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EL MONTE INFORMATION |
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The City of El Monte’s Community Redevelopment Agency is committed to improving neighborhoods and revitalizing existing businesses, encouraging new investment, new opportunities for shopping and recreation, as well as rehabilitating and adding to the housing stock in El Monte.
In fulfillment of these goals, when appropriate the Redevelopment Division works in conjunction with other city departments and private agencies to eliminate deterioration and blight through one or all of the following activities: Rehabilitation, or reconstruction of existing buildings Redesign of sites and assembly of irregular parcels Assistance to private development in forms of reduced land costs and loans Clearance of existing structures to prepare acquired land for reuse Financing public infrastructure improvements Financing the rehabilitation and development of affordable housing
INTERIM DEPUTY CITY MANAGER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DIRECTOR Jesus Gomez
Telephone: (626) 580-2249 Email: Redevelopment Division General Mailbox
What are the benefits to citizens living within a Redevelopment Project Area? Through redevelopment, a project area can receive focused attention and financial investment to help revitalize existing businesses and attract new development, create jobs, rehabilitate and add to the existing housing stock, as well as gain active participation from residents.
What is a Redevelopment Plan? A redevelopment plan represents a framework within which specific projects will be undertaken. The plan provides the redevelopment agency with powers to buy and sell land within area covered in the plan, improve dilapidated facilities, and to use tax increment financing.
What is a Project Area? A project area is the area in which the actual redevelopment will take place. The project area must first go through a lengthy planning process during which residents and business owners who may be included in the project area have a chance to express their views. After a public hearing, the redevelopment agency adopts the project area and becomes responsible for planning future improvements.
How do Redevelopment Agencies secure funds? State law provides redevelopment agencies with the power to raise funds for redevelopment through a method called “tax increment financing.” On the date the redevelopment plan is approved the property within the boundaries of the project area is assessed a total property value. If the value of the property increases in subsequent years a portion of the new taxes derived from this increased value goes to the Redevelopment Agency. The Redevelopment Agency may also issue bonds that are later repaid with the revenue generated from tax increment monies.
Will property taxes be raised? No. Any sale, development or rehabilitation of property generally causes a rise in property value but not an increase in tax rate.
If I am in a redevelopment project area does that mean that I will have to leave my home? Living in a redevelopment project area does not mean you will have to move. Redevelopment is a planning process that is designed to fulfill the needs and desires of the majority of residents and business owners for the improvement of the community. Only properties that are essential for the revitalization of a blighted area will be purchased by the Redevelopment Agency.
What happens if my property is acquired by the Redevelopment Agency? When it is necessary to acquire a property within a project area the Redevelopment Agency will pay fair market value (i.e. the value the property would have if it was placed on the market and sold). The occupants may be eligible for relocation benefits that include: · · Assistance in finding a new location
What are the community wide benefits of redevelopment? More job opportunities (retail, services, office, and/or manufacturing jobs). |
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City of El Monte Considered For A High Speed Rail Station
A High Speed Rail Station in the El Monte Transit Village would be home to one of the largest Centralized Public Transportation Artery in the Los Angeles County El Monte will have the Largest Bus Station west of Chicago Currently El Monte Transit Station Provides Transportation To 22,000 Travelers per Day When Completed over 50,000 per day MTA, Foothill Transit, Greyhound, Metro Link, El Monte Transportation Services, Gold Line, Ramona Bus Rapid Transit Corridor
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Agency Meetings 1ST and 3rd Tuesday of every month
11333 Valley Blvd.
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Upcoming Projects |
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SANTE FE TRAIL PLAZA http://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/citygov/redevelopment/pdf/SantaFeTrailPlaza.pdf
Plans for a California Department of Motor Vehicles coming to El Monte (Arden Drive) |
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El Monte Gateway / Transit Village Project Town Hall Meeting March 25, 2010 7:00 p.m. Community Center “Community Briefing on Transit Village Project”
The New Bus Terminal & Parking Structure construction has been started, the Ramona Terminal Underpass Entrance has been approved for construction, Restaurants & Housing Developments are planned for the surrounding area , and the City is working to implement a Bus Transit Route utilizing synchronized traffic signals along the Old Ramona Avenue “Red Line” providing commuters a quick alternate transportation from Pomona to El Monte Bus Terminal.
This Project will provide businesses the perfect opportunity to come to City of El Monte, and be part of this development. The Transit Village is the Largest Centralized Public Transportation Artery of Los Angeles County.
City of El Monte is one of the few cities still being considered for a High Speed Rail Station |
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El Monte takes over $1 billion transit village
By Rebecca Kimitch, Staff Writer Posted: 11/14/2009 06:11:10 AM PST
EL MONTE - Standing at the aging El Monte Bus station, looking out at the sea of worn parking spaces, it may be hard to imagine what city officials envision for the area - a village of condominiums, stores, office buildings, and a state-of-the-art bus station. The $1 billion project seems even more of a pipe dream considering the developer that was supposed to make the vision a reality was caught up in fraud allegations earlier this year. But don't tell that to interim city manager Rene Bobadilla, or the team of city staff trying to steer the project through headwinds of a turbulent economy.
