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Rosedale, Azusa
By Publius | September 17, 2007
A few people made some interesting comments recently beneath an old post about Azusa’s Rosedale development: too pricy and the local school district isn’t that great. Thoughts?
Remember, as we’ve talked about before, this isn’t the only major development coming to Azusa.
Last 5 posts in (Re)Development
- How to Write a Newspaper Article - July 11th, 2008
- End of the Week Links - June 27th, 2008
- Motion Picture Of The Day - June 24th, 2008
- Archstone, Pasadena: Who Lives Above the Train? - June 17th, 2008
- Brouhaha Over Gehry at Art Center - June 16th, 2008
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Topics: (Re)Development, Azusa |
September 17th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Not only too pricey with bad schools but what about the CFD Mello Roos, it will tack on about $2,000 a month for 30 years to that payment! Read about it here: http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/CommunityFacilitiesDistrict.asp
and here: http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/ROSEDALE%20-%20%20HOMEOWNER‘S%20GUIDE%20Mello-Roos%20_CFD_-Final.pdf
September 17th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/ROSEDALE%20-%20%20HOMEOWNER‘S%20GUIDE%20Mello-Roos%20_CFD_-Final.pdf
second link again.
September 17th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
They don’t admit this is what they’re really mad about, mind you. But I believe entirely that these comments are from a few really ticked off people from the northside of Glendora. Their big gripe is that they can’t get over that their personal freeway AKA Sierra Madre Avenue is being narrowed and slowed down. So no more zooming through Azusa to get to work! (This doesn’t apply to everyone in Glendora, just the arrogant creeps who think Azusa belongs only between the treads of their overpriced tires.)
I’ve heard it straight from the mouths of these horses more times than I can stand, and those comments in the blog reflect every OTHER comment I’ve heard from them. They think Azusa is beneath them and is only worthy of their vehicles tearing through it. They can say what ever nasty snob comments they want. They’re just livid that homes have sold, and are still selling although more slowly, at this price level in Azusa. I’ve got news for them… Rosedale has by far never been the only place in Azusa with beautiful homes and higher property values. The idea of that is probably beyond comprehension to them.
Azusa has some real work to do still, as most every city does, and nobody will deny that. But to call the whole city a ”ghetto” is outrageous! There are MANY worses places in the valley with far worse problems. Azusa is redeveloping and getting better than it has ever been before. Rosedale homes will sell for whatever the builders can get for them, the market will dictate their pricing. And to suggest that a buyer will lose hundreds of thousands of dollars? That kind of a crash isn’t the forecast, just in their bitter and angry minds.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I’m pretty sure 91024’s math is wrong. According to what I read in the links he provided, the CFD taxes combined would range from around $800 to at most $1200/month for only the largest SF homes. Certainly not cheap, but a fairly typical circumstance for new community developments of Rosedale’s scale. I wouldn’t personally, but many are willing to pay it to live in such a community. This one is to have a new school of its own.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:01 am
That’s what I get for doing math when it’s late and I’m tired! I couldn’t shake the feeling that even my figures were too high. It’s actually even less (as I mistakenly figured in an annual tax as monthly).
The highest annual CFD tax - for the very largest end of the Rosedale homes (greater than 4150 SF) - would come to just over $7500. At the lower end, for homes 2100 SF or less, would come to just over $4500 annually. That means the CFD tax payments would range from under $400 to a little over $600 monthly. A far cry from $2000/month!
September 26th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Azusa compared to like L.A is not ghetto, but if you compare it to cities around it… then it looks like the ghetto of the foothills. I drive around that City often doing surveys so I have driven around in more areas than most of you… trust me, its pretty bad. The sad part about it is that even in the nice parts of Azusa, you have bad areas mixed in… something other Cities dont have. Anyway, the point being made by many I believe is that Azusa is not worth (yet) investing so much cash into a home. I rather buy a used home for much less and wait 10 years before i seel it to make a decent profit. Those Rosedale homes are over priced. I see a scary outcome out of this… many people dont realize just how overly priced these homes are and they wont be able to sell them right away for what they paid for. Rosedale will require a long term investment before you can see any profit from it.
September 26th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Oooh. A calming ”voice of reason” speaks… and he says, as if his opinion were the all-end conclusion, that Azusa is a ghetto.
I guess the scary punks who hang out nightly at the ARCO on Grand & Foothill in Glendora (you know, amidst the ”nice” area?) don’t get counted in the census (’’something other cities just don’t have,” were Vince’s words).
