Walkability is a term used in urban planning to describe how easy it is for pedestrians to get around. The term was invented in the 1960s and has gained popularity in recent years because of health, economic and environmental benefits. Walkability is based on the idea that urban spaces should be more than just transportation corridors for cars, trucks and buses. They should be livable spaces that provide amenities such as sidewalks, pedestrian right-of-way, footpaths, access to buildings and are safe for walking.
The City of Ontario has incorporated the concept of walkability into its Downtown Revitalization plans. Adding to this is the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA)’s West Valley Connector project that includes a 19-mile bus route called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). It begins in Pomona and runs along Holt Boulevard through Montclair and Ontario, then turns north to end in Rancho Cucamonga.
The route will be served by zero-emission buses with stops at platforms with ticket machines and electronic notice of bus arrival times. To allow for BRT in Ontario’s portion, the majority of buildings along a seven-block span of Holt Boulevard’s south side will be demolished. In all, 22 buildings will be razed between Lemon Avenue and Bon View Street. Property owners are being compensated by SBCTA at market rate for their buildings. The building demolition will have a big impact on the appearance of Holt.
Ontario is the only city that will see any demolitions. This is partly due to Holt’s inconsistent street width and because Ontario opted for “center-running” station platforms in the middle of Holt at five stops: Mountain, San Antonio, Lemon, Bon View and Grove avenues. There’s another difference: Ontario’s route will include a dedicated bus lane long 3.5 miles so the buses won’t mix in regular traffic. That lane will disappear at Euclid Avenue, however, as keeping it would have required the demolition of too many historic and character-defining buildings on the west side of Holt.
East of Euclid, the width of Holt varies considerably, from 80 feet to 120 feet. SBCTA needs a 30-foot setback from the curb to the property line where the buildings start, and that has been a requirement of new building construction since 1990. However, so many buildings on Holt were built decades before that without the setback. In fact, some buildings bump up against the sidewalk.
Cagle’s Appliances is one high-profile casualty. The store, in business since 1952, had to close by May 31, 2023 due to eminent domain. Cagle’s future, if any, is uncertain. Other storefront businesses that are leaving Holt include florists, tax preparers, insurance offices, party supply shops, barbers, salons, bakeries, restaurants. Many are Latino-owed.
One favorite, Los Amigos restaurant, posted a sign on its front door: “After having the honor of serving our community for 44 years, we regret to inform you of our closure due to the county project. Our LAST day in business will be Sunday, May 21st. Thank you for the continuous support throughout these years.” Raul’s Auto Trim was another business to move. Raul Ledesma Jr. and his brother, Daniel, relocated to a business center south of the airport. Other long-time businesses relocating include Schiro’s Liquor, Griffith Radiator and 3 Star Janitor.
Five buildings that will be razed are on Ontario’s historic register 1904s Stanyer and Edmondson Building (204 E. Holt); 1923s Dietz Garage (212-214 E. Holt); 1925s Gartner Building (220-222 E. Holt); 1935 Torley’s Market building (444 E. Holt); and the 1926 Jiffy Lunch building, which is connected to a 1916 Craftsman home (616 E. Holt).
SBCTA has tried to limit demolitions where it could. Originally 28 demolitions were planned; this was reduced to 22. $102 million was spent for property acquisition. Displaced businesses received relocation aid. SBCTA plans to demolish the buildings first, before construction starts, to minimize arson and safety risks. The plan is to have all demolitions complete by the end of 2024.
While disruptive, the bus line provides an opportunity to lift the eastern part of Holt out of its time warp. Holt is no longer a prime commercial corridor. New three- and four-story apartment complexes on both west and east Holt are inconsistent with the aging, single-story commercial buildings.
Sources: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, David Alle, October 19, 2023; Wikipedia.