Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Superior Court determined that allegations made by Quartz Hill Cares against the City of Lancaster are unfounded. In Quartz Hill Cares v. City of Lancaster, Quartz Hill Cares alleged that the City violated Planning and Zoning laws and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) when the City approved development of the area located at the northwest corner of 60th West and Avenue L in Lancaster. After reviewing all case-related evidence, the court ruled in favor of the City.
“The City is pleased to overcome this hurdle and is looking forward to the developer proceeding with this project. This has been a long and difficult process with many viewpoints involved,” commented Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We are glad the court upheld our stance in yesterday’s ruling.”
“The City and developers will continue to work with the community, as we always have, to make this project an asset to west Lancaster and the surrounding area,” said Lancaster City Manager Mark V. Bozigian.
The City approved zoning of the subject property to allow for the development of The Commons at Quartz Hill project, which includes 40 acres of retail and commercial businesses to be anchored by a Wal-Mart Super Center. Opposing the City’s decision, Quartz Hill Cares petitioned for a writ of mandate to block the project.
The court denied the petition for a writ of mandate, as well as requests for judicial notice. The City was found to be operating within the law in all areas of the planning and approval process. The cost of defending the lawsuit was borne by the developer, not the City.
Lancaster City Attorney Dave McEwen stated, “The court’s agreement with the City’s approval of the project enables the developers to move forward with this development.” McEwen also added, “This court ruling demonstrates that the City was both accurate and thorough in meeting the procedural, technical, and substantive requirements of the Planning laws and the California Environmental Quality Act.”
City officials expect the property owners will now commence with their development plans which will further bolster the local economy for Lancaster residents and business owners.
“The development of this project will provide numerous local construction jobs and ongoing employment for Antelope Valley residents, along with significant revenues to pay for critical City services,” concluded Mayor Parris.
12 comments:
Yes, well al the construction jobs are temporary unfortunately. What really aggravates me is for some reason WalMart and the City of Lancaster think we on the westside can't be incovenienced to travel 6 miles to the nearest WalMart! Unbelieveable.
All of the Construction jobs will most likely be out of town companies anyway. I wouldn't worry about them only being temporary because there will probably none.
Anonymous said,
It's not about convenience, it about making sales tax money from those outside the City of Lancaster. It does not matter to them if they destroy the local uncorporated area values and significantly increase traffic, noise, and crime. They get the money and Wal-mart get to reduce their competition in the area. Good choices for both of them.
Unfortunately, the long-term consequences of this and similar actions is the lowering of the standard of living in this country.
I live a few blocks from 60th West & Ave L and I am devastated by the news of Walmart coming to the west side. Yes, I have to travel a little to get to stores but THIS is the reason I moved out there. It's peaceful and quiet. I am not looking forward to the "trash" this Walmart will bring. I am almost positive crime will go up once this store opens. What a disappointment.
I also live in that area and will not be shopping at this store.
One of the things that we love about our area is that it is just residential.
Target, here I come.
"Trash"... LOL!!! That's funny, if Walmart thinks there are enough of it's potential customers in your neighborhood and you think that walmart shoppers are trash, guess what that makes you. LMAO.
Right across from the High School too. Traffic. There already is a ton of trash on that fence by that farm. It's no big deal to drive to the other Walmart's. Feel bad for the people that moved here to be away from it all. Sick of Walmart, they only practically sell Chinese products and not American, put little people out of business. Just had to vent.
I can't tell you how happy I am that Walmart is coming to Quartz Hill, I do live in Quartz Hill and have for many years now. I think it is wonderful that Walmart is opening their doors. More jobs, More money for the city and Walmart is very community friendly. They help out the schools, people in need. When people were evacuated because of the fires who was there with food, water and toys for the kids, WALMART. So lets work together for the better of Quartz HILL.
PROGRESS?
Quartz Hill doesn't get any money. The sales tax money goes to Lancaster.
p.s. QH better start thinking about incorporating itself, else they are going to be annexed to either Palmdale or Lancaster ... or split up between them.
I am sorry for the way my city lancaster has treated quartz hill this new walmart is not needed and the people of quartz hill should have been treated with more respect I will not shop at this or any other walmart in this valley I will not be a part of incresing crime in any part of this town I will shop at Kmart
I am looking forward to the new retail center at L and 60th. Not too crazy about Wal-Mart but it beats not having to driving to the 14 to get anything.
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