Mission Viejo Council To Discuss $88M Plan For Downtown

MISSION VIEJO, CA — The City of Mission Viejo is using its developing Core Area Vision Plan to address the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The community-based design for the city's downtown area is being discussed at Tuesday's city council meeting, as council members look at different financing options for big investments needed to bring the Core Area Vision Plan to life.

According to the city's website, this week's council meeting will be the first step toward bringing the $88 million project into fruition.

The project aims to connect the city's civic and retail centers to more restaurants, shops and cultural arts activities, as well as introduce a walkable village and paseo to the community. There are big plans to expand the Oso Creek Trail by five miles, create public areas for live music and entertainment and introduce a network of retail spots, restaurants and other activities to the downtown area.

During the meeting, two bond proposals will be made to city council members. Council members will consider a $46 million bond to purchase the Stein Mart site in downtown Mission Viejo. The bond would fund redeveloping retail spaces that will be leased, and creating a walkway or plaza that connects to Oso Creek. The Santa Margarita Water District will additionally consider entering into a $42 million bond with Mission Viejo to build a water treatment plant for Oso Creek in order to clean and treat the water. According to the city's website, a water treatment facility for Oso Creek is "essential" for the project and the creek itself.

Residents are encouraged by the city to attend Tuesday's city council meeting to learn more about the developments for the Core Area Vision Plan. Council meets at 6 p.m. for their general session at Mission Viejo City Hall, 200 Civic Center.