Development News for Claremont, California

Claremont Commission Approves Removal of 57 Street Trees for College Sports Bowl and Street Improvements

The Commission discussed and approved the removal of 57 street trees along Claremont Boulevard between 6th Street and Foothill Boulevard to accommodate the construction of the Claremont McKenna College Roberts Campus East Sports Bowl project and related complete streets improvements. The revised designated street tree list was also approved. This decision allows for the regrading and lowering of the medians to create a more sustainable and maintainable design, which is expected to capture stormwater and improve root development. The project aims to create a complete street design with protected bike lanes, narrower traffic lanes, and improved pedestrian crossings. Staff recommended the removal as the current median design with berms is not sustainable and leads to recurring root issues causing pavement damage. The city plans to replant at least 57 additional trees of similar varieties, focusing on species that perform better with the new median design and irrigation system. Concerns were raised regarding the funding of these improvements, with the college expressing a different interpretation of their financial obligations than initially stated in the staff report. The Traffic and Transportation Commission had previously expressed concerns about ongoing pavement damage due to tree roots affecting cyclist and pedestrian safety. The approval allows for the regrading of medians to a lower, more sustainable design, which will necessitate the removal of existing trees. The city has allocated funds for improvements from Foothill Boulevard to 6th Street and is exploring funding for the median work north of 9th Street.

Claremont Dialaride Program to Increase Fares and Reduce Hours Amidst Ridership Surge

The Community and Human Services Commission reviewed proposed changes to the Claremont Dialaride program, including fare increases and adjusted hours of operation, to address significant budget overruns due to unexpected ridership growth. The program, administered in partnership with Pomona Valley Transportation Authority (PVTA), has seen a surge in general public ridership, particularly from Claremont Colleges students utilizing Uber rides to destinations like Target and Montclair. To manage costs and return the program to sustainable levels (around $650,000 annually), the City Council directed staff to explore cost containment strategies. The approved recommendations include increasing fares for general public trips within the city from $2.50 to $4.50 and outside the city from $4 to $7. The operating hours will be reduced from 24 hours to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, based on analysis showing lower ridership during overnight hours. Fares for seniors and disabled individuals will remain unchanged. Trips to Montclair have already been removed as of March, and a monthly trip cap of 16 one-way trips for general public riders has been implemented. These changes are intended to moderate usage and ensure the program's long-term viability.

Claremont Announces Summer Special Events Schedule

An update was provided on the city's summer special events, including the Monday Night Concert Series, Movies in the Park series, the 25th anniversary of the Alexander Hughes Community Center, and National Night Out. The Monday Night Concert Series will run for eight weeks from July 6th to August 24th, featuring various music genres and four new bands, sponsored by the Qiantus Club of Claremont, who will also provide concessions. The Movies in the Park series will show five family-friendly G or PG rated movies on alternating park locations (Lewis Park, Juneville, Wheeler Park, Memorial Park, Yoat Park) from July 8th to August 4th, with pre-show activities starting at 7:30 p.m., sponsored by Xcel Taekwondo. The 25th anniversary of the Alexander Hughes Community Center will be celebrated on July 8th with an open house, performances, activities, food trucks, and more. National Night Out, hosted by the Claremont Police Department, will take place on August 4th at Yoat Park, featuring police vehicles, booths, games, and concluding with the movie Zootopia 2.

Claremont Recreation Department Shares Updates on Staff Recognition, Summer Programs, and Senior Services

The Director of Recreation and Human Services provided updates on various departmental activities. Sophia Flores was named Employee of the Quarter for her support to instructors, front counter assistance, and training of new staff. 15 staff members were recognized for recent high school or college graduations. Highlights from the summer activity guide include 'Making Mosaics' (ages 16+), 'Cheer Palm Prep Junior Squad' (ages 7-12), and 'Basketball Lab 101' (ages 5-14). The city's three wading pools will open June 15th through August 8th, with a 'Twilight Swim' program offered six times. Youth programs include the 'Parents Anonymous Life Skills Workshop' (resuming in fall) and 'Camp Claremont' and junior counselor training kicking off June 15th. Senior program updates include an emergency backpack distribution (80+ kits provided), a trip to the LA County Fair, upcoming trips to Route 66 and the Richard Nixon Library, and events like 'Music on the Patio' and 'Afternoon at the Opera.' Special needs programming featured an 'Ice Cream and Bingo Bonanza' and upcoming participation in the 4th of July parade, a police station tour, and a summer movie night. A blood drive is scheduled for tomorrow at the Hughes Center.