A Unanimous Welcome
The recent Planning Commission meeting turned into a celebration of the Lewis Group of Companies’ dedication to quality and community-focused development. Both city officials and residents alike expressed strong support for welcoming such a respected developer to Moreno Valley.
“When you think of the Lewis name, it is the measuring stick of high-quality retail and mixed development. Their products speak for themselves,” remarked Planning Commissioner Daryl C. Terrell during the meeting.
Meeting Community Needs
The proposed development is designed to address several key priorities for Moreno Valley:
- Affordable Housing: The project includes affordable housing units, helping the city meet its housing goals
- Environmental Sustainability: Features such as electric vehicle charging stations aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Economic Growth: The development will generate tax revenue and create local jobs through the city’s Hire MoVal initiative.
- Downtown Experience: Residents can look forward to new dining, shopping, and cultural experiences in a vibrant downtown setting.
Strong Support from City Officials
City Community Development Director Angelica Frausto-Lupo emphasized that the city had long sought a developer capable of delivering the “highest and best use” for the site—and found that in the Lewis Group.
Assistant City Manager Sean Kelleher praised the project’s alignment with the 2040 General Plan and downtown zoning goals, stating: “This project goes beyond what many other projects in the city have done.”
Commissioners Express Confidence
Planning Commissioner JoAnn Stephan summed up the sentiment of many when she said, “The Lewis name alone stands alone. We are finally getting the class act builders, and dreams and visions for the city that are long overdue.”
Commissioner Nicole Taylor added her vote of confidence, noting, “I have never seen a Lewis property run-down, even after years of being up. Never, not once.”
Community Voices
Public comments echoed the Commission’s enthusiasm: “We are very happy the developer is here. This is a great project, and I support it,” said Donovan Sadiq of IE Informer.
Roy Bleckert of IE Newswire Daily added: “Residents have been asking for development like Victoria Gardens for years. Lewis is delivering a first-class, high-quality development that will attract people to Moreno Valley.”
Looking Ahead
With unanimous support from the Planning Commission, the Lewis Group of Companies is poised to move forward with a transformative project that promises to elevate Moreno Valley’s downtown and set a new benchmark for community development.
This development is expected to spark further high-quality investment in the city—bringing to life the vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community residents have long envisioned.
Lacie Vick is part of the Planned Communities team at The Lewis Group of Companies. She was born and raised in Southern California, and enjoys time with family and friends, reading, baseball (Go Angels!) and Disneyland.