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Orange council extends tolling agreements with Milan REI for Brandman and Creekside sites amid cleanup concerns
Summary
The City of Orange approved a three‑month extension of tolling agreements with Milan REI to continue evaluating nonresidential uses for the Brandman and Creekside Village sites after public testimony cited contamination and lengthy remediation; the measure passed 6–1.
The Orange City Council voted to extend tolling agreements with Milan REI, LLC for three months to allow further evaluation of nonresidential uses at the Brandman site and the Creekside Village site. Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Bilodeau moved the extension, Council member Gyllenhammer seconded it, and the council approved the motion in a 6–1 roll call, with Council member Barrios voting no.
Residents who spoke during public comment urged caution. Drew Whitefeather said the sites face substantial environmental issues, including methane and arsenic, and described years of testing and remediation that must occur before redevelopment, arguing some proposed uses would not be appropriate for contaminated property. Lonnie (Bonnie) Robinson said she supported a shorter extension (90 days) to continue studies and to avoid litigation the city could not afford at this time.
Council members said they were mindful of cleanup requirements and the city’s planning designations. Staff and councilmembers discussed the possibility of cleanup agreements and review by regulatory bodies such as the local water board; the mayor noted that the extension was limited to allow more work and community input rather than a long open‑ended pause.
The extension preserves the city’s ability to negotiate with Milan REI while deferring final decisions about land use. No ordinance or development entitlements were approved; the council’s action only extends the tolling period to continue evaluation and avoid immediate litigation.
