Apple Valley “State of The Town” Highlights New Business Growth

As stated in an article in the Victorville Daily Press, August 21, 2019, residents can expect to see smoother roads and a number of business developments in the next several years, town officials told attendees of the “State of the Town” event. About 200 people gathered at the Apple Valley Conference Center for lunch and to learn about updates in the area. Much of the presentation focused on highlighting new and expanding businesses, which Councilmember Art Bishop said pay impact fees and sales taxes that fund essential services. One of these large-scale developments expected to become fully operational this year is the Big Lots Distribution Center. Located on a 106-acre property northwest of the Apple Valley Airport, town officials said the company is expected to employ up to 500 people. Bishop said upon the center’s completion, Big Lots will have contributed more than $800,000 in impact fees to Apple Valley Unified School District to develop future schools. The Apple Valley Fire Protection District has also received over $130,000. The company has also partnered with the town to improve Navajo Road and pave Lafayette Street, Bishop said. A project in the design phase, Apple Valley Gateway Center, will be the first commercial property fronting a freeway for the town. The 10-acre property will be designed to house 80,000 square-feet of retail space, restaurants and fuel stations at the northeast corner of Interstate 15 and Dale Evans Parkway. In addition, more than 1,300 acres of undeveloped land north of Bell Mountain that was successfully annexed in 2019 added “three miles of prime freeway frontage to the town’s boundaries,” said Mayor Larry Cusack. When it is developed in four phases of five-year increments, the planned 247 residential units and 3.6 million square feet of industrial space could net more than $11.3 million for the Town of Apple Valley. Officials also highlighted several road projects in the works. A widening and realignment of Highway 18 is expected to begin late next year and cost about $9 million, Cusack said. The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority awarded $281,000 towards building sidewalks, crosswalks, disability ramps and upgrading bike paths in the area adjacent to Rio Vista Elementary School. The town also received $1.8 million in SB1 funds which will pay for micro-surfacing 44 miles of road.