Fountain Valley Crossings back on council’s front burner

Fountain Valley Crossings is back.

The long-in-the-works rezoning plan went before the Fountain Valley City Council for a refresher course Tuesday night.

City planning and building director Matt Mogensen gave a brief recap of the package of zoning changes that could allow redevelopment of 162 acres of a mostly industrial area in the southwest portion of the city. Most of the buildings were developed in the 1970s and the area hasn’t changed much since, he said.

The plan would make future building possible and promote revitalization but does not identify specific development projects, he said.

“There is no construction project as proposed here,” Mogensen said. “This is zoning like any other zoning we have in the city.”

The council last considered the Crossings plan in June, when it postponed a vote on an environmental report to allow more public comment. The city has since released a revised report that made some tweaks, mostly to the traffic component.

Consultants will review the changes with the council Jan. 23, when the panel will again consider certifying the environmental report. Council approval is needed before the city can make zoning changes.

The Crossings area, bordered by Ward Street, Talbert and Ellis avenues and the Santa Ana River, eventually could become a diverse blend of retail and entertainment venues, as well as up to about 500 homes.

Mogensen said the project could give property owners incentive to invest in their properties — which could bring up property tax revenue — allow more sales-tax-generating uses, be a source of impact fees and become an employment hub.

“A lot of people really agreed that being proactive is the right thing to do,” he said. “Looking 20 years out is a good idea.”

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Nagel asked how the residential component would address future needs as identified by the state.

Mogensen said other housing projects would cover that.

Residents have offered comments at or before past city meetings, many against the Crossings. Their concerns include increased traffic and stress on infrastructure and local schools, along with an overall distaste for the plan’s housing element. They also want the effects of the upcoming 405 Freeway expansion to be known before the city moves ahead.

Three people spoke against Fountain Valley Crossings on Tuesday; one person in favor.

Resident Kim Constantine reminded the council of her strong opposition to the project.

“It’s going to be something unimaginable in this city,” she said. “We do not want Crossings. We don’t need Crossings.”

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD