Mission Viejo is proactively and uniquely working to address the economic fallout from the pandemic and seismic shifts happening in the way we work and live. Today, more than ever the Core Area Vision Plan, the community-based design for the City’s Downtown Core area approved by the City in 2017, is ripe with opportunity for economic revitalization.
The community’s robust feedback in the early stages of this project helped shape the vision for a lifestyle destination connecting our civic and retail core to more restaurants, shops and cultural arts activities.
During the summer, the City has been negotiating the purchase of the Stein Mart site. The property’s proximity to Oso Creek provides an incredibly unique opportunity to set in motion one of the Vision Plan’s core principles, “Connect to the Creek” and also moves us closer to creating a walkable village, paseo and vibrant community central core.
The City Council on September 14 will review the options for financing the purchase, which will be the first tangible step toward implementing the community-driven vision for a walkable village, paseo, and incredible entry that connects to Oso Creek and Trail.
As part of this unique process to benefit our community for years to come, two major bond proposals will be introduced for Mission Viejo: 1) The City will consider a $46 million bond to purchase the Stein Mart site, redevelop with small retail spaces that will be leased, and create a paseo (a plaza or walkway for strolling) that connects to Oso Creek, taking on the role of landlord/developer. 2) The Santa Margarita Water District will consider a $42 million bond to build a state-of-the-art water treatment plant for Oso Creek to clean and treat the water.
Part of the economic redevelopment plans for the City’s downtown core, the City will discuss the bond issue to purchase the Stein Mart site in the Village Center beginning at 6 pm on Tuesday, September 14 in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center.
Mission Viejo community stakeholders have expressed excitement and enthusiasm over the last several years for redeveloping the Downtown Core area. It is also essential to update the water treatment facility to more effectively treat the water flowing through Oso Creek. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, September 14 to learn how these bold investments are the key first steps toward making the Core Area Vision Plan a reality for our community and future generations of Mission Viejo.
For more information, visit https://envisionmissionviejo.com/. Information about Council meetings is available on this webpage.
