Frequently Asked Questions

Why Andres Duarte School?

We would ask that you please visit the District Website for more information on this topic. We would add that we simply responded to a Request For Qualification (RFQ) / Request For Proposal (RFP) and competed against dozens of other development proposals. Crestfield Townhomes was awarded the opportunity for multiple reasons, two of which being that it was the only family-oriented townhome project that would deliver a long-term revenue stream to the District. It would also make significant improvement to the park. Other projects proposed an outright purchase of the land and / or were conventional vertical multi-family apartments as are being built throughout the city and region.  

Why Rental and not ownership?

An important feature of this project is the long-term revenue to the District. The long-term lease would also supply property tax revenue to the City, which it currently does not receive. The main reason why this cannot be for-sale is that the District would have to sell the land to the developer, so that the homes could be sold to buyers. Under this scenario, money from the sale of the land would be directed to the State of California and not to the local district. Under the ground lease, the District can utilize the funds to make improvements as it sees fit.

Is the project already approved?

The project is NOT approved. The project is at the very start of a long process that will require multiple public hearings, meetings, and studies. Most notably, the project will require a full Environment Impact Report (EIR) that will study potential impacts to traffic, air quality, and noise, amongst other features.

Has the developer purchased the property?

The developer HAS NOT purchased the property. More information about the land is included below in the following questions.

What about traffic?

We heard you loud and clear – your neighborhood is treated as a bypass to backups on the 210 freeway and Foothill Blvd. The first step will be to take measurements on how much traffic is cutting through, how much traffic was created by the school, and how much traffic is expected from the project. Once we have this data, we will work with the City and traffic engineers to find solutions.

In the meantime, we will work with the City to understand what kind of project features we can implement that would help alleviate cut-through traffic, to reduce speeds, and improve safety.

What is the process?

The project will have to go through a number of hearings and approvals, in front of Planning Commission and City Council. A full Environmental Impact Report will also need to be completed to study potential significant environmental effects of the proposal, including impacts on factors like air quality, water quality, wildlife, traffic, noise, visual aesthetics, cultural resources, and geology. The EIR will analyze how the project might affect these elements and proposing mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts while considering project alternatives; essentially, it provides a comprehensive assessment of a project's environmental footprint before development approval.

What about the cell phone tower?

The cell phone tower will be removed.

Will the park remain in place?  

The park will remain in place, as a public park under a joint use agreement with the City and District. As part of the project, the Otis Gordon Sports Park will receive a multi-million dollar upgrade with:

New turf; New energy efficient lighting; New sports fields – Full Baseball, Practice, and Soccer; New bleachers and seating; New Tot-lot with rubberized play surface for enhanced safety; New walking path; New shade canopies; New fitness facilities; New heritage specimen trees; New picnic and BBQ amenities; Relocation of the parking lot to minimize impacts on neighbors and enhance visibility and safety; Create a natural basin that will capture rainwater and recharge ground water facilities; Utilizes drought-tolerant / native plant species supporting the local ecology

What about the block wall on the north, can you install more landscaping instead?

We want to work with neighbors to find the best solution here – we are open to discuss wall, or fence, or landscaping and trees, or some combination. We don’t have all the answer today and want to collaborate with you, the neighbors.

Will the project be surrounded by walls?

The project will not be fenced in, walled in, or gated. Units will face the street, just as existing neighbors and houses do today. We believe in providing an accessible community that is integrated as much as possible

Will there be affordable units?

The City is likely to mandate some level, which is expected to be “workforce housing” suitable to teachers, librarians, nurses, or police and fire.

How will residents be assured they will be safe?

Applicants who wish to live within the project will need to submit an application for qualification, which can include criminal background checks as well as financial credit checks.

How will I be notified of future meetings and or hearings?

Crestfield Townhomes commits to continued communications via mail, just as we notified you for the community meeting, and by email. You can register below for email notification. The City will send notices and post notices for hearings. We do not want to keep you in the dark, and would prefer to have you at the table to help us develop. plan that is broadly supported.