Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Commissioners weigh options for Hacienda West lot: storage, farmer’s market or affordable housing
Loading...
Summary
City staff and commissioners discussed options for the city‑owned Hacienda West lot — including RV or mini‑storage, a farmers market, nursery, contractor laydown yard, or eventual affordable housing — and directed staff to present ideas back to the City Council and solicit developer interest.
La Habra Heights — Commissioners spent an extended discussion on April 28 reviewing potential uses for a city‑owned vacant lot at Hacienda and West, with suggestions ranging from low‑capital leases (contractor laydown, RV or mini‑storage) to community uses (farmers market) and longer‑term options (affordable housing or senior housing above small retail).
Rafferty summarized council direction and legal constraints: due to a 2024 change in state rules, any lease longer than 15 years is treated as disposal under the Surplus Land Act, which would trigger an offering process that prioritizes affordable‑housing developers. That time cap means large capital investors would be reluctant to construct expensive buildings for a short lease, staff said.
Commissioners suggested a menu of shorter‑term, low‑capital uses that could generate revenue or reduce maintenance costs: RV or mini‑storage, contractor storage yards, a farmer’s market or seasonal uses, and well‑screened horse stalls. Commissioner Rick Brooks argued that a revenue‑generating use such as RV or container storage would bring steady sales tax and lease income, while Commissioner Kim Lucas favored a mix that could also support community events and avoid long‑term liability for structures if a short lease is used.
Several commissioners recommended consulting a commercial real‑estate broker and testing developer interest; the chair said he had contacted affordable‑housing developers and would report back. Commissioners also discussed aesthetic improvements — screening, fencing and planting — as interim measures to reduce weed abatement costs.
No formal action was taken; staff will compile the ideas and return recommendations to City Council.
