Will Calle Arroyo Equestrian Property Be Rezoned For Housing?

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — On Tuesday, the San Juan Capistrano City Council will review an offer of the Calle Arroyo Property currently operated by the Ortega Equestrian Center. An offer is on the table for $150,000 - above the asking price of $120,000, according to the city. Their recommendation will be to complete the transaction, according to reports. The council will meet in closed session about the transaction before the community focused session which begins at 5 p.m.

The land in question at Calle Arroyo and Rancho Viejo Road has office spaces and a riding ring for equestrian use. It was announced for sale by the city in mid-October under the surplus land act, where the city can offer land up to help curb affordable housing shortages. The parcel is surrounded by both office areas and retirement housing.

It would seem the riding facility has outlived its original purpose in an effort to provide low-income housing for the city.

A recent city staff report reads:

The proposed sale of the property to the adjacent landowner at or above fair market value is envisioned to facilitate improved options for long-term use of the site, while mitigating future risk and maintenance obligations associated with City ownership. The Calle Arroyo parcel is currently operated under a License Agreement by Ortega Equestrian Center and used for office space, support facilities and a riding ring, all in conjunction with a larger commercial equestrian and stable operation located on an adjacent property owned by St. Margaret’s.

R&H Land Partners is in discussions with the Ortega Equestrian Center, and will allegedly allow their use of that property for a "limited time," according to the city.

The city first approved a resolution to sell the parcel to R&H Land Partners on Oct. 19. That land parcel is near the St. Margaret's Episcopal School and the Ortega Cottages Business Park.