In 2010, residents objected to a new residential development that was to include a shopping center. So the city got rid of the shopping center part and replaced it with a two-acre park.

The result? One of the largest San Gabriel Valley housing developments is moving forward, starting with a neighborly tour of the site today that is expected to be positive.

“The opposition was rooted in the commercial component. Once that was eliminated and the commitment to add a park was added, the opposition pretty much went away,” said Community Development Director Greg Gubman.

On Saturday, residents gathered at Castle Rock Elementary School for an explanation of the development and in particular, the mandatory neighborhood park. Then, weather permitting, they will be shuttled to the site with notepads and pencils to jot down what they envision for the dirt lot, Gubman said.

“It will be playgrounds, tot lots, park benches, maybe some barbecue areas and no sports field lighting,” he said, reading from the project’s specific plan.

Read more in Steve Scauzillo’s story LENNAR.