"We're going to shock the world," Bobadilla said.
"We'll have families moving in within four to five years," added El Monte deputy city attorney Dave Gondek, who has worked extensively on the project since planning began in 2003.
The city is in the process of taking over the project, known as El Monte Transit Village, from the scandal-plagued private developer, Transit Village LLC, a subsidiary of Titan Development. Much of the 60-acre project sits on city land west of Santa Anita Avenue between the 10 Freeway and Valley Boulevard. At the center is the El Monte bus depot, a 35-year-old station undergoing a total renovation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The original plan was to have Transit Village LLC lead the transformation of the surrounding property from parking lots and public works storage facilities to hundreds of homes and stores and millions of square feet of office space. That plan was derailed when two Transit Village LLC/Titan Development executives were arrested in mid-June on felony charges, including fraud, embezzlement and theft. They still have not been charged with any crimes. Rather than find a new master developer, city officials have decided to take over the project with the city's redevelopment agency.
"Under the agreement with (the company) we were more in the passenger seat. Now, we are in the driver's seat," said Minh Thai, interim director of community development. "The city feels it can better control things."
Considering the financial and other strains City Hall has been under over the past year, some resident’s doubt El Monte is up to the challenge. "I have a real problem with this. I don't think the city has the expertise. They can bring in consultants, which may or may not help... but this should go out to bid for a private developer," said Richard Garner, a former City Council candidate who sits on the Planning Commission. Garner said private developers would use their creative expertise to produce the best, most viable project ideas, and the city could select the best proposal though a competitive process.
"Skepticism is healthy. Scrutiny is invited," responded Gondek. Andre Quintero, who was elected mayor earlier this month, is open to the city taking over. "I think it's important to make sure the city has the capacity to manage that type of a project," he said. "If we make the right decisions, and put the right people in place, it could be spectacular." Gondek and Bobadilla said staff would work closely with consultants. And this time around, El Monte would look for at least three different private developers - one for housing, one for commercial, and one for office space. Already city staff has met with more than 15 interested developers, Thai said. In addition, the city would develop the project in phases, and proceed based on whether the market is demanding office, retail, or residential space, Bobadilla said.
Cynthia Kurtz, president and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership President and former city manager of Pasadena, praised this approach. "It shows a great deal of respect for the market... phases will allow things to get started more quickly," she said. Rick Cole, city manager of Ventura and former city manager of Azusa, also applauded El Monte's decision to oversee the project itself. "It's a model other cities ought to pay more attention to. Giant developers have giant overheads and typically produce mediocre results," he said. Big developers often create similar projects with the same tenants that don't necessarily fit in with the particular character of a community, Cole said. "Giant projects are often devoid of the kind of variety, spontaneity and local innovation that make places vibrant," he said. And, because developers are typically concerned with making a project profitable within itself, rather than increasing investment in the surrounding community, they often are insular, walled-in areas, such as The Grove in Los Angeles, Cole said. This is exactly the opposite of what El Monte wants from Transit Village, Bobadilla said. He envisions fluid pedestrian and vehicular flow from the development to downtown El Monte. Still, the city faces a big hurdle - finding a financial partner. "In this economic climate, it is difficult to find financial backing regardless whether it is a city or a private developer," Kurtz said.
Moving forward Despite the skepticism, Bobadilla, Thai and Gondek think believers will be made once construction begins on the new bus station/transit center that is meant to anchor the development. Construction is expected to begin early next year, and be completed within a year. MTA officials said their project was not hindered by the fraud investigation into the village portion of the redevelopment. The new station is being funding largely through a $43 million federal grant that requires construction be completed by the end of 2010. That bus station is what makes the Transit Village development viable, and seeing it move forward will inspire investors, according to city staff. The city has a $26.5 million state grant for project infrastructure, which has a total price tag of more than $100 million. And the redevelopment agency has put aside $17 million for infrastructure improvements. Because of redevelopment law, no additional redevelopment funds can be contributed, Gondek said. The city will seek financing partnerships and grants for the rest of the infrastructure work. El Monte officials want to complete preliminary engineering studies and design by June and then start applying for more grants. The fact that it is based around a bus station rather than rail - an innovative concept in urban planning - makes it a potential model development, which might attract more grant money, Gondek said. On the other hand, it might scare off private money. Earlier this year, the project was close to winning an additional $39 million from the state but that was forfeited in the wake of the fraud investigation.
Not a victim
Besides losing the grants, officials said El Monte is not a victim of the Transit Village LLC fraud allegations. "We didn't feel like a victim, we felt like we saw something that we didn't see before," Thai said. Transit Village LLC had fallen behind on its duties agreed upon in its contract with the city, Bobadilla said. John Leung and Jean Lang, former executives of Transit Village, LLC, were arrested in mid-June on felony charges including fraud, embezzlement and theft. Although the two were initially held on $1 million bail and asked to surrender their passports, no charges have been filed in the case. The El Monte Police Department initially made the arrests, but has since turned over the investigation to the District Attorney's Office. Both offices refuse to release details about the allegations or the victim. Gondek said the alleged fraud was internal to the company's business structure, and did not directly involve the city of El Monte. All told, the city has spent nearly $1 million so far on the project, not including staff time. Some of that came from a grant.
