Twentynine Palms City Council pauses second reading of Ofland cancellation

At the beginning of the meeting City Manager Kevin Cole announced that the second reading of the ordinance rescinding the Ofland luxury resort project would be postponed until a later date. When resident Cindy Bernard asked why, Cole stated that it was being tabled to a later meeting. “We’re just not ready to bring it forward now. We will bring it back. 100%.”

This ordinance 330 was to have rescinded ordinances 322 and 323 which approved development code and zoning map amendments regarding the Ofland project. This was to have been developed next door to the Indian Cove residential area in Twentynine Palms, but plans were scrapped citing unfavorable economic changes.

At the Planning commission meeting last week, 4 separate properties were declared a public nuisance needing to be cleaned up. This week the City Council discussed the expense of such a clean-up. The abatement and clean-up of 7535 Sherman Hoyt Avenue was used as an example, where the confirmed cost was $39,049.77. The City can recoup its expenses by recording a Special Assessment against the property. While a significant waiting period is likely, the City will eventually be paid back for the expense of cleaning up delinquent properties.

Reach Out Morongo Basin is holding a Labor Day barbecue for Seniors this Friday September 4th, sponsored by the Simi Daba Sculpture foundation. Located at 6539 Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms, ribs and chicken are on the menu! Call 760-361-1410 for more information.