West Covina : Complex Gets Initial OK

The City Council has given preliminary approval to a developer’s proposal to build a hotel and office complex on an 11-acre site at the northwest corner of Grand and Holt avenues, south of the San Bernardino Freeway.

The components of the project, which will need subsequent approval, include up to 70,000 square feet of offices, 21,000 square feet of retail space, two restaurants comprising 22,000 square feet and a bank building of 11,000 square feet. Fullerton Developer C. W. Poss’ proposal also calls for a 150-room hotel, which was approved on the condition that it not exceed three stories.

Approval was given Monday to a scaled-back plan from Poss, who had originally proposed building one of nine alternatives for the site but refused to commit to any specific plan. Last year, the Planning Commission rejected the developer’s proposal because of the uncertainty and concerns of nearby residents that the project would increase traffic, noise and air pollution.

To obtain the council’s approval and the necessary city zoning changes, Poss negotiated the scope of the project with planning officials and neighborhood groups. City officials said no dollar figure was available for the project.