A Unanimous Welcome
The Planning Commission meeting turned into a celebration of the Lewis Group’s commitment to quality and community development. City officials and residents alike expressed their enthusiasm for having such a prestigious developer invest in Moreno Valley.
“When you think of the Lewis name, it is the measuring stick of high-quality retail and mixed development. Their products speak for themselves,” remarked Planning Commissioner Daryl C. Terrell during the meeting.
Meeting Community Needs
The proposed development addresses several critical community needs, including:
- Affordable Housing: The project includes affordable housing components, helping the city meet its housing goals
- Environmental Consciousness: The development incorporates features to reduce greenhouse gases, including electric vehicle charging stations
- Economic Growth: The project will bring tax revenue and create local jobs in partnership with Hire MoVal
- Downtown Experience: Residents will enjoy new places to dine, shop, and experience arts and culture
City Officials Voice Strong Support
City Community Development Director Angelica Frausto-Lupo noted that Moreno Valley had been searching for a developer capable of bringing the “highest and best use” to the site, and Lewis fit that criteria perfectly.
Assistant City Manager Sean Kelleher highlighted how the Specific Plan exceeded traditional zoning requirements and aligned with the 2040 General Plan and downtown center zoning designation, stating, “This project goes beyond what many other projects in the city have done.”
Commissioners Express Confidence
Planning Commissioner JoAnn Stephan summed up the sentiment of many when she said, “The Lewis name alone stands alone. We are finally getting the class act builders, and dreams and visions for the city that are long overdue.”
Commissioner Nicole Taylor added her vote of confidence, noting, “I have never seen a Lewis property run-down, even after years of being up. Never, not once.”
Community Members Speak Up
Residents and local business representatives voiced their support during public comments:
“We are very happy that the developer is here. This is a great project and I support it,” stated Donovan Sadiq of IE Informer.
Roy Bleckert from IE Newswire Daily expressed that “Residents have been asking for development like Victoria Gardens for years,” adding that Lewis is building “a first-class, high-quality development” that will “attract people to come to Moreno Valley.”
Looking Forward
With the Planning Commission’s enthusiastic support, the Lewis Group of Companies appears poised to move forward with this transformational project that promises to elevate Moreno Valley and create the downtown area residents have long desired.
The development is expected to become a catalyst for additional high-quality investments in the city, setting a new standard for community development in Moreno Valley.
Lacie Vick is part of the Planned Communities team at The Lewis Group of Companies. She was born and raised in Southern California, and enjoys time with family and friends, reading, baseball (Go Angels!) and Disneyland.