I don’t think anyone compared it to the drudges of inner-city LA, Vince. But it is a whole lot better than what you - or any of the other ”less rational” sounding comments - stated. Yours is just another bash wearing lipstick and speaking calmly. I’m just not sure what the hateful source of the bashing is, either what Rob’s comment said or those psycho gun club members.
People buying homes generally aren’t as dimwitted as your post seems to imply. I’m sure they’ll decide for themselves without my or your ”help.”
September 26th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Some people used to take potshots at San Dimas back when its Via Verde community was new. They would call it a hick city and white trash, all kinds of nasty things. I knew people in Covina, Covina Hills mostly, and Glendora that were SO riled up about the Via Verde development. San Dimas had its share of problems back then. Still does, just like every city. Not every one is the same, and some city’s are different than others. Though from the looks of this blog, a few people love to talk about how their city ranks higher than another. I think this all comes back to jealousy and resistance to change. Most likely, Rosedale *will* revitalize the scape of Azusa in general. The income tax revenue alone is astonishing. The portion that goes to schools is so mindblowing, something like $3.5 million plus annually (well beyond what’s necessary to support the new school’s operation) that all those woes in their district can be responsibly addressed. Azusa has already been improving consistently even when *not* considering the Rosedale community. Throwing in Rosedale and the tax revenue consequences, I expect these doom and gloom cynics will be wearing some Grade AA egg in a few years.
September 27th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Ok, maybe my comments do sound like im totally bashing Azusa, and I apologize. My heat is aimed more towards the developer and City officials I suppose. Azusa will come out of this a winner years from now like “sound familiar” said about Sand Dimas. It will take a while for that to happen though. Rosedale is a gourgeous developement, I just feel its over priced for the area. Azusa has a lot going on, including a possible Target store, fresh & easy market (tesco and a mixed use development where the old pawn show was across from CVS. So yes, im well aware of all that Azusa is up too, its great, but it has along way to go still. Azusa should have built more affordable homes in this property and then let the economy take its course and give these home owners the chance to build up an equity. These homes are top price, it will take years to get a decent equity out of them. Thats my issue with Rosedale… way over priced! Oh and for those who think im one of those shooting range guys… well, lets just say i dont even know how to shoot a gun… so sorry to dissapoint you.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
It has come to my attention that potential buyers of the Rosedale project in Azusa are not always directly informed about the property taxes + Mello Roos which developers/builders there say can be up to a whopping 2% of the sales price!and the 5% resale value that the owner has to give to the city and the nursery company that prevoiusly owns thw land. The Rosedale Project is not comparable to homes currently availble for purchase “Mountain cove” for many different reasons. Mountain Cove is a 328 unit gated comunity situated in the smog free San Gabriel Canyon with almost 360 mountain Views and many homes have city lights views. The homes are further away from the city and the Mountain Cove community lies along side a gorgeous San Gabriel River. Rosedale will be approximately 1250 homes in with an association fee in an “open” community. Purchasing a brand new home with upgrades and investing in landscaping after purchase can be very expensive. For these reasons buying a 2-4 year old resale home in Mountain Cove which has much lower taxes, completed landscaping and upgrades, better located, would make perfect sense to me.
October 8th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Sounds great. Do any of the homes have astroturf there?
October 11th, 2007 at 2:08 am
What’s with that wacky, off-topic Mountain Cove advertisement in #10? AS IF it were the only other area of Azusa worthy of calling home besides Rosedale!
The Rosedale mellorouse fees that #10 GREATLY exaggerates (and that’s an understatement!) are very accurately explained in the #5 comment.
I have friends who live in Mountain Cove and I think it’s nice. But even they know some of the other people there take themselves and their community WAY too seriously. When you’re going around cheerleading your neighborhood over another… just because you feel like your ‘’status” is being ”threatened” by a *housing development?* Let’s just say it’s time to call the therapist.
October 11th, 2007 at 7:15 am
[…] More comments about Rosedale slowly pile up here. […]
October 11th, 2007 at 8:25 am
I don’t know if Rosedale is overpriced - I guess the only way to answer that is to ask: are the homes selling? If so, let’s hope they’re not being financed by subprime loans!
Maybe we ought to look at the La Vina development as a indicator for Rosedale? It’s situated at the very end of Lincoln; one must drive through some scary areas to get there. They, too, appear overpriced given its location, but as far as I know they fetch that price. La Vina is, however, gated - is Rosedale?
October 11th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Home sales have really slooooowwweed….And the school is not happening, why would they build it now? Enrollment in the district is way down! Sources say this probably won’t happen, the district doesn’t want it, and if it does it will be a temporary (trailer) school. (sorry about the math, but it is still quite quite a bit when you factor it on top of property taxes)
October 11th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
91024, you are full of it. The foundation work for the school is literally happening RIGHT NOW. (Foundation for the approved design, not these ”trailers” you speak of.)
