 A Trader Joe's store in Costa Mesa. Aliso Viejo is slated to get its own branch of the popular grocery store sometime in early 2009. FILE PHOTO BY RYAN HODGSON-RIGSBEE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
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Looking ahead: 2009 may see construction of postal facility, opening of aquatics center
What are some events likely to shape Aliso Viejo in 2009?
ALISO VIEJO After nearly two years of fighting, $240,000 in taxpayer money, countless public hearings, revisions and letters to the postmaster, Aliso Viejo residents still don't know what will become of the city's largest remaining parcel of open space that's targeted for a mail processing facility?
That may change in 2009. With the project's environmental impact analysis process nearly complete, construction on the project could begin as early as the first quarter of the new year.
But, city officials may have something to say about that. Councilwoman Carmen Cave has previously indicated the city will file suit to stop the project, while former Mayor Bill Phillips said the city's legal strategy for using the courts to stop the project has already been formulated in closed session. While neither has elaborated on the specificities of their legal arguments, any filings will likely – at the very least – cause some short-term delays for the facility's projected 18-month construction.
Aquatics center, Trader Joe's store to open
A long postponed opening for the city's new pool and aquatics center will finally come to fruition in 2009, when the facility opens its doors to residents during the Memorial Day weekend.
While initially slated as a possible year-round facility, City Council opted to instead run the facility from Memorial to Labor Day – a business model that the city projected would most quickly bring the facility's books into the black. The center will provide discounts for Aliso Viejo residents, and also incorporate an elegant party space for weddings and other large private events.
Residents will also sow the benefits of a new Trader Joe's, slated to open at The Commons sometime in the first quarter of 2009.
Residents may feel effects of AVCA budget crunch
In 2008, a perfect storm of economic forces caused the Dow to nearly halve, credit markets to dry up and pushed homeowners all over Southern California into short-sale or foreclosure.
Aliso Viejo was no exception to the world's broader economic woes, and as the Aliso Viejo Community Association saw its delinquent payments increase from $20,000 to more than $400,000 – an more than 2,000 percent increase in only a year – board members acknowledged it would take some creative bookkeeping to keep the organization afloat.
While residents will see a slight increase in their quarterly dues to the organization, AVCA board President Ross Chun said residents should be prepared for postponements in capital improvement projects, along with cuts in landscaping services and city events. Residents may also see an increased working relationship between City Hall and the master homeowners' association, as both strive to fill in service gaps to residents.
Intra-city shuttle to open
The city will likely have final plans for an intra-city shuttle for transportation from major employment hubs – such as Soka University or the Renaissance ClubSport – to Town Center and the Metrolink station in Laguna Niguel.
The project, funded through a "Go Local" grant, may ease local traffic and encourage commuters to use public transit.
"If we're really good, the shuttles might even be up and running at the end of 2009," Mayor Pro Tem Phillip Tsunoda said.
Savannah's Organic Garden
When Aliso residents Joe and Lisa Sachen lost their daughter Savannah to cancer in 2007, they knew their special little girl would cringe at the thought of a monument dedicated solely to her memory.
Instead, the bereaved parents turned their tragedy into hope, holding events to raise money for medical research, building small community gardens throughout the city and starting an organization dedicated to eradicating pediatric cancer.
Following in their daughter's footsteps, the Sachens have become one of the city's most prolific do-good volunteers. Their overarching goal to build a large organic garden in Savannah's memory, as well as any number of small efforts along the way, will no doubt have a tremendous impact on the city in the coming year.
Contact the writer: 949-454-7309 or ccaesar@ocregister.com
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