FAQ Page
FAQ PAGE
What will happen to the preschool and Mt. Olive School?
The District is working on plans to move the preschool program and Mt. Olive onto other District properties.
What will happen to Otis Gordon park?
The park will remain on the property with planned upgrades.
Per the conceptual site plan that is an exhibit to the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (“ENA”) that was approved by the Board, a dog park seems to be contemplated. Will one be included in the final design?
Project details like the inclusion of a dog park have not yet been finalized. The conceptual site plan that was attached to the ENA as an exhibit was very preliminary to give the Board and community an idea of what the project could potentially look like. A proposed site plan, which will be submitted to the City of Duarte (“City”) will be presented in an open session meeting(s) on September 12, 2024, that will be noticed pursuant to the Brown Act requirements and the community is invited to attend. A series of community input meetings will be scheduled for the community to ask questions and provide input before the final site plan is approved and the project is entitled.
is entitled.
When will demolition begin? Will the community be notified?
Demolition will not occur any time soon because the developer still has a lengthy 18 to 24-month project entitlement process to engage in with the City after a proposed site plan is submitted to the City for consideration and approval.
The community is concerned about the homeless population that could occupy the area around the closed Andres Duarte school site and related safety concerns. What can be done?
These concerns are best directed to the City, which is the responsible agency for the sidewalks, etc., around the Property. The District can only control sites under its ownership/control (e.g., school sites).
The area is already congested and what will happen with additional traffic in the area?
Before the developer can develop the former Andres Duarte site (“Property”), the proposed project will have to go through the City’s entitlement and environmental review process, which will likely include traffic studies and mitigation, if the City requires it.
What are you doing to invest in the kids and their future in the City?
We are investing in our children and in our city by designing homes that attract young families with young children. New families attend our schools, participate in community events and shop at local businesses.
How will additional noise and dust be handled?
Before the developer can develop the former Andres Duarte site (“Property”), the proposed project will have to go through the City’s entitlement and environmental review process, which will likely include traffic studies and mitigation, if the City requires it.
What are the plans with the Site? Is the deal already done?
The conceptual site plan that was attached to the ENA as an exhibit was very preliminary to give the Board and community an idea of what the project could potentially look like. A proposed site plan, which will be submitted to the City of Duarte (“City”) will be presented in an open session meeting(s) on September 12, 2024, that will be noticed pursuant to the Brown Act requirements and the community is invited to attend. A series of community input meetings will be scheduled for the community to ask questions and provide input before the final site plan is approved and the project is entitled.
Demolition will not occur any time soon because the developer still has a lengthy 18 to 24-month project entitlement process to engage in with the City after a proposed site plan is submitted to the City for consideration and approval.
How has this proposed project been publicized?
The decision to develop the property was discussed and approved at a public meeting of the Duarte Unified School District Governing Board. The proposed project and preliminary site plans have been discussed at public meetings of the Duarte City Council meetings. Notices of future meetings to gather community input and approve the final plan will be publicized on the School District website and via District distribution of notices. Residents in the immediate area of the property will receive hard copy notices.
Has there been any environmental studies conducted?
Before the developer can develop the former Andres Duarte site (“Property”), the proposed project will have to go through the City’s entitlement and environmental review process, which will likely include traffic studies and mitigation, if the City requires it.
What is the project timeline?
The ENA is for a total of 24 months, during which time the developer seeks input from the community and District and seeks to obtain entitlements and environmental review from the City.
Were there other groups engaged in the process, other than Adept?
Yes, a total of 15 developers submitted proposals to the District’s Request for Qualifications and Request for Proposal (“RFQ/P”) for ground lease and development of the Property.
What will happen with the proceeds from the lease? Are they earmarked for something specific?
The District is assessing how best to utilize the proceeds and will provide further information regarding anticipated uses as the Board gets closer to considering the approval of a ground lease agreement with developer.
Who will be able to afford the residences?
One of the goals of the District is to attract families whose children will go to District schools. The units will be priced and sized to meet that goal.
Has the District looked into teacher housing?
The District is considering all options, including workforce and affordable housing.
How did the initial joint occupancy process occur?
On November 17, 2022, the Board adopted Resolution No. 06-22-23, Resolution of Intention of the Board of Education, which authorized staff to provide notice of the District’s intent to accept proposals for the joint occupancy development of the Property.
On April 7, 2023, the District received submittals from developers in response to the RFQ/P.
On July 19, 2023, the District completed oral interviews.
On August 14, 2023, the District received the Best and Final Offers from the Developers.
On October 19, 2023, the Board approved Resolution No. 04-23-24 selecting Adept’s proposal.
Explain the timeline going forward.
A proposed site plan, which will be submitted to the City of Duarte (“City”) will be presented in an open session meeting(s) on September 12, 2024, that will be noticed pursuant to the Brown Act requirements. During the fall and winter of this year, a series of community input meetings will be scheduled when the community may ask questions and provide input. At the same time, the proposed project will have to go through the City’s entitlement and environmental review process, which will likely include traffic studies and mitigation, if the City requires it.
How many bedrooms? Will they include workforce housing for nurses, firemen, policemen, and City of Hope employees? How much say does the Board have?
The units will be 3 and 4 bedroom townhomes. The District considered the housing needs of those residents who serve in our community. Conversations about the plan will continue throughout the City entitlement process. The Board of Education must approve the final plan.
What was the purpose or function of the Asset Management Advisory Committee?
The Committee reviewed the Property after the closure/consolidation process and made recommendations for its use/disposition
Why a lease vs selling the property?
Leasing the property allows for the District to generate a consistent and reliable revenue source from its real property asset. Also, the District maintains ownership of the Property for future needs.
Who will maintain and repair the development project after it is completed?
The developer will hire a reputable property management group.
What if the District is unhappy with the Developer? Is there a fee to terminate the agreement?
There are termination options in the ENA.