Savannah’s Organic Ranch – FAQ’s
How much will this project cost AVCA?
What if Savannah’s Organic Ranch goes out of business or leaves Aliso Viejo? What will happen to the Ranch, and the improvements to the land?
What if someone is injured on the property? Could AVCA be sued by the injured party?
How long is the lease agreement term?
Why would AVCA agree to such a lengthy term?
How much is this project expected to cost?
What is the final plan? Why isn’t there a formal plan to approve?
What if the final plan is not acceptable to AVCA or the surrounding communities? Will the residents have any recourse?
What if the proposed use causes traffic congestion or parking problems? What will the community do then?
Why doesn’t AVCA consider building a restaurant, shopping center or other revenue-generating business on the site to bring more money into the association?
Why has it taken so long for AVCA to develop this part of the park? The land has stood largely undeveloped for 20 years.
Once the project is approved, how long will it take for the residents to see improvements to the land?
Will there be a building on the project? How will the building obstruct the view of the canyon for the adjacent communities?
What will the building be used for?
Where will the money generated by the retail store go? Will AVCA receive these funds?
What other retail activities are planned for the facility?
Were any other uses considered for this property before bringing the Savannah’s Organic Ranch proposal to the delegates?
Q: How much will this project cost AVCA?
A: Not a cent. The SOR organization is funding the entire project, including all legal fees, mailings to the community, and ongoing operations at the site once the Ranch is built. To date, SOR has paid all of AVCA's costs, including postage and letterhead used to inform the delegates.
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Q: What if Savannah’s Organic Ranch goes out of business or leaves Aliso Viejo? What will happen to the Ranch, and the improvements to the land?
A: AVCA has several options, including taking ownership of the improved property for community use at no cost to the association. If AVCA decides not to maintain the Ranch, then the SOR organization will be required to return the property to it’s original state.
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Q: What if someone is injured on the property? Could AVCA be sued by the injured party?
A: No. A key component of the lease agreement is the requirement that SOR carry enough insurance to completely indemnify AVCA against any and all legal actions. SOR must maintain adequate insurance throughout the term of the lease.
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Q: How long is the lease agreement term?
A: The lease is structured to cover a 50-year term, renewable up to 4 times at 5 year intervals.
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Q: Why would AVCA agree to such a lengthy term?
A: The term of the lease is not unusual for this type of land use. A short term lease would drastically inhibit the SOR organization’s ability to raise funds and contributions for the project.
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Q: How much is this project expected to cost?
A: SOR is estimating the project to cost approximately $25 million over the 50 year term of the lease, depending on the final plan and the amenities that it will include. None of these costs would be incurred by AVCA.
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Q: What is the final plan? Why isn’t there a formal plan to approve?
A: SOR has created a proposed plan for the land use, based on input from the AVCA Board, AVCA staff, and the Parks and Landscape committee. The amenities were suggested by these groups and were part of the revised AVCA Parks Master Plan. Additional input was contributed by community members who participated in a series of workshops hosted by AVCA and facilitated by the RJM Design Group. A formal plan will be finalized once the land is secured, and the entitlement process is underway.
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Q: What if the final plan is not acceptable to AVCA or the surrounding communities? Will the residents have any recourse?
A: The final plan will be subject to all city and county restrictions and zoning ordinances, as well as the AVCA architectural guidelines and any restrictions articulated in the AVCA Governing Documents. Throughout the approval process, public hearings and discussions will be an integral part of the facilities development. Community members, city officials and AVCA will have ample opportunity to comment on the plan, and contribute to its refinement.
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Q: What if the proposed use causes traffic congestion or parking problems? What will the community do then?
A: Before construction begins, the City of Aliso Viejo typically requires a traffic study, parking study and consultation by approved third party experts in these fields to ensure the project does not have a negative impact on the community. Public hearings will also provide the community opportunity to comment on the project.
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Q: Why doesn’t AVCA consider building a restaurant, shopping center or other revenue-generating business on the site to bring more money into the association?
A: The land is not zoned for such uses, and AVCA is most interested in bringing a use to the area that will preserve the natural characteristics of the property and the open space quality of the area.
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Q: Why has it taken so long for AVCA to develop this part of the park? The land has stood largely undeveloped for 20 years.
A: AVCA is limited in the amount of funds it can set aside for capital improvements. Based on AVCA’s limitations, it would take decades or a significant special assessment to fund a multi-million dollar project such as the one proposed by Savannah’s Organic Ranch.
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Q: Once the project is approved, how long will it take for the residents to see improvements to the land?
A: SOR has proposed the project in several phases. The first phase, which should be completed within 18 months of the completion of the entitlement process, will include fencing, a graded parking lot, and access to the areas designated for community gardens.
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Q: Will there be a building on the project? How will the building obstruct the view of the canyon for the adjacent communities?
A: A modular building is proposed for the far end of the site. The building is designed to be sustainable, LEED Certified, with a low profile and various “green” elements. Because of the slope of the property, and the design of the building, a minimal view obstruction will result. In preliminary photos, the building is not visible from the road.
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Q: What will the building be used for?
A: There is a proposed plan for a teaching facility, classrooms, and a small retail shop where items such as water bottles, maps, and other small items can be purchased by visitors.
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Q: Where will the money generated by the retail store go? Will AVCA receive these funds?
A: Most of the revenue from the retail aspects of the facility will go back into maintaining the operation and the facility.
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Q: What other retail activities are planned for the facility?
A: There is a proposed farmer’s market planned for the site. This will give the community the opportunity to purchase the organic produce that is raised on the Ranch.
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Q: Were any other uses considered for this property before bringing the Savannah’s Organic Ranch proposal to the delegates?
A: Because of the zoning restrictions that apply to the property, there are very few uses that third-party applicants can propose.
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