Are you tragically misinformed or do you make this crap up as you go along? What is, do tell, Mr. Sierra Madre, your problem with Rosedale and Azusa anyway? I’ve seen you focus on it here a few times and have seen it pointed out. Seriously, what gives?
October 11th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Wes, I do believe Rosedale’s home sellers need to reduce the pricing to be more competitive. They’ll still be VERY profitable for them, and it’s better to be ahead of the market than to be stuck behind it and trying to catch up. Hopefully they’ll all wise up and do that. As for your sub-prime loan question, no way. They are definitely not being with sub-prime loans. Those aren’t really even available anymore, and the irony is that - as bad as they are - their lack of availability is one factor in slowing down the market. Less people are able to finance for a home purchase.
October 11th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Foundation for the middle school? same foundation for metro gold rail train that got cancelled for lack of fund? and what happened to our target store? i guess it backed out too?
October 11th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Dolf, you’re misinformed. Gold Line hasn’t been cancelled. We actually won’t know if it will be funded until next year when the decision is made by the FTA. The K-8 school in Rosedale has nothing to do with that, but that school is currently in the beginning stages of construction. Target - also having nothing to do with Rosedale - IS still happening. Target Corp paid for the EIR/Traffic study for the new site, which is just getting under way. Target’s intent to negotiate was only announced a little over 6 months ago. Such things don’t happen overnight, as much as you and I BOTH would like them to.
October 14th, 2007 at 10:49 am
Ya, and the school board is all for it right? Did you know enrollment is down? Why waste money building another school when the enrollment won’t support it? Plus most of the people who buy homes in Rosedale will send their kids to private schools, just like they do in Mountain Cove. I love Azusa,the real Azusa, the town has made a complete turnaround in the last 12 years, I am a realist. But Mountain Cove and Rosedale are not Azusa, they are high end developments that like to annex themselves away from the community. Did you know that people in Mountain Cove say they live in Mountain Cove, CA 91702? If you don’t belive me check their web site. You are crazy.
October 14th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
“Crazy” here! I already responded to you on the more recent Rosedale entry…
October 15th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
The Route 66 Parade in Duarte is back. This year will be bigger and better. We will be celebrating our Duarte’s 50th Year Anniversary with a Marching Band Competition during the parade, more Classic Cars and many more activities at the City Picnic. This year for the second consecutive year, the 501st Southern California Garrison (Star Wars Troopers) will be making a comeback in our parade with more participants guaranteeing a more exciting moment for all parade viewers!Make sure to reserve the date….SEPTEMBER 22! The parade starts at 9am.
October 17th, 2007 at 10:54 am
I just backed out from purchasing a home at Rosedale. The developer has threatened me to keep all my down payment and the options I paid for. Even with this loss, I will be much better off than purchasing the house at the price way above market value. Values are going down, and I realized I will never recover the price I would have paid. They are already collecting homeowners association fees, and the common areas are still not usable. I wonder if they will ever complete the projects now that noone is buying.
October 17th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
…right.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Well it has finally happened. Rosedale is “KAPUUTT”. The sales offices have closed down. Developers have all pulled out except Christopher Homes (are they nuts?). Many of the occupied homes are in forclosure. Azusa Land Partners is broke. The City of Azusa has taken over the completion of Sierra Madre Ave from ALP because ALP could not afford to complete their mess. A quality project would not have failed so quickly. Who wants to buy a “cookie-cutter” house with no yard in a gang infested town with a lousy school district? Good riddens.
March 27th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Write your comments here, please. because i am here to lose weight with acomplia pill.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:29 am
Observer, there is no question that Rosedale has slowed to a snails pace. But your comments are exaggerating and inflammatory. And they obviously lack objectivity. (If we’re a ”gang infested town,” then what is Monrovia - an arguably great community - given its series of incidents?) I gather that you, for whatever strange reason, dislike Azusa with the heat of a thousand suns.
Elsewhere you mentioned the ”19” owners. There is where it’s crystal clear that your comments lack credibility, as there are nearly 60 homes occupied. There is one - ONE - Rosedale home currently showing that it’s in foreclosure (not ”many” as you say), and it is unoccupied, in the Garnet Hill (Taylor Morrission) area.
Speaking of Taylor Morrisson, didn’t we see you post that all but one of the developers have stopped building? I count two out of four, since TM and CH are both still selling.
The housing market, the overall economy, is horrible. We are all in bad shape. I doubt you were crossing your fingers that Rosedale’s situation would be a miracle exception, but you sure were ready to dance gleefully now that it isn’t.
