El Centro, California Development News
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City of El Centro Council Meeting :: July 21, 2026
Published: Jul 21, 2026
Veterans Memorial Expanded with Additional Wall, Pathway Construction Postponed
The City Council approved a change to the Veterans Memorial Phase Two project, opting to add a second memorial wall instead of constructing a planned concrete paver pathway. This change was proposed by veterans and supported by the Mayor, who noted the veterans' preference for a symmetrical design and the potential for future expansion. The revised plan will reduce costs by approximately $23,162 due to removing the pathway, vegetation, benches, and lighting bollards, though some materials were already purchased. The new wall will be similar in design to the existing one, providing a balanced aesthetic. The pathway, estimated to cost around $57,000 without landscaping and benches, may be revisited in the future.
Planning Director Appointed to Imperial County Data Center Advisory Committee
The City Manager recommended appointing Angel Hernandez, the Planning and Development Director, to represent the City of El Centro on the Imperial County Data Center Advisory Committee. This committee was established at the request of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors to discuss data center developments. Hernandez's expertise in planning, regulations, and CEQA was highlighted as valuable for understanding and communicating the technical aspects of these discussions to the council. The committee's role is advisory, with no action to be taken by the committee itself, but rather to gather information and report back to the city council.
New Housing Improvement Program Focuses on Owner-Occupied, Low-Income Homes
The council discussed the development of the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Owner Occupied Housing Improvement Program. The program aims to assist low-income homeowners, especially seniors and individuals with disabilities, with essential repairs like accessibility modifications, AC replacement, and roofing. Available funding is $1.4 million, potentially assisting 57 households. Key criteria include owner-occupancy, low income, and a resident needing accessibility or mobility support. A proposed loan structure, with repayment upon property transfer at 3% interest, aims to create a revolving fund. The council provided feedback on prioritization and loan vs. grant structure.
Basketball Courts to be Upgraded at Swarth Out and Legacy Parks
The council approved the bid for the Swarth Out and Legacy Parks Basketball Court projects. The Swarth Out Park, a large park in the northeastern quadrant, will receive ADA improvements, a new water fountain, and resurfacing of its cracked basketball court. Legacy Park, a pocket neighborhood park, will have a new half-court installed based on resident surveys. Cactus Desert Construction was the lowest bidder at $199,500 for the combined projects, with a favorable reference check. The council also approved a contingency amount of $20,000 for the project. Mayor Protemka Camarena expressed excitement for Swarth Out Park, noting its constant use by various neighborhoods.
Gomez Park Construction Moves Forward with Additional Funding and Scope Adjustments
The council approved funding and a change order for the Gomez Park construction project. The project, with a total grant amount of $5.7 million, includes multi-purpose sports courts, inclusive playground areas, an adult exercise area, a pavilion, restroom/snack bar facility, shaded Ramadas, a walking path, athletic field with lighting, and two parking lots. The council authorized using Measure P funds for the $555,240 contingency and approved a change order for $343,279.75 to Three Peaks Construction. These costs are within the allocated project budget, which has increased due to construction cost inflation and stormwater improvements. Reductions were made, such as removing amphitheater seating in favor of open green space and purchasing playground equipment directly to save funds. The project aims to provide a high-quality park for the neighborhood, addressing historical lack of lighting and amenities.
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The El Centro News archive
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