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Commission recommends initiation of foundation general plan amendment for former Mayhew Aggregates site
Summary
The Riverside County Planning Commission recommended initiation of Foundation Component General Plan Amendment 24,030 on Sept. 17, 2025, clearing the first procedural step toward a future specific plan on roughly 238 acres owned by Mayhew Aggregates and Mine Reclamation.
The Riverside County Planning Commission on Sept. 17, 2025 recommended initiation of Foundation Component General Plan Amendment (F GCPA) 24,030, a foundation change to enable a specific plan for a former mining property owned by Mayhew Aggregates and Mine Reclamation.
Staff introduced the proposal as a request to change foundation land uses from open space/mineral resources and open space conservation to a mix of community development designations (light industrial, business park, mixed use, retail and limited housing) to support a future specific plan. Edward Lincoln (staff) framed the action as the first, high‑level step in a multi‑year process that would return for more detailed technical studies, specific‑plan drafting, outreach and hearings before this commission and the Board of Supervisors.
Brandon Barnett (KWC Engineers) and Michael Schrock (Urban Arena) presented the applicant's vision. They said the site comprises approximately 238 acres operating under surface mining permit 139R1 with an on‑site engineered debris landfill operation (IDEFO) used during reclamation. Schrock described extensive open space and trails, saying the team anticipated "over 4 and a half miles of trails" integrated with parks, sports fields and a mixed‑use retail center intended to serve nearby neighborhoods.
In public comment, nearby resident Ruth Brissendon voiced concern about continued mining operations in the area and urged more acreage be designated conserved open space to protect wildlife connectivity between the Gavilan Hills and the Santa Ana Mountains. Brissendon asked for clarification about why approximately 11 acres were proposed to change from open space conservation to open space recreation and said, "I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that 30% be restored and preserved as natural habitat." Two additional speakers, Tracy Davis and Jerry S., expressed general support for initiating the foundation change as a way to plan buffers between active mining and residential neighborhoods and to provide neighborhood retail and jobs.
Multiple commissioners praised the applicant's vision but emphasized that initiation does not authorize construction or grading and that subsequent stages will require technical studies, outreach and Board of Supervisors review. Planning staff summarized that three commissioners supported initiation and said the next procedural step is consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
The commission's recommendation initiates further review but does not itself change land use or approve a specific plan; detailed policies, environmental review and design will be addressed in future hearings.