You should really consider changing your handle on here, because you’re not exactly (or accurately) ”observing” - but you sure are condescending.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Actually, I have the most recent Metroscan file for the area and it shows the last transfer on record as December 14, 2007. The 19 homes are accurate. Post to follow.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Then how is it possible that, as of this month, 57 homes are sold and occupied? That’s a fact, period.
Metroscan must need glasses!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:54 am
Sierra Mare is open!!! Yipee…..
April 1st, 2008 at 10:52 am
To Azusan:
“Speaking of Taylor Morrison, didn’t we see you post that all but one of the developers have stopped building? I count two out of four, since TM and CH are both still selling.”
Taylor Morrison has refused to exercise their option to build a second phase. Christopher Homes is building new homes. 6 of 8 sales offices are closed until further notice….or is it 8 of 10?
Rosedale: California’s Newest Ghost Town.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:54 am
Get over it. And stop bashing Azusa.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:24 am
To: To Mark
I’m not Mark but you should have listened to him when you had the chance.
I’m not “bashing” Azusa. Azusa is making some really great progress. Rosedale is not part of it.
I’m not Mark, I’m Observer.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:33 am
From the way you preach his gospel (and have, as I’ve seen elsewhere today, recounted his experiences word for word), maybe I should have prayed to him, too.
”Observer” is a very telling name. My take is that it’s metaphoric for something literal.
The thing that would most make Rosedale a ghost town is your constantly ”haunting” it, so I can’t disagree with you there.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
To: To Observer,
Is that how you defend Rosedale by making it personal and “flamming” me?
There are over 500 of us that were not “mesmerized” by your heroine J.V and her side-kick P.C when they tried to duplicate their hood-wink success on the Glendora side. Mark was very helpful in that he could give accurate historical info on how the snow-job was perpetrated in Azusa.
Rosedale is a failure and will continue to be a failue because of bad design and planning. My advice…….tear it up and start over with large lots that have real yards where kids can safely play…where the houses are not so close together that you can hear your neighbors flush their toilet.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Evidently, I have a better guage on you than you do on me: I wasn’t mesmerized by anyone, far from it. But I certainly am not obsessed with trashing another city, either.
As for your accusing anyone else of flaming, you really have some nerve considering all the bashy comments you’ve made.
As for your ”advice,” that’s unrealistic: The development may slow down but it isn’t going to reinvent itself. As the economy recovers, building will pick up again. I know, unfortunately for all of us, that scenario doesn’t make you happy. But seriously, you need to accept things for what they are, and what they’ll be, and just generally get on with life.
You probably had friends in this city. I can tell you for certain that people in Azusa, even those who once shared some of your opinions and concerns, would be offended by your wishes for failure upon our city.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I’m not “wishing” failure on your City….just pointing out the obvious…..as the predicted scenario unfolds. I would have loved to have seen a quality development there but I guess it’s human nature to try and make a “fast buck”. J.V, P.C and M.R. made their bucks and they are now in-the-wind. It’s now ALP’s problem and the City of Azusa will have to deal with the consequences. I’m grateful that the City of Azusa decided to go ahead and complete Sierra Madre Ave. Shortens my commute by about 10 minutes each way.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:50 am
WOW! I almost bought at Rosedale and am I glad I didn’t! Anyone have any recent TRUTH about how they proceed from here? Thanks!
April 9th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Stop by the Christopher Homes Sales Office and ask the Rep. what’s to occur in the next couple years. Be sure to inquire as to what the combined Mello-Rooos (Community Developement District), Association fees for rec. center and parks upkeep, along with the property tax rate will be for the new house. Then post the answers you get here for future prospects to gain a head start.
I drove through Rosedale today. Lots and lots of dead sod-grass and weed infested vacant lots. You’d think that although the housing market has slowed and most of the builders have closed shop at least ALP would turn-on the sprinklers and maintain the common areas for the benefit of the 60 homeowners that took the leap-of-faith and bought into Rosedale. You’d think.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Observer… Do you have to keep dragging me out and beating me over and over? I was just getting comfortable, thinking that we made closure, and there you go showing up with the same old paddle.
The beating feels the same every time and there’s never anything new about it. Frankly, it’s kind of disappointing and, well, you just don’t really excite me anymore. I realize you’ve tried beating me from different positions, but I think you’ve covered them all. Many times.
I’m sorry… but I think it’s time we see other horses. I hope you understand.
(And, uh, about the ”Big Don” - is that what we’re calling it now? Oh, never mind!)
April 9th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Good point Dead Horse.
