Politics & Government

Delayed Glendora Plaza Aims For February Opening

Economy, city 'red tape' blamed for stalled openings.

The sign in front of the Glendora Plaza advertises a March 2011 opening, but the retail plaza on Grand Avenue near Route 66 remains empty and surrounded by a chain-link fence.

Although eight months have passed since the plaza’s anticipated opening date, developers say a February 2012 opening is on the horizon.

Elie Attar, partner with the firm Icon West, said development on the 13-unit retail center anticipated to bring in new stores and restaurants had been plagued with seasonal storms and a lagging economy.

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Across the street on the southwest corner of Grand Avenue, a development project housing up to four units has also hit economic snags as development progressed, said Sean McCain of SC Property.

Both Glendora projects are still currently seeking to lease available spaces to businesses and both claim there have been several companies who have expressed interest.

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Attar said two businesses have so far been leased. McCain said he was hopeful his project would be fully leased within a year.

Still, although economists and city officials have pointed to positive signs that the economy may be on the upswing, the openings of major development centers in Glendora have experienced extended delays.

One obvious delay has been the that has remained vacant for two years, although the corporation has been paying rent on the property.

City officials and city council members have urged the corporation to open its location in Glendora soon, sending letters to the corporation and initiating a postcard campaign.

Still, Fresh & Easy officials have maintained that they will not open in Glendora until stores in surrounding communities stabilize financially.

But aside from a lagging economy, some developers have pointed to what they call Glendora’s strict red tape regarding planning permits.

Attar said one of the reasons the Glendora Plaza stalled was because of constant changes to permit plans.

“Dealing with city permits made [the delay in construction] even worse,” said Attar, adding that city permits have since been finalized for the Glendora Plaza.

“I think the underlying principle is that we believe Glendora deserves good quality development,” said City Manager Chris Jeffers. “I think we have implemented standards worthy of a community of stature.”

While developers have called Glendora one of the most difficult cities to plan major developments, Jeffers said city officials have routinely reviewed city planning codes and policies with outside consultants and claimed their last review received high marks.

He pointed to other developments in the city that have opened and just in time for the holiday shopping season, such as Ulta, a makeup retail store recently opened next to Kohl’s in the Glendora Marketplace.

“We believe our planning policies, although tough, are fair,” said Jeffers. “We’re not trying to stall progress…We do what we can to work with developers to help them succeed.”


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