More Bisno transparency

I got this earlier this week from the company handling Bisno Development's PR:

(BALDWIN PARK- CA) - The Builders of Baldwin Park's Future will hold a series of six workshops to ensure transparency with all stakeholders regarding the $3 billion and 125 acre development project that aims at turning Baldwin Park from a "ghost town into a boom town."

Bisno Development Co. invites residents to take a look at the Draft Master Environmental Impact Report that was released in June to become better informed about the project, ensuring maximum transparency during the EIR public comment period.

"We have a copy of the EIR study and the project plans in our office to share with stakeholders and answer their questions. Members of the public can get a copy of the EIR from the City Clerk," said Bisno's Development Co. Vice President, Ricardo Monroy. "Our office has an open door policy. We welcome neighbors, businesses and the community at large to participate in this historic moment for the city."

Three public hearings about the EIR have been held recently and another three are scheduled to take place during the month of July. Residents can review the key findings of the report and make their comments to the City. The Draft Master EIR analyzes the project's impacts and identifies mitigations needed to lessen all considerable impacts of this vibrant project by assessing residents' needs and concerns.

"I urge my neighbors to get involved and review the proposed project and its key findings. We want residents to share their views in the EIR process," said Magda Torrellas. "It is important that neighbors become involved to ensure that the city builds a 'safe, vibrant, and healthy' community by updating our downtown."

The City of Baldwin Park aims at reinventing itself from a ghost town to boom town. Thousands of residents share the city's vision and support the project because redevelopment project promotes economic vitality for the city, safety and security and a healthy lifestyle that will allow the residents to connect from North to South in a 125 acre stretch.

City officials and Bisno Development are still in negotiation. The city assures residents that their ultimate goal is to guard and enhance Baldwin Park's future by bringing necessary and much-needed revenues to the City. The Builders of Baldwin Park Future are working with the City officials, businesses and residents to ensure economic well-being for years to come. The project will secure the financial strengths of the city which include (but are not limited to): public services such as police and fire, reducing crime, creating steady employment, as well as youth and senior citizen services, affordable housing, and bringing ample community and business facilities to the region.

Background:

Two years ago, City leaders and staff selected Bisno Development Company (BDC) to enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) to propose the design and development of the designated downtown redevelopment zone. The ENA requires that BDC develops an EIR and submits a design for the project which will require approval from the City of Baldwin Park and reviewed by various local agencies. Upon completion and approval of these requirements, the city will consider entering into a Development and Disposition Agreement with BDC.

The press release makes it sound as if six workshops are going to be scheduled, but then goes on to state that three hearings on the EIR have been held, and three more will take place in July. I don't know if they're talking about the same thing, but when I find out, I'll follow up here.