City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to approve a controversial 347-unit apartment complex at the former Kmart site in Mission Grove.
The decision came after nearly five hours of debate, with residents filling the council chambers to voice concerns about traffic, density, and neighborhood character. Business groups and housing advocates supported the project as necessary to address the city's housing shortage.
The development, proposed by Regional Properties Inc., will transform the vacant 9.92-acre Kmart parcel into five four-story apartment buildings. It includes studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units and amenities like a pool, clubhouse and dog park.
Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes cast the lone dissenting vote, citing safety concerns given the site's proximity to March Air Reserve Base.
"When we talk about building, we have to consider safety for our communities," Cervantes said. "I could not, in my good conscience and faith, go to sleep and vote yes on this."
The project required the council to overrule the Airport Land Use Commission, which found the proposed density of 35 units per acre far exceeded the 6 units per acre maximum for that safety zone.
Councilmember Chuck Conder, who represents the area, said he confirmed with base officials that the project would not impact operations.
"The Air Force has no issue with this," Conder said. "It will not affect base flight operations or affect the lives of the people on the base."
Dozens of residents spoke in opposition, raising concerns about traffic, school impacts and changing neighborhood character. Many urged the council to consider a smaller project more in line with existing development.
"We're not against development," said Brian Kerr, a 30-year Mission Grove resident and co-founder of the Mission Grove Neighborhood Alliance, "We know something's got to be there. We just want responsible development."
Supporters, including the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, argued the project would revitalize an underutilized site and provide much-needed housing.
"We are building at different points in all different types of housing all across the city," said Nicholas Adcock, president of the Chamber. "I recognize there are challenges, but I believe and have confidence that we can work on them together."
Developer Michelle Rubin said her team spent two years working with city staff on the plans. Her late father, Mark Rubin, developed much of Mission Grove in the 1980s.
"We are proud of the project we have before you this evening," Rubin told the council.
The approval includes a general plan amendment, a specific plan amendment, and a zone change to allow for higher-density residential use on the commercial site.
City staff said the project would generate about 1,464 daily vehicle trips, compared to about 3,000 when Kmart was operating. The development provides 513 parking spaces, with an additional 91 shared spaces available in the adjacent shopping center.
Several councilmembers acknowledged the difficult decision but said the city must embrace density and infill development to meet state housing mandates.
"We can't just pull the ladder up behind us and say sorry, sorry you weren't born 20 years earlier," said Councilmember Philip Falcone.
The project will now move forward to the building permit phase. Construction is expected to take about 28 months once permits are issued.
