Lugonia Community Association

Originally, the Lugonia Community Association began as a small group of people concerned about decisions made by the local government regarding certain properties in the Lugonia District of Redlands. The Redlands City Council had begun a program of redevelopment whereby, according to them, tax revenue could be raised so that services to our neighborhood could be improved.

However, redevelopment has come into criticism lately, because of the controversial use of eminent domain. Across America, local governments have taken away private property of their citizens, and given them over to large corporations, often forcing the owners to sell at below market prices. The relationship of these corporations and the local governments that grant them such favorable provisions have come into question.

When the city sent a notice to homeowners in our neighborhood informing us of plans to use eminent domain, meetings were held so that each resident could better understand the issues surrounding the redevelopment program.

Ultimately, our neighborhood residents made it clear to the City Council that they did not want redevelopment, and the City Council responded by saying that redevelopment plans were "tabled."

The Lugonia Community Association that developed from these events has since turned its attention to further informing the citizenry about local political affairs, and seeking better public policy that might benefit both the residents and businesses of Redlands.

The proposed North Redlands Wal-Mart Supercenter in the news