In a continuing multi-part series providing an in-depth look into the activities and successes of Lewis Pacific Partners and their affiliated entities as the preeminent player in area business and politics, we now look behind the scenes at the City of Rialto and its I-210 Corridor project, and coinciding political contributions to the city’s elected leaders.
The I-210 Corridor Project is the conversion of the City of Rialto Airport and surrounding area into a sprawling multi-use development proposed by Lewis Investments, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company.
Lewis Investments, LLC., was handed an Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement in September 2003, which has since been amended and extended multiple times.
On November 27, 2001, the Rialto City Council acting as the City Redevelopment Agency (RDA), accepted the Airport Area Development Report. RDA staff was directed to develop scope of work and cost estimates. The concept of non-aviation purposes is also introduced at the meeting. Mr. Richard Scanlan, Director of Airport/Solid Waste makes the presentation to the City Council.
On July 2, 2002, the Rialto City Council acting as the City Redevelopment Agency (RDA), adopts the Redevelopment Plan. (Ordinance No. 1333)
On May 27, 2003, Rialto City staff identifies I-210 Corridor as priority for redevelopment.
On June 17, 2003, City of Rialto Economic Development Director Robb Steel presents a professional services agreement with Planning Center for preparation of the Rialto Airport Area Asset Strategy. The Rialto City Council acting as the City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) approves the agreement.
On August 5, 2003, City of Rialto Economic Development Director Robb Steel presents a proposal to hire Keyser Martson and Robert Charles Lesser & Company, to conduct a real estate market economic development analysis. The Rialto City Council acting as the City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) approves the proposals.
On August 14, 2003, the concept of an Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement (ERN) is presented to the Economic Development Committee of the City Redevelopment Agency.
On September 2, 2003, just 19 days later, an Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement (ERN) is presented to the City Redevelopment Agency (RDA). Meeting minutes indicate Agency staff had already held preliminary discussions with Lewis regarding planning and development of the site.
On September 16, 2003, the Rialto City Council acting as the City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) approves an Exclusive Right to Negotiate agreement (ERN) with Lewis Investments, LLC, which is presented to them by Economic Development Director Robb Steel. The meeting minutes state the RDA entertained preliminary discussions with Lewis Investments.
The first step of the redevelopment process says the RDA will “only negotiate with the developer” for this particular part of the city.
On May 18, 2004, the Rialto City Council meets as the City Redevelopment Agency (RDA). During closed session, Economic Development Director Robb Steel updates the Council on his negotiations with David Lewis concerning price and terms for payment for acquisition of property located at Highland Avenue and Ayala Drive. The City Council authorizes Steel to come to an agreement with Mr. Lewis.
On June 30, 2004, the Exclusive Right to Negotiate Agreement reaches its termination date.
On August 3, 2004, exactly 34 days after its expiration, the Rialto City Council acting as the City Redevelopment Agency, extends the Exclusive Right to Negotiate agreement (ERN) to July 30, 2006.
On July 30, 2006, the Rialto City Council acting as the City Redevelopment Agency, extends the Exclusive Right to Negotiate agreement (ERN).
The following political contributions, which have grown in size and frequency, were made to members of the Rialto City Council by Lewis Pacific related entities, with interests in the I-210 Corridor project area. Amounts do not reflect any sums from Lewis funded political action committees.
06/14/05 Lewis Investment Company to Ed Scott $ 990.00
06/22/05 Young Homes to Ed Scott $3,500.00
02/06/06 Lewis Pacific Partners to Ed Scott $ 990.00
03/27/06 Lewis Investment Company/ to Ed Scott $ 175.00
Lewis Pacific Partners
04/13/06 Lewis Investment Company/ to Ed Scott $ 637.50
Lewis Pacific Partners
04/27/06 Lewis Investment Company to Deborah Robertson $2,465.25
06/15/06 Lewis Pacific Partners/ to Joe Sampson $2,500.00
Lewis Investment Company
08/04/06 Lewis Investment Company to Deborah Robertson $3,000.00
09/13/06 Lewis Investment Company to Joe Sampson $4,500.00
09/13/06 Lewis Pacific Partners/ to Joe Sampson $ 944.00
Lewis Investment Company
09/20/06 Lewis Investment Company to Deborah Robertson $ 500.00
10/12/06 Lewis Pacific Partners to Ed Scott $1,500.00
11/27/06 Lewis Investment Company to Joe Baca, Jr. $5,000.00
03/28/07 Lewis Investment Company to Joe baca, Jr. $2,000.00
03/30/07 Young Homes to Joe Baca, Jr. $1,000.00
08/14/07 Lewis Investment Company to Joe Baca, Jr. $1,000.00
11/26/07 Lewis Pacific Partners to Mayor Grace Vargas $5,000.00
02/20/08 Lewis Pacific Partners to Mayor Grace Vargas $5,000.00
03/28/08 Lewis Investment Company to Joe Baca, Jr. $2,500.00
04/03/08 Lewis Investment Company to Winifred Hanson $5,000.00
04/03/08 Nadel, Inc. to Winifred Hanson $ 500.00
(Architect/Developer)
05/14/08 Lewis Investment Company to Deborah Roberston $5,000.00
06/05/08 Hillwood Investment to Winifred Hanson $3,000.00
06/18/08 Lewis Pacific Partners to Mayor Grace Vargas $5,000.00
07/07/08 Lewis Investment Company to Deborah Roberston $2,500.00
09/29/08 Lewis Pacific Partners to Ed Scott $1,949.08
10/01/08 Lewis Investment Company to Winifred Hanson $1,919.93
10/02/08 Young Homes to Ed Scott $6,000.00
10/06/08 Lewis Investment Company to Winifred Hanson $4,500.00
10/06/08 Lewis Investment Company to Ed Scott $4,500.00
10/07/08 Lewis Pacific Partners to Mayor Grace Vargas $5,500.00
10/08/08 Hillwood Investment to Ed Scott $3,000.00
10/14/08 David R. Lewis to Ed Scott $3,500.00
10/15/08 Hillwood Investment to Mayor Grace Vargas $1,000.00
10/16/08 David R. Lewis to Joe Baca, Jr. $5,500.00
10/18/08 Young Homes to Ed Scott $ 500.00
12/10/08 Lewis Pacific Partners to Mayor Grace Vargas $5,500.00
03/05/09 David R. Lewis to Joe Baca, Jr. $5,500.00
05/26/09 David R. Lewis to Ed Palmer $5,000.00 Totals Ed Scott $26,341.58 Deborah Robertson $13,465.25 Ed Palmer $ 5,000.00 Grace Vargas $27,000.00 Joe Baca, Jr. $22,000.00 Winifred Hanson (* Replaced by Ed Palmer) $14,919.93 Grand Total
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