New / additional / updated info is needed which is why I suggested a sales office visit by Big Don with
blog commentary to follow. I’ve given my opinion /thoughts about Rosedale and would like to hear further anecdotes and opinions from others to add strength and vitality to your withered carcass.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Why don’t you visit the sales office since apparently (according to something you posted elsewhere) you live so close? Why bother Big Don? That is, unless, ‘Big Don’ lives just as close as you do.
Your negativity and need to resurrect the subject is annoying. If I ever want to eradicate a crowd or clear a party where guests refuse to leave, I’ll think I’ll just look you up on here.
I don’t think you’re looking for information, I think you actually believe you’re going to ‘accomplish’ something. I’m not sure what. Like your constant yammering will affect some sort of uprising and change the development to your liking, or get rid of it? I don’t think so.
I wasn’t a supporter of this project, I thought it should be less dense. But I’m okay with it and I’m definitely not crazed with hate for it like you are. I also know that it’s water under the bridge, and I think it’s turning out okay. As for your complaints about the slow build, I’m actually thinking you missed the news about the economy. I’m surprised they’re still building anything there. But they are.
You’re not trying to ‘add strength’ to anything’s ‘withered carcas,’ you’re more like a vulture desperately picking at it to feed itself. I agree that you don’t seem to have a point, and if you do, you definitely don’t offer any helpful or logical solutions. You just keep on complaining about the same things.
Of course I won’t expect anything different in the future.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Kathleen T.,
Your post is pretty much spot-on. Pretty good description of my motives and feelings about Rosedale. This is a discussion thread about Rosedale isn’t it? What parts of my posts are incorrect or false?
I’ve been involved in construction management for over 30yrs (although mostly commercial/industrial and I am NOT M.D.). I can assure you that the homes at Rosedale are overpriced not only for the current Real Estate Market but well over 40% above the cost to build + land cost. The cost of the streets/utilities/infrastructue is NOT factured into the sales price. Those costs are in the Mello-Roos/CRD Fees.
I’m waiting for someone to post on here why Rosedale would be a good investment. If what I have to say is repulsive/yammering/vulturistic/negative/annoying why don’t you exercise your right to ignore my posts. Better yet come up with a logical or illogical counter discussion of why I am incorrect vs just using adjectives to characterize my statements.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Observer,
I think it has been established AD NAUSEUM that the cost of the infrastructure is covered by the CFD fees. On your previous post asking AGAIN about what the CFD fees are, that has also been asked and answered correctly (as well as incorrectly inflated, if we count what you’ve previously claimed, Observer) AD NAUSEUM. For the record, the City of Azusa’s web site has a fact sheet on the CFD’s linked to its home page.
I’m unclear why you’re being so emphatic about the infrastructure costs not being in the home price, as THAT scenario was never claimed. Your comment is the first time I’ve ever seen that idea mentioned ANYWHERE.
I’m also not sure why you have to ”assure” anyone that Rosedale’s homes are overpriced, as I don’t think anyone was debating you on that. If they’re overpriced, they’ll end up selling for less and thus provide you some negative per-square-footage comps to your own property value, since you are adjacent to the development. I personally do hope they lower prices so that homes build and sell more quickly.
As for your comment about whether or not its a good investment, why are you now acting as if you care? You’ve already said in some posts that you’d be happy to see it sit there and rot, and then you come back days later and COMPLAIN about that very scenario. You’re obviously going to be pissed off whether this gets built or doesn’t.
I’m in the unique position of having a couple of good friends who live there, as well as having been close to people who weren’t for the project before it was approved. I’ve followed these posts of yours, Observer, and have discussed them. I can tell you that the sentiment from either side is that you’re not being helpful, nor is the commentary appreciated. The Azusan opponents of the development, most that I know, have moved on. As I said before, what a healthy perspective that is.
As for whether or not you’re MD, I think you sound just like him, and I don’t know any Glendoran who would be as loaded with ”AZUSA ammo” - or have as passionate a hatred toward the development (or who has as clear a view / OBSERVATION of the site) as he has. But I guess it’s possible that he’s had a lockstep clone trailing him all this time. Frankly, I don’t care, other than it helps me understand the personal nature of the antipathy.
So there you go. I’ve given you a logical counter discussion and observation.
It’s clear from your own posting that any scenario or direction that Rosedale takes will provoke your criticism. Short of you taking charge of it and building exactly what you want (and do you really think that’s going to happen?), there IS no good answer for you. So you can either move past it, or continue into a lifetime of pointless, ineffective griping.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
“Your comment is the first time I’ve ever seen that idea mentioned ANYWHERE.” So my post was worthwhile, thank you.
