Ontario residents urge city officials to reject Walker Lake Road rezoning

ONTARIO — Concerns continue to grow over a proposed rezoning along Walker Lake Road, where residents urged city officials to reject the plan during Wednesday evening’s meeting.

The second reading of the proposal, which would change the property from R-2 Medium Density Residential to a Planned Unit Development, received multiple comments during public commentary.

In a previous council meeting, Radd Schneider, vice president of acquisitions for Redwood USA LLC, stated the reason for requesting the rezone.

“In terms of the PUD instead of the R-2, the biggest reason for us is the R-2 density works, but you do have to do duplexes, which must be individually lotted,” he said. “Whereas with Redwood, because these are technically apartments, it’s basically one big lot, and that is what all the buildings sit on and what our LLC owns.”

Residents push back on rezoning plan

Several residents voiced opposition to the proposal and urged council members to deny the request.

“Just vote no,” Robin Vanerio said. “It’s that simple.”

Residents also raised concerns about traffic safety, particularly regarding a traffic study that found no need for turn lanes at intersections within the study area.

“That road has got to be widened and it has to have a turn lane in it,” Mike Stallings said.

Stallings said he plays softball with his grandsons in his front yard and worries about vehicles turning near his property.

“I think the people that have come to these meetings have shown you their opinion and what they feel about something going in,” Stallings said. “They don’t want that.”

Redwood USA LLC plans to build 113 rental units in a condominium-style layout on the site. The development would place 80 units in Ontario and the remaining units in Mansfield.

City officials will hold the ordinance for the required three readings, with the third reading scheduled for Wednesday, March 4.

Ontario senior invites community to upcoming musical

During public commentary, Ontario High School senior Bradley Swain invited the community to attend the school’s upcoming production of Annie Get Your Gun.

“It’s OK if you don’t like musical theater because I didn’t either — until I did this,” Swain said. “I don’t remember why I signed up, but I did, and now I love it.”

Swain will make his musical debut when the show opens Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m.

Senior Emma Henderson will portray Annie Oakley, and senior Payne Schwartz will portray Frank Butler.

Assistant Principal Jonathan King is directing the production with Condrea Mason “Conne Band” serving as assistant director.

The school will host additional performances Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m. in the Ontario High School auditorium at 467 Shelby-Ontario Road.

Tickets cost $15 and will be available at the door for cash or online.