The Yucca Valley Planning Commission meeting began with a request to move an item from the Consent Agenda to Department Reports. The Commission then formally reviewed the Exterior Color Change application for the Spark by Hilton Hotel, formerly the SureStay by Best Western. At the meeting on January 28, the Commission voted to continue the item as the geometric design on two sides of the building did not fit within the Commercial Design Guidelines. The corporation revised the design with a slightly altered color palette that fits within the Guidelines.
The Commission approved the altered color palette, allowing the corporation to move forward with improvements, as noted by Commissioner Stoker.
“We look at businesses that care about how their building is perceived. There are some businesses we could look at that haven’t been painted in 50 years. Here is someone who wants to do something, albeit different than what we are used to seeing, it is at least an improvement over tired; it’s at least fresh.”
The Commission then reviewed a second Exterior Color Change application for the commercial space formerly occupied by Aaron’s appliance and furniture rental. The applicant requests to extend the existing parapet on the site and remove two decorative tower features. The Commission also approved this application, and Vice Chair Vasconcelos celebrated the revitalization of the vacant space.
“I’m excited about these older shopping centers and bringing new life to them. This shopping center has been dead for years and years, and now the shopping center is becoming very popular again, with lots being filled up. Hopefully with this type of action and bringing more tenants into places like this they can upgrade other shopping centers and make updates to attract tenants to those as well.”
Town Staff presented the Land Development Update; notably, Walmart has formally submitted a Conditional Use Permit to add a convenience store and fuel station on their property. They then noted that the California Fish and Game hearing for review of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan is scheduled for today. The Public Comment period for the item has been limited to 60 minutes, with priority given to elected officials and Native American tribes.