“I personally do hope they lower prices so that homes build and sell more quickly.” So do I. I would even consider buying one as an investment if the price was low enough…..I’m waiting.
“You’ve already said in some posts that you’d be happy to see it sit there and rot, and then you come back days later and COMPLAIN about that very scenario.” I guess as I get older I’m getting “moody”.
“I’m in the unique position of having a couple of good friends who live there,” Please have them post about their experiences with their new homes and maintenance fees……..posts from actual Rosedale residents would have the potential to boost sales……or not.
You accuse me of “sounding” like someone who hasn’t even posted here as though that would somehow deminish the impact/accuracy of my observations when you sound like you drink from the same KoolAid pitcher as Kathleen Turner who has posted here.
You’re still critizing/commenting/attacking me vs presenting any positive discussion as to why Rosedale would be a “good” investment.
I would encourage you and Kathleen Turner to please try again.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I’m Anonymous above. Forgot to enter my handle.
April 11th, 2008 at 1:10 am
Well, at least Kool-Aid doesn’t contain any liquor…
Observer, you asked for a response and you got it. A comprehensive one addressing your comments directly. Still, you somehow end up complaining that you feel ”attacked?” And from there, you of all people are calling for ”positive” discussion? Well, gee, all YOUR positivity is so inspiring, you’d think everyone would have jumped on your train already!
And clearly you believe you’re the leader of the discussion. Because from there, you set-up some arrogant guideline that people should ”prove” to YOU that Rosedale is a ”good investment.”
Whether or not something is a good investment is subjective to the individual. No one has to prove anything to you. You’re a grown man, and I’m sure you can figure it out for yourself. Besides, you’ve made it CRYSTAL clear that you will be unhappy with the Rosedale development no matter what. Your words don’t change anything, so debating your cyclical criticism is a moot point.
That’s why I would discourage anyone, who isn’t absolutely lockstep with your passionate disdain, from bothering to engage you. Personally, I’ve got your number, and won’t be further devoting energy to your merry-go-round of pointless anger.
April 11th, 2008 at 5:01 am
To: Mr. Sigh again…
Still about me. Nothing about Rosedale on a Rosedale discussion thread.
I did asked for positive comments. I’m capable of providing the negative comments, but as you indicate I don’t have anything positive to say about Rosedale other than I’m really glad the City of Azusa finally stepped in to finish Sierra Madre Ave. when the developer failed to do so.
April 13th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Rosedale is overprice and should be reconsidered if you’re planning to purchase. Any typical new Rosedale home in Azusa with Mello-Roos + N HOA + S HOA fees, the total cost relative to the property value is close to 2.6%.
April 18th, 2008 at 2:25 am
what about the dust, landscaping, and disheveled look of a community that will take many years to be completed. God knows what will happen with the rains and uncertainty in the building and completion process.
April 18th, 2008 at 11:05 am
What about it? Unless someone here has a cure for the economy they’re not mentioning, Rosedale is what it is until it gets done. And for however long that takes.
Personally, I’m hoping that things change for the better come the beginning of next year. I mean with a new President; I have my own pick, but any of the three would be an improvement over what we have now. (Imagine all the billions of dollars we’d have saved as a country if we didn’t blow it all on a wild goose chase in the Middle East!)
This development’s slow down is just one of countless casualities of a much greater problem. We just have to live with it (based on my proximity, myself to a greater than average extent) as it gets done for the next few/several years. Hopefully the pace will pick up again in a year’s time, bet let’s face the overall situation: We’re just not in the housing boom anymore. The ‘instant gratification’ such projects were delivering around three or four years ago is no longer the reality.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Azuza is very ghetto! My purse was stolen there. I dont know why Taylor Woodrow would even waste their time building beautiful homes there when they aren’t even sustainable or energy-efficient!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:06 am
San GabrielValley Tribune, May 17, 2008, News section, page 12:
William Lyons Homes has a FULL-PAGE add featuring 8 different neighborhood developments from the low $200,000s to the low $600,000s. 3 located in Rancho Cucamonga. 2 located in Fontana. 1 located in Mira Loma. 2 located in Glendora. Glendora’s emphasizes 1.1% Tax Rates and No Mello Roos.
There is no mention of Sagecourt and Gardenia at Rosedale. The W.L. website featuring Sagecourt and Gardenia states they start in the low $400,000s. It also states “Models are Open” which is false.
Any comment from those that believe the sales offices at Rosedale are closed because of the state of the economy? The William Lyons neighborhoods featured in today’s SGVT appear to be open and thriving.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Observer: Your William Lyons question has been asked and answered already, which from reading these pages, I plainly see you are aware of (as I said to you when you posted that same thing on Topix). You already know the reasons are because their other developments already have inventory built, and those aren’t competing with other builders’ product on-site. The closure is temporary. Like with just about every other industry in the current economy, new home builders are cutting their budgets and tightening their resources so that they can stay afloat.
