Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Town Center Plans topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council, planners outline multi-year vision to revive Rubidoux and Glen Avon town centers
Summary
Planners presented draft Rubidoux and Glen Avon Town Center plans emphasizing pedestrian-focused infill, Mission Boulevard safety improvements, and a grant-driven phased implementation that could begin within two years but will require multi-year capital investments and business outreach.
Planners told the Jurupa Valley City Council and Planning Commission on Aug. 6 that the Rubidoux and Glen Avon Town Center plans aim to convert auto-dominated corridors into walkable, mixed-use community hubs.
Jean Ward, principal planner, said the plans implement the General Plan and will guide future design standards and zoning. Ward noted that Mission Boulevard "is kind of a rip in the fabric of the core" and emphasized traffic-calming, crosswalks, sidewalk infill and public-realm activation as priorities. A consultant added the implementation approach: start with short-term programming and events to build momentum within two years, pursue grant-funded capital projects over 2–6 years, and expect some elements to take a decade or more.
Council and commissioners pressed staff on specifics: how to finance sidewalk and lighting projects, how to encourage business participation, and whether equestrian trails in Glen Avon could be connected to the Santa Ana River trails. A planning commissioner urged more aggressive outreach to existing businesses to reduce fear that the plan would force them to change; staff responded the plan is a "road map" intended for new or redeveloping projects, not a mandate on existing businesses.
Staff also highlighted CalEnviroScreen data showing pollution and socioeconomic burdens in some census tracts, noting that the designation both points to challenges and strengthens eligibility for state and federal grants. The council agreed to continue working with staff and to return for future study sessions as the draft plans advance toward adoption later this year.
