Council approves sale of city land to Archibald Property LLC; staff cites 725 jobs and $53.5M investment

The council voted 5‑0 to approve a purchase and sale agreement and associated economic‑opportunity findings with Archibald Property LLC for 8.64 acres near Archibald Avenue and Inland Empire Boulevard.

City Manager and Economic Development Director Jennifer Hiramoto explained the city acquired the property in March to ensure a high‑quality mixed‑use development rather than a logistics warehouse. Hiramoto told the council the entitled project includes about 50,000 square feet of dining and retail across three two‑story buildings organized around a central plaza and cited staff estimates that the project would create roughly 725 temporary and permanent jobs, increase property tax revenue by about 450%, and attract an estimated $53.5 million in private investment. Staff also listed developer‑funded improvements including $4 million for parking, $1.5 million for a billboard, $24 million for the primary retail building, $7 million for additional retail and $1 million for landscaping.

Speakers at the hearing were split. Chris Robles urged caution and asked whether the city had complied with the Surplus Land Act and whether HCD had reviewed the disposition; he asked the council to continue the item until HCD confirmed compliance. Other residents, including Kevin Kizzee, urged development that benefits residents and avoids more warehousing. Supporters told the council the project would create jobs and a walkable retail destination near the Toyota Arena.

After staff answered questions and described the economic‑opportunity findings (citing Government Code §52201), council members moved and seconded the resolution; the vote was recorded as 5‑0 to approve the sale.