Land-use changes for the project already passed through the often-cumbersome environmental review process, city officials said. And most of the land slated for construction is owned by the city, the county and the MTA. About one acre is still held by Transit Village, LLC. What the developer will do with that property depends on the economy, according to Transit Village LLC managing partner Barry Sedlick. Sedlick wouldn't say how much Transit Village LLC invested in the project. Regardless, the developer will surrender all its responsibilities. "We will have no role," Sedlick said. "The city will be able to build on the work we have already done." And the city is eager to do just that. "We picked up the baton they dropped and have sprinted down the track," Gondek said.
rebecca.kimitch@sgvn.com |
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Arden Drive & Valley Blvd. |
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DMV / Sports Fields / 120’ Water Tower |
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Santa Anita & Ramona Underpass Transit Village Civic Center |
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Vision El Monte |
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Proposal to Relocate Airport to build a Sports Complex |
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El Monte opens door to Wal-Mart |
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3360 & 3380 Flair Drive http://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/citygov/redevelopment/pdf/3360-3380FlairDrive.pdf |
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Southwest Quadrant of Valley Blvd. & Baldwin Avenue http://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/citygov/redevelopment/pdf/9920ValleyBlvd.pdf |
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SE Corner of Garvey & Tyler http://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/citygov/redevelopment/pdf/Garvey-Tyler.pdf |
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Vacant Land Available |
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Pre-Lease / Pre-Construction Available |
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Pacific Trade Center 4000 Arden Drive http://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/citygov/redevelopment/pdf/PacificTradeCenter.pdf
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Buildings For Sale |
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Northwest El Monte |
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El Monte Center |
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El Monte Center Amendment No. 1 |
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The Northwest El Monte Redevelopment Project Area is one of the largest project areas in the city. It encompasses 410 acres of industrial land and was adopted in 1993. Current projects in this area include Pacific Place on Valley Blvd., east of Arden Dr. and a proposed senior housing complex across the street. |
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The El Monte Center Project Area was adopted in 1983 and included 60 acres of commercial property. The Redevelopment Agency has assisted in the development of a community shopping center that includes a Denny’s Restaurant, Big K-Mart, Dearden’s Department Store, and a HomeTown Buffet. The El Monte Center Project Area is also home to Longo Toyota, the No. 1 auto dealership by sales and volume in the nation. |
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The El Monte Center Amendment No. 1 Project Area was created in 1989 and consists of an additional 114 acres of commercial land. In 1996, the Agency assisted in the development of a Nissan dealership. Nelson Honda, Nelson Dodge and Scott Pontiac soon followed. Together these auto dealerships, along with nearby El Monte Ford, form the El Monte Auto Center along the San Bernardino I-10 Freeway. |
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Downtown El Monte |
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The Downtown El Monte Project Area was implemented in 1987 and encompasses 213 acres. Redevelopment efforts have resulted in the development of the Santa Fe Plaza, a neighborhood commercial center that includes El Pollo Loco, H & R Block, Rite Aid, Beneficial Household Bank, and El Sombrero Restaurant. The TELACU Amador Manor, a multi-unit senior housing development was also recently completed with the assistance of the Redevelopment Agency. Current projects include Vista del Valle, 35 detached homes behind Valley Mall, and a proposed retail complex on Valley Blvd. and Santa Anita Ave. |
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Santa Anita/Tyler |
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The Santa Anita/Tyler Project Area was adopted in 1984 and resulted in the development of two 2-story 64,400 square foot office buildings adjacent to the El Monte Airport. |
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Ramona/Valley |
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Plaza El Monte |
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El Monte Plaza |
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The Ramona/Valley Project Area was adopted in 1982 and is occupied by a Bank of America branch office. |
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The Plaza El Monte Project Area was adopted in 1981 and contains a neighborhood shopping center that is anchored by Payless Shoe Source and King Taco Restaurant. |
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The El Monte Plaza Project Area was adopted in 1978 and consists of a neighborhood shopping center that is anchored by Albertson’s, and is surrounded by a number of retail shops, including as Blockbuster Video, Enterprise Rent a Car, and Baskin Robbins. |
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Downtown El Monte Added Area |
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The Added Area to the Downtown El Monte Project Area contains 231 acres of commercial, residential, and industrial land and was adopted in 2001. This new project area focuses on the revitalization of the residential neighborhoods by adding new street trees, repairing sidewalks, and providing grants & loans for property improvements, as well as providing opportunities for new development. |
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9400 Flair Drive, El Monte, CA
11705 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA
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East Valley Mall |
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The East Valley Mall Project Area was the first project area in El Monte. The redevelopment agency issued a bond to assist in the development of El Monte Executive Plaza, a 6 story professional office building. This project area is also currently the site of Cal Fed Bank. |
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