The Mayor and City Council proudly make available a copy of the State of the City Address as was given at the 6th annual Mayor’s Gala on Saturday, April 12 in the new regional Lewis Library and Technology Center, 8437 Sierra Avenue. At the annual address, Mayor Mark Nuaimi announced “a new era of possibilities” for the city of Fontana and its’ residents.

Citing the $65 million Lewis Library and Technology Center as the beginning of “a legacy for generations to come” the Mayor quickly thanked all those involved in the process of building the region’s largest library much of the progress of which was aided by citizens themselves through the Fontana Library Foundation.

“It’s a great life in Fontana” the Mayor said adding, “It’s a great future for Fontana.” Even when faced by national financial uncertainties, the subprime crisis, and foreclosures, Nuaimi noted that with the quick pace of this growing community Fontana simply is no longer the “affordable housing capital.” Thanks to smart fiscal planning and policies by the City Council, reserves are in place to weather the market while “we continue to make investments in our community that will bring value to our residents, businesses, and property owners.”

The Mayor added, “This slow down is allowing Fontana to catch up with our infrastructure needs as times have gotten tough in the housing market, we have seen our construction contract costs go down substantially, allowing us to bring forward a number of necessary improvements, positioning Fontana for the next wave of development.”

Noting business growth, new developments, and a $10 billion increase in the value of the community in only ten years, Mayor Nuaimi pointed to a successful past of investing in the future that will continue to improve the quality of life for residents today and tomorrow.

“While part of the engine might be in neutral this year and next, we have a strong engine with plenty of fuel when the economy returns!” Nuaimi added.

Noting upcoming investments in the community, the Mayor hit upon partnerships and developments that would lead to: the Speedway Redevelopment Zone, the Fontana Fire Protection District, a new 40,000+ square foot senior community center, continued façade treatments in downtown Fontana, advanced programming and partnerships in the cultural arts programs, and infrastructure improvements.

“And in the next five years, Fontana will deliver over $300 million of transportation improvements across this town,” said Nuaimi.

The Mayor highlighted some of these projects which will ease congestion and improve roadways and landscaping. He pointed to the Valley Boulevard Transformation District, individual street projects, and the improvements along the I-10 corridor.

Mayor Nuaimi proceeded to announce one of the greatest investments made by the city to date. The Ventana Specific Plan, which included a $40 million purchase by Council of the 85 acres of freeway frontage along the I-15 at Duncan Canyon which will show Fontana’s promises are kept with a planned groundbreaking for 2009/2010.

“I am proud to announce this evening, that the team that brought the region Victoria Gardens, the Lewis companies and Forest City, are teaming up again, for a sequel to their enormously successful venture. At Duncan Canyon and the I-15, Lewis and Forest City have already begun preliminary planning on a cutting edge project that will feature mixed uses, unique architecture and fabulous landscaping. This Gateway to our community will be the launch of Fontana’s Corporate Corridor and we’re honored to once again partner with the Lewis family and we are excited to have Forest City join the Fontana family as well!”

Mayor Nuaimi also focused attentions on areas that are still in need of redevelopment. He cited the recent, highly successful, renovation of Laurel Woods Apartments which was innovative with an approach to giving an apartment complex a makeover inside and out, reducing crime, and investing into the future by creating an After-school learning center which averages 35 youth per day.

The goal, as the Mayor noted would be to continue to complete similar projects once per year, “that would mean one neighborhood per year transformed,” said Nuaimi.

A continuance of progress and the future resonated throughout the speech with examples of new recreational areas, healthy lifestyles as is being shown through Healthy Fontana, state-of-the-art facilities, and the importance of community partnerships. Nuaimi addressed educational outreach as a key point to the community to include Fontana After School Program After-school programming and ESL for parents and children and many more prospects for every member of the community.

As the Mayor noted, “The great thing for Fontana residents is that the opportunities are endless. All throughout this community are opportunities for excellence… academically, athletically, spiritually, socially, culturally… you can find greatness in our community.”

To read the State of the City Address in its entirety, please visit www.fontana.org/main/city_clerk/pdf_files/2008_SOC.pdf.