are available on the city website and in hard copy at the Duarte Library and at the planning counter in City Hall. Hensley said the Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the project on Aug. 18 and that the item will come to the City Council in September. According to the staff presentation, the project proposes 169 townhome units and upgrades to Otis Gordon Park; staff will mail notices to residents within 600 feet before the Planning Commission hearing.

Highland Promenade and trail projects: Hensley said construction on Highland Promenade is underway and that crews have taken one lane for work; he estimated another month to six weeks of work. He also said the Donald Bernice Watson Recreation Trail upgrade will go out to bid this fall with construction hoped to begin before the end of the year.

Wyndham Hotel status: In response to a council question about the Wyndham Hotel project, Hensley said the developer provided additional financing information and that staff granted a 120‑day extension to October so the developer could pursue a loan; he said the extension will be the last unless the developer demonstrates ability to proceed.

Hensley invited questions and confirmed the City’s standard public‑notice practices for planning cases, including newspaper notice and mailed notices to nearby residents ahead of hearings.

No formal vote was required on the informational items.