Discussion of revenue projections, new housing laws and more on Council's April 11 agenda

regarding housing issues. has anyone...at the city or otherwise...been aware of a group called "our neighborhood voices?" they are trying to get a prop on the 2024 ballot to return planning rights to the cities. i've monitored several meetings and they seem level headed. anybody else in touch?

It is a shame that this project is again being rammed down our throats. It was very clear last time that this was tried, that it was not wanted.

We residents in this immediate area of the project will be heavily impacted, and my fear is
the people making the decision about this project will have NO affect on their lives.

There are other places in Mission Viejo that this could work and work better. How about
the area between Olympia the Antonio. There is lots of space available there.

One Man’s vision is simple

Restoration not the Demolition of the Garden Plaza.
Restore and Bring Back our small business, restaurants included.
Reclaim and Maintain our 90 Tress. Cutting them down is not acceptable
Rejuvenate and Protect our Past History.

50 years ago The Garden Plaza was known as Miners Village.
It was the cultural center of Mission Viejo. Complete with Restaurants and small business that citizens gathered at and visited.

Bring Back our History

Carlos Pianelli
Stop The Monster

Stop The Monster 2.0 2023

Value Rock Reality, the owner of the Garden Plaza on the corner of La Paz and Marguerite has hopes to sell the property to developer Avalon Bay.

Same Gift package to the Citizens of Mission Viejo just wrapped differently with a different approach. A five story High Rise apartment building with a pool on the very same corner of La Paz and Marguerite in which “Stop The Monster” Led six 4 Corner protests last year.
This monster High Rise also had an initial idea of adding a “WHOLE FOODS”

The approach
Keep the name of Value Rock out of the public eye. But it’s Value Rock that owns the property known as “the Garden Plaza”
Avalon Bay will take the lead as it tries with no fan fare and public announcements or interaction with the Community. All with the hopes that nothing is done prior to July 2nd when they can quietly submit an application and then start traffic and environmental studies.

Facts
1) Avalon Bay Project manager has stated to me it would take a minimum of 18 months or more to build. But it will take another 4 to 6 months of demolition putting this project closer to 3 years.

2) No application has been submitted, nor a Traffic or Environmental
study requested.

3) In order to build the New Monster the street will have to be widen.

4) Of the 90 trees in and around the plaza garden many if not all will have to be cut town.

5) Building a high rise against residential will increase the following

6) Heavy Traffic, Noise pollution, during construction the increase of Poor Air Quality, Stress levels to those sitting in Traffic, Impede Emergency Vehicles trying to get through the 2 lane corridor in each direction. Safety issues for surrounding schools as cars will try and reroute their approach in order to getting around traffic.

7) There is a 12 site Housing element to be submitted to the State this year. But none of the 12 sites is there any mention of the Garden Plaza.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Write to the city, GET YOUR LAWN SIGNS UP, attend City Council meeting in mass. Have your voices heard.
WE will not stand for traffic, noise, Stress, lack of air quality, school safety and impeded emergency vehicles

I can’t believe we are back in this situation again. The idea of a high rise apartment building on that corner is ridiculous ! There are other options that satisfy the governor’s mandates. The infrastructure that would suit that type of housing in that location would be a monumental task. I don’t live in the tract behind that building, but I can certainly sympathize with those homeowners and how it would impact their quality of life. I pray the city council does the right thing for the residents who live in that general area. Otherwise, their terms won’t be extended and they’ll forever be the city council that ruined MV, much like the disastrous evolution of downtown Huntington Beach.

The city needs to make smart rules for mixed use properties. I do not believe anyone is saying something cannot be done on the corner of La Paz and Marguerite. But it should also make sense. It should not be a high-rise that disrupts previous neighborhoods that I’ve been established since the mid 60’s- 70s. It should not make enormous traffic congestion worse than it already is. Is there enough water, electricity, sewage, schools to handle all these “affords homes”? That IS what they are saying they are providing? Are they really? Not if you compare to what is already out there. Will it be aesthetically pleasing to the city center? Instead of building the ugly monstrosities you see popping up all over Southern California. Will it be affordable for small businesses underneath? Do we really need another grocery store? Not to mention all the stuff that comes with that. RATS, noise pollution all times of the day. Homeless, etc. This all boils down to MONEY. Greedy developers do not give a damn about existing communities. It is the wrong location for a high rise. Why not put in condos? There are several other locations that would make more sense for a high rise. Starting with floor and decor? Right next to the freeway? The mall, where there is already six lane road. The college is close, seems like the perfect location and was under the impression they want something like this. Though I cannot be there this Tuesday, I will add my efforts to stop this poor planned proposed project, as often as I can moving forward.make it make sense to fix the corner.

