Brookfield Residential and Lennar Corp's Controversial The Groves Project Moving Forward
The Groves, a 75 acre mixed-use property in Whittier, California, is pushing forward after more than a decade of legal arguments and contention.
The property, a converted youth prison, includes 561 for sale homes adjacent to an apartment building called The Altura which will incorporate 189 units for rent. The Groves will also boast various eating and shopping establishments over 160,000 square feet of commercial space within the community.
Despite assurances from the developers, many community members have raised red flags. The developers aim to create a rosy picture. But neighbors continue to bring up contamination and preservation issues related to the old Omega Chemical Corp. facility that notoriously contaminated Whittier soil and ground water during the seventies and eighties. Another community member noted that "the historic complex is quite pretty and tasteful", but "I have zero faith in Lennar providing any structures worth saving."
Despite community opposition, the developers claim that historical preservation issues and land use arguments have been reconciled and the development is on track.
Read more on Urbanize.
Read more about the controversy on BISNOW.