CENTER PLEASES NEIGHBORS DEVELOPER AGREES TO WORK TO KEEP RESIDENTS HAPPY.

Byline: Charles F. Bostwick Staff Writer

PALMDALE - Neighbors and developers pronounced themselves satisfied after a meeting discuss a proposed neighborhood shopping center in Rancho Vista.

Neighbors asked for an attractive center with high-quality businesses that would not bring nuisances like noisy late-night deliveries, and the developers said that was their plan.

``I know we live in Palmdale but keep in mind the value of these homes is pushing $500,000. That's important to us, so keep it pretty,'' neighbor Lynnea Ragsag said at Wednesday night's community meeting, which drew about 50 people.

Greg Quan of developer R.Y. Properties and Pacific Land, commercial real estate agent Mark McGaughey and architect Ken McKently answered questions about businesses that could go in on 25 acres at Rancho Vista Boulevard and Town Center Drive.

The first phase of the center will go up on 5 acres on the boulevard's southwestern side, where the developers hope to begin building by the end of the year. Development of 20 acres across the boulevard is waiting on a commitment from a supermarket to anchor it, the developers said.

Neighbors raised issues including a proposed exit from the 5-acre center onto Delson Drive, a narrow residential street; whether the center's buildings would block their views, and even advised the builders to choose a variety of palm tree that can survive Antelope Valley winters.

The residents suggested the centers bring in businesses such as Starbucks, Coldstone ice cream, Gelson's, a Whole Foods market and sit-down restaurants. They also asked for features such as a decorative fountain to make it more attractive.

The developers agreed to re-analyze the plan for the Delson Drive exit, said they plan to design the buildings and landscaping to minimize the impact on neighbors and understand that valley landscaping needs special consideration because of the climate.

Neighbors said they welcomed the meeting to talk to the developers.

``I feel they were happy to have this opportunity,'' said Pam Antonino, the meeting's instigator.

The developers seemed receptive to the neighbors' comments, she added.

``I really feel that they took them seriously,'' Antonino said.

After listening to the developers' explanation of their plans, neighbor Bill Brooks said, he thinks the center will be acceptable to residents, ``as long as they do what they say.''

Palmdale Councilman Steve Hofbauer, who sat in on the meeting, said bringing together neighbors and developers prior to city hearings is constructive.

``This helps get over a lot of speed bumps in the planning process,'' Hofbauer said.

The developers also were pleased by their reception by the neighbors.

`I don't see how it could have been any better,'' McGaughey said of the meeting.

West Palmdale has a population that is growing fast and that is already big enough that it should have more stores than are there now, McGaughey said.

The developers hope that building the smaller center first will induce a supermarket chain to agree to open a store in the larger center across the street. With a Vons 1 1/4 miles to the south, and an Albertsons under construction 1 1/2 miles to the north, the developers are hoping to attract a more upscale supermarket, McGaughey said.

``It's intended to provide goods and services for people that live in the neighborhood, not people who drive in from Lancaster,'' McGaughey said.

The 5-acre first phase could include shops, service businesses like financial institutions, and restaurants, though none with drive-throughs, developers said.

The 20 acres across the boulevard, on both sides of Town Center Drive, also could contain smaller stores, shops and offices, a gas station, a fast-food restaurant and a day-care center.

The larger area is big enough to keep a gas station and fast-food restaurant away from neighboring houses, the developers said.

City planners said they have been presented preliminary plans so far only for the 5-acre parcel. Whether the center plans must go before the Planning Commission for a public hearing depends on what businesses are finally proposed, officials said. Gas stations, businesses that would operate 24 hours a day and drive-throughs require public hearings.

City officials said they will require traffic signals at the intersection and the installation of right-turn lanes and a raised median in the center of Rancho Vista Boulevard.

City officials told the developers to conduct a noise study to demonstrate how noise will be kept within acceptable levels and said lights must not glare off the property.