I am very sad to see that the previously defeated plan to destroy our neighborhoods has resurfaced. The traffic, congestion and problems and delays that would result from so much more condensed population would be untenable. La Paz and Marguerite roads cannot be expanded and there is already stress today trying to get to the shops, churches and especially the freeway. Please, please maintain our culture and environment here in MV and again deny this invasion. Thank you.

 here we are again. So I’ll keep this short. Value rock obviously did not get the message last year.

we do not want a mega monstrosity built on the garden plaza property!  It would be out of scale with the surrounding area and there  is a traffic problem.

could that property be improved? Absolutely. But ideally it would remain small business and professional offices.  This is mostly due to the heavy traffic at that intersection.  It’s current use generates  traffic randomly.  Housing would cause heavy traffic in the mornings and evenings. The streets would need  widening and re-engineering.

value rock obviously bought this property intending to make a bundle off of it.  Now it’s timer for them to be good neighbors. They don’t have to live here. 
we do!

last time the council was with us.  But then, we were loud.  And it was an election year ad we were already upset with their behavior in extending their terms. Let’s hope they care as much this time, 

The Mission Viejo community has already voiced their opinion on this issue. We have entrusted our city officials with the responsibility of prioritizing the desires and requirements of the city's residents, as well as maintaining the city's fundamental plan for expanding the number of restaurants, stores, and cultural events.

Renovating a city plaza with shops and restaurants in Mission Viejo is a better choice than constructing an apartment complex. The reason behind this is that Mission Viejo lacks entertainment options for its residents and visitors. By adding a plaza with various shops and restaurants, the city can create a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere, which can attract more people to the area and keep them entertained.

Firstly, a renovated city plaza can provide a space for people to socialize and spend time with friends and family. With a variety of shops and restaurants, people can choose to go shopping, dine out or watch a movie in the plaza, creating a lively and enjoyable experience. This social aspect of the plaza can help build a stronger sense of community and encourage people to come together in a safe and friendly environment.

Secondly, a city plaza with shops and restaurants can also boost the local economy by creating more job opportunities and generating more revenue for the city. This can result in a more prosperous and economically vibrant community, which can have positive ripple effects throughout the city.

Finally, it is essential to consider the potential negative impact of an apartment complex on the area. An apartment complex may increase traffic and cause noise pollution, negatively impacting the quality of life for those living in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, the construction of an apartment complex may not attract as many visitors to the area as a renovated plaza with shops and restaurants would.

In conclusion, renovating a city plaza with shops and restaurants in Mission Viejo is a better choice than constructing an apartment complex. It can provide a space for people to socialize and spend time together, boost the local economy, and create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. It is crucial to prioritize the entertainment and quality of life for the residents and visitors of Mission Viejo by choosing a renovation option that will benefit the community as a whole.

Thank you!

There has already been a study performed at the expense of our tax dollars to evaluate existing locations for hosing to comply with California laws. Many sites were chosen as potentials to add housing. The corner of La Paz and Marguerite was not one of them. It is zoned business and should remain so. No traffic study or environmental impact has been performed to substantiate this change in zoning.
We have many options…..and we paid for a study to identify these areas. Why are we at this again? Nonsense.

The residents of Mission Viejo already voiced their opposition to a similar project. It is not in the best interest of our community. La Paz & Marguerite is already an extremely busy intersection. The additional traffic can not be supported. The surrounding neighborhoods would be negatively affected by noise, construction and traffic. This plaza needs to be renovated but a housing project is not the answer. There are other areas within the city which could support a similar project, La Paz & Marguerite are not one of them.

We do not want a massive housing complex on the corner of Marguerite and La Paz. Traffic is already bad enough at this intersection and all down La Paz. We deal with it every day, as we pass many schools and deal with traffic getting on the freeway. Can’t we consider a better location if we must put in low income housing? Somewhere on the outskirts where it will not impact traffic? I would love to see the garden plants get a facelift, I do not think tearing it down and building a monstrous building would be acceptable to the people of Mission Viejo.

Hello…nobody wants the high-rise apartments…doesn’t matter who comes knocking to propose them. Get the memo, people.

I support California’s attempt to provide solutions and guidelines to ease affordable housing options. I also support Mission Viejo exploring how our community can fulfill the requirements set down by the state. And I strongly reject the idea of NIMBY. However, as many have stated this location is not an appropriate location for large scale building. It has already been rejected by the city council for rezoning and if the circumstances have not significantly changed, this will simply be the same package wrapped with a slightly different bow. Why should the outcome change if the circumstances have not?

In addition to traffic/environmental impact on streets already congested with more cars than they were originally built to accommodate, how do you purpose the already crowded schools around this location to accommodate students? Any parent who transports their children to the schools directly around this area can tell you navigating La Paz is terrible without the addition of a multi-unit housing complex.

If I lived immediately behind this proposed location, I’d be highly concerned about grading and slope stability, in addition to the outsized building looming over my property. Lastly the multi-unit housing complexes that already exist in Mission Viejo aesthetically blend into the town and are in general appropriately sized to their location. But even in these instances, they do not provide enough parking to residents, who are then forced to park in adjacent neighborhoods as is the case near my home. There is little possibility of this location providing the parking necessary to support the number of units previously proposed. I’d implore the city council to assess other locations to meet the requirements of the state housing mandate.

