Council adopts resolution to acquire land for Toyota Arena parking, 5-0

The City of Ontario on Monday adopted a resolution of necessity to acquire a fee-simple interest in an 8.44-acre parcel for public parking serving the Toyota Arena project, voting 5-0.

City attorney coverage Guillermo Frias told the council the property at the southeast corner of East Concourse Street and Mercedes Lane (assessor parcel 0210-204-404) is needed to provide replacement and additional parking for Toyota Arena patrons, employees and nearby businesses as prior parking areas are repurposed for housing and mixed uses. He said the council must make four findings and stated the project is planned to provide the “greatest public good and the least private injury.” Frias said a precondemnation offer was made (the transcript states the offer was made in “October 2025” as recorded) and counsel for the property owner indicated they did not oppose adoption of the resolution of necessity.

The resolution authorizes the city to pursue eminent-domain acquisition if necessary. The council member who moved approval said the findings support the city’s need to secure parking and maintain operational continuity near the Toyota Arena; another councilmember seconded the motion. The mayor called the vote, which passed 5-0.

The council did not receive any public blue-card speakers on the item. According to the staff presentation, the acquisition is limited to the minimum property interest needed for the public parking facilities and is intended to preserve access while former parking areas are converted to housing and mixed-use development.

Next steps outlined by staff include continuing negotiations with the property owner and moving forward with the statutory steps required for acquisition. The city did not announce a construction schedule for the parking improvements at Monday’s meeting.