By the way, you say that the WL neighborhoods featured in the Tribune “appear” to be open and THRIVING? We’ve established that they’re open. But “thriving?” I don’t know what “thriving” means to you, but I’d have to disagree with you emphatically on that characterization.
Joyce, don’t be naive or exploitive. One’s purse can be stolen anywhere. Purse thefts and pick-pocket incidents happen in areas as affluent as Beverly Hills. I’ve never had my purse, or anything, stolen in over two decades in Azusa. Nor have I ever known of anyone who has. I’m sure it happens as it does all over, but it’s not any more an epidemic in Azusa. I don’t know if your story is even true or not, but I do know that you said it in an effort to take a shameless pot shot.
Oh, is there a reason that your name links to Pardee Homes (which I happent to know is a builder that made a proposal for Rosedale that was rejected)? Or is that just a coincidence? If it is, it’s certainly an odd one.
May 19th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
MLB: F.Y.I…….the 2 neighborhoods in Glendora that were advertised in the SGVT per my above post did not even have foundations poured when the William Lyons models at Rosedale were already complete and the pool was filled with water. They gave up on Rosedale because they realized it was not an economicly viable project. They spent their money on the Aboreta project that they knew was more viable with much less risk. They made a good business decision. The vacant slabs at Rosedale were poured waaay before the Arboreta project got underway. I cannot comment on how far along their other projects were (Fontana, Mira Loma, Rancho Cucamonga), but I pass by Arboreta and Rosedale every day. The effort at Rosedale was abandoned….not postponed because of the housing slowdown.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Oh, okay, Observer. I’m sorry, I had no idea you had concrete factual information over what I was told by William Lyons staff. Tell me, where are you sourcing that from? That, being, your asserted fact that William Lyons is relinquishing its interest and pulling out of Rosedale. It’s possible, but I’ve never heard it. So I want you to tell us all where you’re getting that from, because that’s essentially what you’re suggesting.
That aside, what is your point? I’m clearly not the first here to try and figure out what you want or what you hope to accomplish. Spell it out clearly. Be upfront and tell us if what you want is to be able to gripe aimlessly on a continual basis. That way we know whether or not to bother engaging you in an effort to pursue solutions. If you don’t want a solution, and you actually enjoy failure (and perhaps just want to start a Rosedale mutual complainer society), just be straightforward and say so.
Hindsight being 20/20, I feel like I’ve wasted my time discussing anything with you. As I said on Topix, you posted something under the guise of being a legitimate question (under the William Lions alias). Then you came back and griped about my answer, because you already had a conclusion drawn. Some of us don’t want to waste our time with people who are only looking to argue. So please, I mean this sincerely, just be upfront from now on.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Dear….Dear…MLB….
If married gays will help the housing situation, more power to ‘em. I have a lot of relatives, some are gay, I love them all the same.
I do have a particular “focus” on Rosedale as this is a Rosedale thread isn’t it?
In my last few posts I have not asked any questions. I have requested “comments” from those with alternate views. When alternate view are posted I do indeed attempt to point out the fallacies…….in your case you are the Rosedale apologist, pontificator, cheerleader, spin Doctor, willing to spout whatever a developer feeds you without a “critical” evaluation on your part.
I would not believe one word uttered from a William Lyons Representative. I am reporting what I have “observed” as opinion on a first-hand basis not some B.S. from a developer’s sales rep.. So my information is “sourced” from me and my personal observations. The developers at Rosedale “promised” all sorts of things like a K-8 school by fall 2008, recreation center, common area maintenance, new fire station, pocket parks for the kids to play in……..all of which turned out to be B.S.
You are now saying that your source at William Lyons is more “legit” than first-hand, reality, personal, obervation???? If so then you are typical of the reason we are in this housing mess. Individuals need to take the time and perform their own Due-Diligence and not believe the “hype” that the developers sales staff spew. My gosh! Is paying 2.6% combo of property tax/Mello Roos/HOA fees really worth living in a high density no front or backyard home in a city with a school district where a good portion of the pupils do not speak English as their first language? Please, I’m not condemming illegals….my gardeners are illegal and they do a great job….I just don’t want to have to pay for their children’s education and health care.
As the title of this thread states: Rosedale is TOO expensive.
If the Mellos-Roos fees are eliminated and the sale prices are reduced by about 40% then I would be in-line to purchase at Rosedale (private schools are available)………if not Rosedale will remain California’s newest “Ghost Town” for many years to come.
