San Bernardino Sun article shows positive results for SLCW

Rialto delays approval of project over residents' concerns
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/23/2010 03:44:19 PM PDT

RIALTO - City leaders late Tuesday night postponed approval of a controversial development on the north side after outraged residents spoke against the project for more than three hours.

"I didn't choose to live here to be subjected to air, noise and traffic pollution," Christine Garlandtold the City Council in a packed auditorium at Rialto Middle School.

Garland is one of many residents on the north side that oppose the proposed Lytle Creek Ranch development, which could bring more than 8,400 residential units and 25,000 new residents to about 2,400 acres off Riverside Avenue north of the 210 Freeway.

The project includes trails, shops, two new schools and an active adult community for those 55 and older.

Officials have estimated that the development could bring in a surplus of $1.4 million annually to the General Fund if an 8 percent utility-users tax remains in place.

The tax sunsets in 2013, and officials have estimated that the project without the tax could produce an annual deficit of $1.6 million.

Estimates also show that if the tax is not reinstated, but a property tax to help fund the city's Public Employee Retirement System obligation is, the development may produce annual surplus of $3.4 million after total buildout.

While officials believe the project could help the city compete with neighboring cities such as Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga for tax revenue, opponents of the project believe the project will bring overcrowding, pollution and environmental hazards to an otherwise tranquil area.

The public hearing prompted officials to hold off voting for the project until the next council meeting, which is scheduled for July 13.

"I clearly have some questions," Councilman Ed Scott said.

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