By K.P. Sander Norco – Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park, the anticipated 122-acre recreational facility that began its development as far back as 2007, has been at a standstill for some time. Developer R.J. Brandes of Balboa Management Group, vowed the project’s completion as recently as July of this year, telling City Council that delays from property flooding, a lack of funding, and a personal divorce were at the root of the problems. He said funding was imminent the next week, and the project would be completed in nine months. The barren acreage at Hamner and Citrus Avenues does not excite one to expect a grand opening this spring. But all this doesn’t mean that completion of the project isn’t hoped for. If finished, the park will be used for equestrian and sporting events, as well as dog shows, car shows, weddings, corporate and community events, circus performances, camping, and more. The park would also join with nearly 120 miles of biking, jogging and equestrian trails. With 25 sports fields, six equestrian sand rings, an event center with climate-controlled barn, reception hall, and camping and recreational vehicle space, Silverlakes would definitely be a destination facility as well as a bonus to the City of Norco and the surrounding areas. Will the project ever reach completion? Brandes agreed to provide updates at the City Council meetings each month, but since there is nothing new to report, he has not been present. Citizens of the area have a right to know, however, what is happening with the project. A lot of graded land doesn’t do anyone any good. Dave Henderson, Norco Planning Commission Member, and his wife, Shirley, made a public presentation at the American Legion Hall to do just that. On October 18, 2013, Henderson provided the facts surrounding Silverlakes: • $5.1 million was spent by the end of 2012. • No authorization existed beyond $3.7 million. • No water, sewer, or road infrastructure is in place. • Water/sewer municipal bond money appears to have been used for something other than the designated purpose. • Inspections were not made. • Documents required before any money was to be released are not with the City. • The only loan that is contemplated in the Funding Agreement is for when bond funds are repaid by Balboa to the City over the next 30 years. • Billing was not for the actual cost of facilities or discrete components, as was required. Henderson said, “Putting the construction, billing and everything else we have discussed together, the only conclusion possible is: The Funding, Acquisition and Construction Agreement and the ground lease agreement were not followed by ANYONE”. Henderson posed a lot of questions in his presentation, mainly, why wasn’t the agreement followed, and where was the City Attorney in all of this? In speaking with Norco City Councilman, Harvey Sullivan, he has a few questions of his own. “Brandes accepted the property “as is”. The initial funding should have been used to lay the water, sewer and road infrastructure”, he says. So why, then, did Brandes spend $5.5 million to move in 300,000 yards of dirt instead of laying the infrastructure? Sullivan adds, “There is still some of the initial $6 million set aside, so why isn’t it being used to lay the infrastructure now? No further requests for release of funds have been received. Why aren’t they moving forward?” Brandes is apparently seeking funding to complete the project. To move forward there is a requirement to provide a letter of authorization showing funding for $36 million. The City of Norco has received nothing to date. So where does this leave us? Sullivan says, “Both sides, Brandes and the City of Norco, violated the original agreement. Hamner Avenue was not widened by the City by the April 19 deadline, and Brandes did not use the land as intended. A wrong has been done by misleading the City Council and the public by wrongful use of the funds; people have enough trouble trusting their government. But we all hope the project will be completed”. The current situation is awash in funding, reimbursement, legalities and mistrust. The City is going to have to amend the contracts and figure out some way of getting the project back on track. Lawyers say the case has been filed with the District Attorney, so time will tell what happens next. When asked if Silverlakes is still a go, Sullivan says, “I certainly hope so! It will be a boon to all the areas surrounding it”.
