Mayor Calls for Laguna Niguel Cultural Center

Laguna Niguel Mayor Robert Ming Friday lobbied the community to support ambitious projects such as the development of a cultural and arts center near the county courthouse and city hall.

At Friday's State of the City Luncheon held at the El Niguel Country Club by the chamber of commerce Ming also touted the city's financial position, public and private development projects in the effect and several initiatives he'd like to see move forward.

The largest of these initiatives he described is a partnership with a nonprofit called Guardian Stewardship to build an arts instruction center, performance venue, museum, sculpture garden and outdoor dining area on county land between the courthouse and city hall.

"There's a long way to go before this happens," he said, adding that the city would have to negotiate a land purchase from the county. "This is the vision I wanted to lay out for you. It's a very exciting possibility."

According to Guardian Stewardship's Facebook page, the organization "supports and promotes education and the development of self-knowledge through the preservation, conservation, and stewardship of historic houses, decorative arts, and natural resources."

Ming also said the city has a subcommittee working on plans to add restrooms, parking, new buildings and building renovations at the Crown Valley Community Park.

The reason the city can start moving forward on these projects, he said, is because of Laguna Niguel's balanced budget and strong reserves. The city's revenue last year totaled $37.8 million and the city has $40.2 million in reserves.

Ming also mentioned a number of ongoing and recently completed public and private development projects:

• This year, the city will finish up a five-year $30-million program to fix streets in residential neighborhoods.
• The city finished up the Crown Valley widening project, increasing traffic flow from the city onto the I-5 Freeway.
• The Career Lofts executive apartment suites will be under construction, as well as the 284-unit Crown Apartment Suites.
• A new “five-star, resort-style fitness center," Lifetime Fitness, will be built in the city.
• Allen Automotive Group Cadillac/GMC/Hyundai dealership will be undergoing renovations.
• The Laguna Niguel City Council is finishing up its Gateway Sign Improvement Program to allow businesses in the developing district more freedom to market.
• Cellular phone companies are continuing to replace streetlights with disguised antennas, improving service in the city.

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