I am looking forward to coming back to this forum in Spring of 2009 to see what has taken place…..my prediction is “NO CHANGE”.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
Ah, Observer, I expected you’d copy your Topix post word for word over here. (Too bad you forgot to remove the references to gay marriage, and that the title of the blog being ‘Rosedale is TOO expensive’ - which isn’t the case here on FC).
This is my response to you, which is appropriate for here just as it was on Topix:
Observer, you have a maniacally high opinion of yourself. You could have saved a whole lot of space on here by simply saying, ‘because I am always right, and no one else knows more than I.’
You’re so maniacal, you’re slapping labels all over me when you don’t even know me - just because I don’t wallow in misery as you do.
Your source is your own opinion, based on things we ALL see (not just you, sorry to burst your bubble). That doesn’t trump anything, and you are foolish to suggest it does.
The question you refuse to answer, time and time again obviously, is what do you have to offer as a solution? I don’t think you have anything. You just complain over facts that you are unable to change, and dare I say, YOU are the pontificator - CLEARLY - of a situation that is unfortunate.
You seem to genuinely relish in the idea of failure. I don’t think you’d have it any other way.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:29 am
P.S. - You said you’ll check back in a year? We should be so lucky. I suspect you won’t be able to resist showing up on these blogs, lodging the same complaints and posing the same rhetorical questions like a nauseating merry-go-round (maybe under different or anonymous names, you know, to avoid the appearance of being a relentless, cranky grouch). I now see from previous posts that I’m not the first one to grasp your concept. But from this point on, I’ll be able to spot you and won’t waste any more time engaging you. You will get the last word with me, but you’ll receive nothing, not even my interest or curiousity, in return for it. You never have anything new to offer, other than negativity, and you’re just not worth it.
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:58 am
So you’re saying this “cranky old grouch” wore you out? See ya later “Wimpy”.
Indeed I will keep posting on the positive or negative changes I “observe” at Rosedale……………..such as the lack of maintenance and weed encroachment occuring in and around the Fieldstone models and vacant homes….the new recreation center that remains closed and surrounded by security fencing and surveillance cameras perched atop a 50 ft high standard. Looks like a movie set from the old Twilight Zone series.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Discovered a great restaurant in “downtown” Azusa, “IL FORNO”……………no need to travel all the way to Monrovia. Great food, great service, reasonable pricing. About a 2-mile walk from Northern Rosedale.
June 4th, 2008 at 6:03 am
“Rosedale Residents up in arms”, SGVT June 3, 2008.
……..feel cheated…..developer walked away……3 of 4 families living in Arborview want Fieldstone to buy the homes back and plan to meet with an attorney next week……..streets aren’t beeing swept, the landscaping’s not being maintained, there’s no pool……………
What’s that you say ??????????????
June 4th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I might add this Rosedale project is fast becoming a BLIGHT an SLUM ridden area should this be placed on some kind of redevelopment super fund list? I might add the Lyons homes in Glendora are close to the same stage of mis-development.
I would like to say I’m sorry these good folks have to go to this level of hiring an Attorney in order to get back some promises they wee sold with their new houses.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Tumbleweeds………..ghosts……..and the sound of crickets…….
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
A singular, complaining voice… not offering any helpful or feasible input… pontificating over the misery and misfortune of others…
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
An attempt at intellectual criticism from an empty headed elitist……….defender of the mythical utopia…..a feeble attempt to drowned-out the sound of crickets…..
Duped, betrayed Rosedale residents remain hostile and angry.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laland/2008/07/analyst-sees-gh.html
July 4th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Trust me, my head is so far from empty, that it might leave yours spinning if I ever were to really engage you about this. As for your suggestion that I’m elitist, that sounds more like a personal problem to me. Do you know me personally enough to peg me as elitist? I might understand that better if I knew who you were and we could compare notes.
But it sounds like you don’t know me, because I’m not a resident of Rosedale, as you alluded to. By the way, its residents are not all hostile and angry: Unlike you, I actually know some people there very well, and unlike you, I don’t try to speak for people I do not know. I do live VERY close to the development, about as close as anyone could.
I hope you at least FEEL effective at whatever it is you’re trying to do.
I am relatively, easily accessible. So please feel free to look for me… say, at an Azusa function? I’m interested to see how well you handle yourself in a discussion, rather than what looks to be one person’s fruitless, anonymous, internet bitching crusade.
July 6th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
and sigh again………….
July 7th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Hmm, heavy breathing?
It doesn’t work as well in cyberspace. Still, I’m flattered.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
It was more like an “I’m really bored” sigh………