I am an original home owner in Mission Viejo since 1968, and we live directly behind City Hall on Terreno.

There are dozens and dozens of homes who either back up to the proposed project
or view the area.

I think these property owners should have the biggest voice in what happens there.

So Value Rock is now Avalon Bay Project? New name, same game.

The developers, Value Rock Reality, are just that, developers. They are here for one reason and one reason only.. To make money. I don’t blame them

I’m quite sure when they bought the property, there were dozens of design proposals submitted.

Being a for profit minded company, they would first look at which of the designs would bring them the most dollars, and push those concepts.

Am I missing something here?

Do we not have our own building codes in Mission Viejo?
What gives Value Rock / Avalon the idea that they can giddy up into our town, and just change our codes to suit themselves, to enhance their bottom line and then skedaddle.

Let’s talk about the Traffic..

According to the City of Mission Viejo, the traffic in 2014 at the intersection of La Paz & Marguerite had around 70,000 cars daily. That traffic exceeds their designed capacity by 20% to 50%. Hello? That’s 70,000 cars a day and that was 8 years ago. Do the math.

Value Rock/Avalon wants to build 234 apartments, with 600+ parking spots, and a 48,000 square feet of retail space.

Highlighted in all their literature everywhere is a Whole Foods Market. As they call it a concept “in development” There is already a Whole Foods only 3 miles away.

The “supposed” Whole Foods will take up 40,000 square feet of that space.
Leaving 8,000 square feet for retail shops.

8,000 sq. ft.? REALLY? That does not leave much space for restaurants, salons, boutiques, Office space, now does it?

Is there really truth in advertising? I assume like most developers, it’s the old smoke and mirrors, kick the tires & make the sale, and then be gone.

However, We have to live with what remains.

I’ve heard discussions about the need for more apartments.

So, I looked up available rentals from Apartments.

As of February, within five miles of city hall there were 791 apartments currently available.

I’ve been told that there have been 12 sites identified that the state mandated low income apartments could be located in Mission Viejo.

The current “Plaza” DOES need to be remodeled.

Mission Viejo DOES need new restaurants, new shops, and offices in that location.

However, an apartment complex, and maybe Whole Foods.. I just don’t think is it really a good fit for this area.

I sincerely trust you, the elected officials will arrive at the best decision for our City and its residents.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Nonny Kristina Bailey

The corner of Marguerite and La Paz is an incredibly busy intersection already.

While the plaza would benefit from refreshing and renovating-my firm belief is that the infrastructure doesn't support building an apartment complex, and will create a very dangerous situation, traffic jams, and pollution.
It will be out of scale with the surrounding area, and won't add to the existing character of the city.

Furthermore, I don't believe it will solve any problems of affordability, judging by its proposed location and plans.

As , I am sure, you know, renovating, especially on a city level, should be done thoughtfully, carefully considering the existing space, and for the benefit of the community.

Unfortunately, I see no thoughtfullness, consideration, or benefit in the proposed plan, to anybody living in the city of Mission Viejo.

I do see the big risk of harming the community, instead of improving.

I agree with other commenters, that the zoning should stay the same.

I hope that the city planning comittee will hear our well-based concerns

As a long time resident of the neighborhood right behind this proposed development, I don’t believe this fits in with the city center plans. It will add traffic, noise and congestion. As MV residents we already made our position on this clear We don’t want this type of large development at this site. That hasn’t changed. Please adopt city zoning rules that will permanently block this type development for this location.

Here we go again! I support the above sentiments and nobody wants Value Rock for a neighbor. Their only interest is making money and they are only interested in profit for themselves without concern for the impact it will have on schools, local existing business, neighbors etc. This will be a foot in the door as they already own a number of other properties in our city. This is a master planned community and we should stick to the plan. Keep the zoning as is and don't let them hide behind an Avalon mask.

Who would benefit from a high-density housing and retail project in the absolute dead-center of Mission Viejo? Definitely not Mission Viejo homeowners and residents. We don't need another grocery store nor do we need hundreds more vehicles flooding the streets of our beautiful, safe, clean, and functioning family-oriented, planned community. The City of Mission Viejo needs to join other cities to fight back against the state abolition of local zoning control. If people don't like the low-density, single family home makeup of Mission Viejo, they can move to an urban area. There is no need to bring the urban to our suburban Mission Viejo.

It is alarming that Value Rock/Avalon Bay is attempting to build another "Monster" on the corner of Marguerite and La Paz. The above comments prove it is not a safe nor appropriate place for such a project. I hope our city council stays strong in their opposition against such a monstrosity.

And again we are facing the same situation- over building on a high traffic, main corner of Downtown Mission Viejo. It is extremely alarming that Value Rock/Avalon Bay is still considering to build another High Rise Monster on this major busy corner. Please stay strong city council and stop this from happening. The residents of Mission Viejo do not want this over crowding/congestion at this location. It is not safe nor an appropriate build for this location.