Colonies still a plus
UPLAND - City officials believe construction of the Colonies development has been beneficial to the city overall, despite years and millions of dollars spent on litigation surrounding the project.
The city has spent about $3.64 million since 2005 on litigation associated with a $102 million settlement made by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and Rancho Cucamonga developer Colonies Partners LP over the construction of a water basin on the property.
Colonies Partners LP constructed the more than 400-acre commercial and residential development in northeast Upland, as well as the 67-acre water basin used for water retention and recharge.
The city has received more than $8 million in sales tax revenue from the commercial portion of the development since 2005. It expects to receive about $800,000 in property tax revenue for the 2010-11 fiscal year.
On average, the city makes more than $2 million annually in tax revenue from the development.
"I think you have to realize irrespective of legal expenses to fight with the county, that it is far exceeded by sales tax and property tax income," said Councilman Ken Willis.
"The income has been a positive, and the income will come infinitum into the future, and the lawsuit will end, and we do fully expect to get reimbursed for our legal expenses," Willis said.
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