Planning commission recommends allowing $665,000 deposit in lieu of building Castellano Trail segment

The Jurupa Valley Planning Commission voted 4-0, with one member absent, to recommend that the City Council allow an applicant to make a $665,000 deposit instead of immediately constructing a 550-foot segment of the Castellano Trail required under the Agua Mansa Commerce Park specific plan.

Principal Planner Roberto Gonzalez told the commission that the proposal would amend the specific plan text and revise condition No. 9 of the project’s site development permit to permit a deposit that can be used later for trail construction. Gonzalez said staff estimated the deposit at $665,000 and described the trail segment as approximately 550 linear feet on the east side of Castellano Road. He said the current condition would require tree removals of roughly 50 mature palm trees, with replacement plantings proposed as 37 coastal live oaks spaced 40 feet on center, and that the equestrian surface would be decomposed granite with a protective fence.

Gonzalez said staff reviewed the project and determined the change remains within the scope of the previously certified environmental document, so no further environmental review is required for the amendment, and recommended adoption of Planning Commission Resolution PC-2024-16 to forward the amendment to the City Council.

Director Perez told commissioners that, if the commission and later the council approve the deposit option, the city would place the funds in a dedicated account identified for trail purposes so the money would not be commingled into a general fund; any appropriation of the funds for a specific project would require City Council action.

Sean Perrier, who identified himself as a representative of CT Realty and the applicant, said he supported the staff recommendation and thanked staff for their work: “the city's been wonderful to work with,” he said.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing, and staff reported no written public comments had been received.

During deliberations several commissioners said the specific Castellano segment appears relatively isolated from other improved equestrian routes and that the deposit could be better used to improve connectivity elsewhere in the near vicinity. One commissioner raised concern about removing mature trees even if they are replaced. Commissioners emphasized that the intent is for the funds to be used for equestrian-trail purposes in the nearby area and noted that the City Council would make the ultimate decision on allocating the money.

A commissioner moved to adopt the resolution recommending no further environmental review and approval of amendment No. 2 to Specific Plan No. 16,002 and revised Site Development Permit No. 18,044 (revising condition No. 9 to allow a deposit). Commissioner Jackson seconded the motion, and it passed with four votes in favor and one absent.

The Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation; the City Council will consider the amendment and the revised condition at a future meeting. The commission adjourned the meeting and scheduled its next regular meeting for Wednesday, August 28.