Urgency Ordinance Involving Former Diamond Bar Honda Site Adopted

On Tuesday night, the Diamond Bar City Council voted to adopt an urgency ordinance that placed a 45-day moratorium on issuing land use permits at the vacant Diamond Bar Honda site.

The vote came after Community Development Director Greg Gubman explained the reasoning behind bringing up the ordinance. Right now, the property is zoned C-3, allowing a wide range of uses, from retail to restaurants to hotels, and the city wants to ensure that whatever goes on the site benefits the community. 

"Because of the uncertainty regarding final size, configuration and access to the former Diamond Bar Honda premises, the viability of the site to attract stable land uses that will benefit both property owners and the city of Diamond Bar is unclear at this time," he said. 

City staff will use the time to work on new zoning, and although the ordinance could be extended for up to two years, the city said it wants it done in the shortest possible time frame.

A representative from the company that purchased the property in October 2007 also spoke to the City Council. He wanted to go on record stating that since the Honda dealership relocated in 2008, the company is only receiving revenue from a Burger King on site. He added that the company has paid all property taxes, insurance, and upkeep costs.

"There is significant damage done to the site," he said. "The dealership is vandalized beyond recognition."

He asked if the vote could be postponed, as the company will meet with Gubman and City Manager James DeStefano on Thursday to discuss the site.

"We've also held off on development for five years now, and we realize we're on the same team moving forward," he said. "It is our intention to develop this site to the highest and best use. It would be in all of our best interest to be able to communicate and move forward on the same path."

DeStefano reiterated that staff recommended approving the ordinance, and that despite the moratorium, parties will be able to continue having an ongoing dialogue.

The ordinance was passed 5-0.