RC CitizenView

The Ranch Cucamonga planning department has chocked long enough on the term “Specialty” store. Fresh and Easy was required to appeal to the city council, a denial by the planning commission for a new location in the Thomas Winery center.

I1. CONSIDERATION OF APPEAL OF A PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION TO DENY USE DETERMINATION DRC2008-00179 - LEGG MASON REAL ESTATE INVESTORS, INC. - A REQUEST TO DETERMINE IF A PROPOSED “FRESH & EASY” MARKET SHOULD BE PERMITTED UNDER THE “SPECIALTY FOOD STORE” LAND USE CATEGORY WITHIN THE SPECIALTY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT OF THE FOOTHILL BOULEVARD SPECIFIC PLAN (SUBAREA 2).

This issue should never have placed at risk the opportunity for the center owners to secure a substantial long-term occupant. Rancho Cucamonga is often been criticized as un-friendly to business. A similar store “Irvine Ranch Market” was approved and located in this center. Requiring this growing, well respected business, to participate in this “fire drill” contributes to the reputation of being un-friendly.

The council often cites the quality and expertise of the city staff as an asset to the city. Where is the common sense in this exorcize? The process of unnecessary review by the council is costly and jeopardizes attraction of quality businesses to our city.

Just because Fresh and Easy is a large corporation and can afford to spend the time and money to forward this appeal, others may not. Anyone who listened to the nitpicking of the definition of “specialty” is reminded of the Bill Clinton confusion with the word “is”.

Council member Williams distaste for self-checkout and product presentation has nothing to do with the subject of the appeal. Get on with the approval and let the customers decide on self-checkout or assistance. This is a very successful business model and will continue to be successful without the advice of the Rancho city council members.

Welcome to Rancho Cucamonga Fresh and Easy.