On September 25, 2013, at Mahany Community Center, members from several RCONA neighborhood associations met with developers of the proposed Retail Complex to be built at the Blue Oaks and Woodcreek Oaks intersection. The developers’ invitation provided an opportunity for neighborhood leaders to provide input into the project—what would potential customers like to see there?

The following Neighborhood Associations were represented:

Blue Oaks -- April Marskell and

Quail Glen -- Elfi Sotomayer and Irene La Vigne

WestPark-Fiddyment Farm -- Loren and Sue Cook, and Joe Van Zant

Although invited, Sun City and Highland Reserve had no attendees present.

Curt Burwell, head developer of the project, introduced his team -- Richard Sambucetti (Architect), Jeffrey Dorso, and Chuck Cunningham (Planning/ Engineer). Also present was Wayne Wiley, City Planner. They gave a presentation of the conceptual plan--architectural site and landscape plans, providing a packet of the same for each neighborhood and showing a palette of the actual color schemes to be used in the project.

The development will be all retail. Details mentioned included parking per code requirements, ample site lighting, and easy access -- including 3 potential entrances/exits on Blue Oaks with a separate access lane, and another entrance/exit on Woodcreek Oaks. Medians along Blue oaks will be upgraded, and discussions with the City will include a potential stoplight to help traffic issues along Blue Oaks.

Mr. Burwell said one final parcel at the corner was still in negotiations, but would probably end up as a drug store site; it could open as early as next summer (2014). Other tenants would follow as agreements are made so facilities don’t sit unoccupied. Other comments and suggestions for potential stores included Trader Joe, PetCo, UPS Store, a used book store, and food places like Pannera, Baja Fresh, and Chipotle.

The developers said they felt the meeting had provided helpful input to their future planning, and the neighborhood members expressed their appreciation for being included in the planning process of the future retail center.

An official public hearing will be held in the future as City regulations require, and notices will be issued at that time. Mr. Burwell asked that any questions or feedback during the process be directed to his attention at ceburwell@aol.com.