For Economic Development Committee January 30, 2025
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Colby Cataldi, Director of Community Development
FROM: Paul Guerrero, Economic Development Manager
Title
Real Estate Update
Body
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
John Longville Train Depot (Rialto Metrolink Station) - 262 South Palm Avenue
The Rialto Station, a Metrolink San Bernardino Line station, is jointly owned by the City and San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. The station occupies approximately 4.4 acres with 286 parking spaces, along with an approximately 3,200 square foot depot building. Within the depot, there is an 840 square foot café space located on the interior west side. In November 2024, the City issued a 30-day notice of termination with the then current tenant. On January 6, 2025, the tenant removed all their remaining items. The café area will be scheduled for clean-up. Staff has drafted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new café tenant and it will be soon released.
Staff has drafted an RFP for a new café tenant, which is currently under review by the City Attorney’s office. Thereafter, the RFP will be released for a 30-day period with the goal to lease to a new operator. The lease will be for a one-year period with options to extend. A date for the café clean-up is being finalized.
136 Riverside Avenue
This vacant, City-owned site is located on the west side of Riverside Avenue between 1st Street and Rialto Avenue, and approximately 1,700 square feet commercial storefront with two rear alley access parking spaces. The building requires both interior and exterior improvements before any use can be considered.
Staff conducted an inspection of the space and has created an improvement work write-up. An in-house estimate of the required improvements is currently being developed. Upon completion of the assessment, staff will determine the scope and next steps for improvements.
308 N. Riverside Avenue
The privately owned site, located on the west side of Riverside Avenue between Foothill Boulevard and 3rd Street, covers approximately 0.64 acres (28,000 square feet). The previous 13,700 square-foot, two-story office building was destroyed by a fire, demolished, and removed. The owner was a willing seller. In May 2024, the Economic Development Committee discussed the opportunity to acquire the site and the City Council subsequently directed staff to pursue the acquisition as part of the City’s affordable housing development strategy. In November 2024, the City entered escrow with the property owner. The property remains in an extended escrow due to the amount of back property taxes owed and remains the obligation of the seller.
To ensure ample time is given during escrow to address all related real property matters, the escrow period is being extended.
130 S. Willow (former Mortuary)
This property acquisition closed in December 2024 and is currently in use by Rialto Police Department for staff parking. Public Works is embarking on the next steps to abate and demolish the structure and maintain the asphalt parking lot until further direction is given by city leadership.
Miro Way Industrial Development (Newland Investments)
Newland Investments, the applicant, proposes to develop two (2) industrial warehouse buildings on 20.78 acres of land located at the southwest corner Miro Way and Ayala Drive and rezone approximately 7.5 acres land located at the northwest corner of Miro Way and Ayala Drive from School to General Commercial with a Residential Overlay.
Features of the proposed development include:
• 399,967 square foot industrial warehouse building
• 28,302 square foot industrial warehouse building
• 73 dock doors
• 32 trailer parking spaces
• 261 passenger vehicle parking spaces
• Landscaping
• Concrete tilt-up screen walls
The applicant has filed Specific Plan Amendment, Conditional Development Permit, and Precise Plan of Design applications to facilitate the development of the project. Additionally, an Environmental Impact Report, along with supporting technical studies, is being prepared for the project, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Specific Plan Amendment, Conditional Development Permit, Precise Plan of Design, and Environmental Impact Report will require a review by the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council, which is anticipated to occur late Spring 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends EDC receive the update and provide comments.