The Menifee Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend approval of Boulders II, a proposed 240-unit apartment complex, despite lingering concerns about a road that would run through a portion of Spirit Park.
Commissioner Michael Knighten recused himself from the discussion and vote out of an abundance of caution because he lives near the project site.
Wednesday’s decision comes after commissioners postponed their recommendation in September to give the developer more time to address concerns raised by residents and city officials.
Commissioner Chris Thomas said he had initially planned to vote against the project but changed his position after hearing about additional park improvements proposed by the developer. He warned that those commitments should not be reduced before the project reaches the City Council.
“If that doesn’t happen, I’ll say this on record so that the council listens to this. I would suggest a no vote at the council level,” Thomas said.
The project would be built on approximately 10 acres north of Newport Road, east of Berea Road, next to the existing Boulders apartment community. Plans include 10 two-story triplex buildings and five four-story apartment buildings.
Developer Rich Wilson presented several changes, including 23 additional parking spaces. Commissioners also required that surplus parking be available to residents free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents would also be able to use the existing parking podium at Boulders I for free between 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
Commissioners also required fencing along both sides of the project’s Newport Road entrance to direct pedestrians toward the crosswalk.
Other measures to reduce construction impacts include a second water truck for dust control, restrictions on heavy equipment near the eastern property wall and no construction parking along Dorval Court.
The city’s Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission voted Oct. 1 to postpone its assessment of the project, initially until December, because of concerns about the road through Spirit Park. Commissioners also requested a joint workshop with the Planning Commission.
On Wednesday, the developer and city staff discussed proposed improvements to Spirit Park and E.L. Pete Petersen Park, separate from the project’s required park fees. The improvements include replacing five outdoor fitness stations and renovating the pollinator garden at Spirit Park, along with restroom and basketball court improvements at Petersen Park.
The Planning Commission directed staff to continue working with the developer and Parks Commission to ensure the proposed improvements are included in the recommendation to the City Council.
Numerous residents and employees from the existing Boulders community spoke in support of the project. Several spoke positively about the property’s management, security and living conditions.
The Boulders I community manager also spoke in support of the project.Â
“I’m not asking anyone to ignore the concerns. I’m simply asking that the Boulders and the people who live there be judged fairly based on facts and not assumptions,” she said.
Others remained opposed, including Menifee resident Irene Hjelmervik, who lives near the property. She described problems she experienced during construction of the first Boulders development and questioned how another project would affect nearby homeowners.
Commissioner Tammy Ramirez also expressed concerns about the lack of a finalized agreement on park improvements.
“For me, it’s not an apartment issue. It’s just the bisecting of Spirit Park,” she said.
City staff said they would try to bring the project back to the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission before it goes to the City Council for final consideration.
