Frequently Asked Questions

Updates

  • 05.18.09
  • Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions about the Notice of Preparation Process
  • Read More
  • 05.07.09
  • Text of Letter From Residents to City Regarding Agreement
  • Read More
  • 04.21.09
  • Sully-Miller Arena Owner Takes Steps to Ensure Ongoing Public Access to Arena
  • Read More

Questions

  1. How was the plan for Rio Santiago conceived?
  2. How will the Rio Santiago plan protect the quality of life in our neighborhood?
  3. How can we be assured that the active adult residences are built and not some other use? Also, how do we know community benefits will be delivered as promised?
  4. Will the new multi-purpose trails and parks be available for use by the public?
  5. Will Santiago Creek remain in its natural state?
  6. What will happen to the Sully-Miller Arena?

  1. How was the plan for Rio Santiago conceived?

    The plan for Rio Santiago was conceived after an extensive process of community input and collaboration spanning nearly two years and reflects a new consensus approach to land planning and community outreach. Our goal is to make sure that the site provides the greatest benefits to the Orange community while still ensuring its financial viability.

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  2. How will the Rio Santiago plan protect the quality of life in our neighborhood?

    The current rock-crushing operation will be replaced by a comprehensively planned 110-acre community that includes 80 acres of open space and recreational uses (approximately 73% of the property).

    Of the 80 acres of open space/recreational uses for Rio Santiago, 42 acres encompass natural open space along Santiago Creek, creating the Santiago Creek Greenway Reserve. Other key open space features include nearly two miles of public hiking and bike trails, a land dedication that could provide future connectivity to the regional trails system and Santiago Oaks Regional Park as well as active recreational uses such as sports fields and parks.

    Approximately 30 acres of Rio Santiago has been planned as a luxury active adult community with architectural styles and landscaping that reflect the character of the surrounding area.

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  3. How can we be assured that the active adult residences are built and not some other use? Also, how do we know community benefits will be delivered as promised?

    Before there was a formal application to the City of Orange for Rio Santiago, we reached out to the surrounding community, key stakeholders and groups to secure their input on desired land uses. The end result of this process was the signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by The Coalition Group (representing the Mabury Ranch HOA, Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance and Orange Citizens for Parks and Schools). The MOU identifies project components and timelines, and guarantees MOU signators the right to review all detailed plans before development approvals are granted.

    To help create an additional layer of review by the City as well as our neighbors and members of The Coalition Group, each of these planning areas will have to go through a Major Site Plan Review process requiring the creation of detailed plans, drawings, illustrations, and other information to ensure that what is being proposed for the planning area is in compliance with the Specific Plan. In addition, members of The Coalition Group and other stakeholders will be asked to review the plans for each planning area to ensure compliance.

    Plus, we are proposing a Development Agreement that will legally mandate all project improvements as well as other requirements and obligations. The Development Agreement will then be adopted by City ordinance and will run with the land.

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  4. Will the new multi-purpose trails and parks be available for use by the public?

    Yes, the trails and parks will be available for public use.

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  5. Will Santiago Creek remain in its natural state?

    The proposed Rio Santiago land plan calls for the preservation Santiago Creek in its current, natural state, and will protect the riparian habitat, flora and fauna along the creek corridor.

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  6. What will happen to the Sully-Miller Arena?

    JMI Real Estate (JMI) is the owner of the current Sully-Miller licensed arena, the vacant lot adjacent, and the flower shop property. JMI has been allowing the OPA Community use of the arena at no cost for almost 2 years. In addition to the cost to acquire the land, JMI has also been paying for the property taxes.

    For years, the Sully-Miller Arena has helped to enhance the local equestrian lifestyle. Under the terms of a legally-binding Development Agreement that will take effect upon City approval of Rio Santiago, JMI will donate the arena to an area non-profit organization to ensure that it remains open to the public.

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