The Jurupa Valley City Council meeting on August 7, 2025, focused on the appeal of the Camino Terrace Apartments project, an 80-unit affordable housing development proposed by Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation. The project includes 28 supportive housing units aimed at veterans, 51 affordable units, a community building, and a childcare center.

During the public hearing, council members and residents raised significant concerns regarding the project’s safety, traffic, and environmental impact. Councilmember Veronica expressed the need for backup generators to ensure safety during power outages, a concern echoed by other members. Staff confirmed that while discussions about generators were ongoing, they were not included in the current project plans. However, a city-wide ordinance requiring generators for future multifamily developments is in the works.

Residents voiced strong opposition to the project, citing issues such as increased traffic congestion, safety hazards for pedestrians, and the potential for emergency evacuation difficulties. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of sidewalks and the steep topography of the site, which could pose challenges for residents with mobility issues. The developer acknowledged the need for sidewalks and committed to contributing funds for their installation, but residents questioned the adequacy of this solution.

The council discussed the project's zoning, noting that while the site could accommodate more units, the developer opted for a lower density due to the challenging landscape. The project is positioned in a medium-high density residential area, allowing for up to 120 units, but the developer is only proposing 80.

Public comments highlighted a divide in community sentiment, with some residents supporting the need for affordable housing while others expressed fears about the impact on their neighborhood's character and safety. The council recognized the importance of addressing these concerns and decided to continue the discussion at a future meeting, with a focus on safety measures, traffic studies, and the potential need for additional infrastructure improvements.

The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing the urgent need for affordable housing with community safety and quality of life considerations. The council plans to revisit the project on September 4 or September 18, 2025, to further evaluate the concerns raised and determine the next steps.