Plans Floated for Acrisure Arena Expansion, Bringing Homes, Shops, and More to Thousand Palms Area

Plans to expand the area surrounding Acrisure Arena were given official approval by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, with a unanimous 5-0 vote. This approval paves the way for a new phase in development, which could bring homes, shops, and recreational centers to the area north of Interstate 10 in Thousand Palms. This expansion plan, which has been under consideration for almost 50 years, will reshape the community’s landscape.

The original North Star specific plan, approved in 2006, allowed for non-residential and resort-type uses, including a golf course and clubhouse. However, in a significant shift, the applicant is now requesting a general plan amendment to alter the land use designation of specific planning areas within the plan. The newly named Classic Club’s specific plan proposes to rezone various areas for residential developments, mixed-use spaces, general commercial, and more.

This amendment also aims to streamline the development process for future projects and to better align with the needs of the neighboring arena iceplex. Despite these plans moving forward, the HN and Frances C. Berger Foundation, the landowners, emphasized that no final decisions have been made regarding the specific uses of the land. Their commitment to creating a community that benefits local residents, including the underprivileged in the East Valley, is at the forefront of the project.

Supervisor V. Manuel Perez made it clear that any future annexation of this area will depend on the will of the Thousand Palms community. “We're not going to annex this area or allow it to be annexed unless the Thousand Palms community decides otherwise,” said Perez. He reaffirmed that the decision would be in the hands of the long-time residents of Thousand Palms, who will have the final say on whether they want to be annexed or not.

While the specifics of the future development remain fluid, it’s clear that the expansion plans are aiming to bring much-needed growth to the area while keeping the community's interests at the forefront. The developers have expressed their desire to employ local residents and build a space that truly benefits the public, with details on job creation and specific projects to be determined in the future.

For updates on the plans and next steps, stay tuned as the community’s input will continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of this development.