Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager & Development Services Director for the City of Arcadia wowed the audience today at the monthly Government Affairs Forum of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce with his vast knowledge and insight into how the City functions with respect to development. Jason helps oversee Development Services that includes Planning and Building, Zoning and Design Review
The monthly forums open to the public are sponsored by Keystone 365 Sponsor Singpoli and led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting.
Some of the common questions that Jason and his team deal with on a daily basis includes: What can I do with my property? How high can I build? Can I open a restaurant? He indicates that there is, of course, a General Plan in place that serves as the blueprint for development. He and his staff are also engaged in community outreach. One example is, What would Live Oak ideally look like in the year 2025? What type of development would best be suited to the area?
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Jason indicates there is a very steady residential sector in Arcadia that held even through the recession. There has been a building frenzy with an influx of offshore money although there has been some recent slowing and a little softening at the top end. The pace is not quite as frenzied. Also, there are a lot more multi-family and commercial projects now that credit is not as tight.
A few notable developments that are in progress or being proposed include the $30 million expansion and two-story showroom of Rusnak Arcadia Mercedes-Benz; a mixed use development at the corner of Wheeler and First Avenue; as well as the building of two new Marriott hotel brands at Santa Anita Inn. Meanwhile, Santa Anita Park has put a lot of money into horse racing and improvements to the grandstand and stables.
The bottom line is that Arcadia is in a good position to continue to redevelop areas of the City. He said total building valuation is up 72% and work on the Gold Line continues with the Transit Plaza that is almost complete and numerous grants attained by the City for a pedestrian corridor to the Downtown area and parking improvements.
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Chairman of the Government Affairs Forum Jack Orswell then invited legislative representatives to make brief three-minute presentations:
- Clayton Arick representing Senator Ed Hernandez reported that their office is taking nominations for the 2014 Veterans Service Awards for the 24th Senate District. To nominate a candidate visit http://tinyurl.com/vsa-nomination form. Please complete the form and submit it by October 17, 2014 to Janet.Chin@sen.ca.gov or fax to (626) 430-2494.
- Olivia Lee, representing Assemlymember Ed Chau indicates that the Assemblymember has had 14 of 16 bills signed by the Governor. Two highlighted bills include AB 1043, which allows the State to go after polluters of underground water basins. AB 1738 deals with internal dispute resolution with respect to Home Owners Associations. It allows a resident to bring someone such as a lawyer or friend with them to the dispute resolution meeting.
- Brian Mejia, representing Supervisor Mike Antonovich, indicates that the Supervisor voted against providing $61 million in funds to pay for health care for undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles County.
There was a lively discussion regarding this issue. Brian reports that Supervisor Antonovich is sponsoring his Trail Dusters Ride in Marshall Canyon on Saturday October 25 and Sunday October 26. For information and to register call (909) 599-8411.
During the time for a regular monthly report from City officials, Jason Kruckeberg indicated that the City is pleased that AB 1147 was passed by the legislature and signed into law. It allows the City to go back and regulate facilities that offer massage. He also noted during a Q&A session that despite the City Council recently voting not to prohibit single-use plastic bags at grocery and convenience stores, the City will now have to comply with a state law signed by Governor Brown this week mandating that prohibition that takes effect July 2015.
John Nicoloro, Council Member from the Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte Town Council indicates that it will be interesting to see what development does eventually occur in the Live Oak area. Also, John indicates there should be something done with respect to area off the 605 Freeway near Longden and Peck Road. The flow of traffic is unsafe. Folks are making unsafe lane changes and John feels that something needs to done.
Arcadia Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick updated everyone on some great upcoming events including: Arcadia Par 3 Golf Ribbon cutting talking place today (Thursday, Oct. 2); Coffee with a Cop on Thursday, October 9 from 8 AM – 10 AM at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce; the monthly Networking Breakfast on October 16, 2014 from 7:30 AM till 9:00 AM at the Santa Anita Golf Course; and a ribbon-cutting on October 30, 2014 at 4:30 PM at the Hale Medical Center across from Methodist Hospital.
The public is invited on the first Thursday of each month to hear informative presentations at the monthly Government Affairs Forum led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting, and co-chairman Pete Ulrich, former Arcadia City Councilman. RSVPs to the Chamber of Commerce office are appreciated – (626) 447-2159 or info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org.
