CLEARLAKE >> Congressional representative Mike Thompson (D-4th) secured another $4.1 million for a variety of popular sports field parcels and took a victory lap with a tour of construction sites May 28.
Known as the Burns Valley Sports Complex, (near 18th Avenue extension and Highway 53) the project encompasses various public improvement sites. “Almost everybody is interested in this project,” said Alan Flora, city manager of the city of Clearlake. “Originally this was a Home Depot/Safeway development, years ago. We’re trying to push that in a different direction. At the beginning of COVID-19 businesses shied away from expansion. But retailers are not scared of that. People love the quality of the vision of these projects.”
Also providing a boost to the projects was Rep. Mike Thompson (D-4th) who arrived in the city with a check for over $4 million for support. Total cost of the projects is estimated to be about $20 million and once an environmental impact report is done, construction could begin next spring. At the 40-acre site (Old Pierce Field) just west of Highway 53, Flora pointed out on board diagrams where various amenities will be located. The idea makes the area a regional retail/market hub, based on the model of the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. One that would include a diversity of shops: bakeries, chocolatiers, wine cellars, craft breweries and a variety of restaurants. A fund of $1.2 million was set aside for infrastructure and roads to make such a public space viable and a draw to developers. On another artist’s rendition, Flora indicated a space reserved for Adventist Health Clinic. “As you know, construction of the 18th Ave. down from the hospital to Highway 53 was to start a year ago, but were awaiting the outcome of the lawsuit,” he said.
Flora is referring to the Koi Nation tribal leaders who maintain the projects are not in compliance with California Environmental Quality Act regulations. Flora is optimistic the city will prevail in the suit. Adventist will have an option to build a hospital at the site with two years to commit. Don Smith, director of well-being at Adventist, noted they are thrilled to partner with the city.
You come in for care, but then you encounter the possibilities of holistic experience,” he said. A medical office building would be their first goal, he maintained.
Flora pointed Adventist is constrained from expanding with limited parking, but the city offers them an alternative to increase capacity. Studies indicate Adventist is expecting 150,000 visits for their clinic. In addition, there will be a T.J . Maxx “We can apply for funding and work with Caltrans to provide a pedestrian/bicycle over-cross (spanning) Highway 53,” he added.
At the beginning of the tour, the bus pulled of at Redbud Park, 146555 Lakeshore, where Augustine Garcia, chair of the Elem Pomo Tribal Community informed the lot was sovereign Native American land. Recently Garcia expressed interest in purchasing the property but initially it seemed a “pipe dream” he confided. “We saw that this property was available, and we came in and really wanted to purchase it,” he said. “We all had visions of doing something for the community … I grew up here and I wanted to give back. And we started working with the city and everybody was fantastic. We were able to get the land in a trust and that’s it in a nutshell.”
His collaborator, Jack Duran, noted they gave credit to the city for providing them with a design. “There’s a lot of grant opportunities to make certain upgrades and will provide opportunities for generations.” The 4,500 square foot lot will serve as a transit stop/convenience store. It will have a drive-up window and also a self-serve check out aisle. In addition, they purchased the restaurant across the street, formerly the Grotto and now the Highlands Bar and Grill enjoying thriving business.
Flora pointed out they are seeing notable numbers of North Bay Hispanic families who have learned Lake County has a number of affordable houses and buying property. “These projects are a game changer for Clearlake, and we want to take the time to do it right,” he said.
