San Gabriel Valley : DYNAMIC POMONA

Looking to revitalize Pomona’s western front, the city is seeking help in acquiring the 166-acre General Dynamics plant that closed in 1992.

Calling the proposal the city’s biggest economic development opportunity, officials met with Sen. Barbara Boxer in Washington this week to lobby for a base closure grant that would help clear the way for a new use for the former missile-building site. City officials also enlisted her help in acquiring the plant from the federal government, which owns it.

“The senator pledged to do whatever she can to help us acquire and develop the site, and bring thousands of jobs to Pomona,” said Councilwoman Nell Soto.

The city wants help to buy two-thirds of the site--valued at $10 to $15 million--for commercial use and hopes that the rest can be donated for public use such as recreation. The acquisition of the plant, which once employed 10,000 workers, is the key to a five-year plan to revitalize West Mission Boulevard.