Poor Market Blamed For Construction Delay on Vacant Lot

It has been four years since the Glendora Planning Commission approved a Minor Conditional Use Permit for a 4,000 square-foot commercial building located at 510 South Grand Avenue, but since that time, asset managers Kennedy Wilson Investments has delayed construction due to a poor economy.

The Planning Commission approved the project in 2008, and under city guidelines, projects are given one year to start construction.

“When a property is entitled, [the one-year deadlines are in place so] that the applicant work toward the construction on the project, not to have entitlements languishing for a number of years,” said Planning Director Jeff Kugel.

However, a representative with Kennedy Wilson told the commission that a bad economy has made it unfeasible to begin construction at this time.

“We are very eager to pursue this project,” said representative Tyson Strutzenberg for Kennedy Wilson. “With rents we are seeing at the property… and vacancies up and down main Glendora thoroughfares, right now it’s not economically viable.”

Commissioners were frustrated over the project’s lack of progress. According to Strutzenberg, asset managers for the property have not pursued any potential tenants.

“Given the lack of available of construction financing for a spec building, it’s not in the cards right now,” he said.

Commissioners voted in favor of continuing the extension for another year, however Commissioner Cliff Hamlow casted the lone dissenting vote.

“I need a compelling reason to vote for an extension,” said Hamlow. “I’m not convinced it’s the economy. I’m more convinced it’s the location.”

According to city staff reports, the project is hindered by its location, with the proposed development “not oriented toward the street.”