Council approves downtown civic center PUD amendments aimed at advancing redevelopment and jobs

The Ontario City Council unanimously approved amendments to the Downtown Civic Center Planned Unit Development on April 6, 2021, changes the city said would bring land-use standards into consistency with the general plan and modify parking and dry-well requirements for blocks A1 and C1.

During the public hearing, Juan Olmedo, introduced as a member of the South of the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, told the council "This is all about jobs, wages, and benefits" and thanked staff for bringing work opportunities to Ontario. Deandre Lampkin of the Lampkin Foundation also spoke in support, saying the amendments will help move the downtown project forward and generate pride and progress in the community.

Council discussion emphasized years of planning and ongoing downtown investments including housing, transit lanes and commercial development. A motion to approve the amendments was moved and seconded and carried on a unanimous roll-call vote.

The council did not identify immediate budget attachments in the recorded discussion; staff said notices and affidavits for the hearing were on file. The changes modify minimum parking stall dimensions and dry-well standards for specified downtown blocks and are intended to facilitate forthcoming private development projects.