Cost increases may have truncated the Foothill Gold Line extension for the time being, but that isn't stopping jurisdictions along its expected path from planning for new development anyway.

Last month, Claremont announced a proposed specific plan for an approximately 24-acre area adjacent the city's Metrolink station and future Gold Line stop.  The Claremont Village South Specific Plan, to be located immediately south of Claremont Village, would set standards for public realm and private improvements for "transit-oriented, mixed-use development" within its boundaries.

The specific plan area would be bounded by Bucknell Avenue to the West, Arrow Highway to the south, and the Metrolink right-of-way to the north.  Indian Hill Road would serve as the approximate eastern boundary, although five parcels on the east side of the street would also be included within the plan area.

Claremont intends for new developments within the Claremont Village South area to feature ground-floor commercial uses in key locations.  Other potential uses within the plan area include offices, housing, and a shared parking system with two or more new public garages.  The city anticipates that the plan would generate up to 1,140 residential units, 60,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, 50,000 square feet of office space, one acre of public open space, and a 75-key hotel.

According to a presentation given at the project's scoping meeting, building heights would be limited to two stories along Arrow Highway and Indian Hill Boulevard, with taller buildings of up to four stories permitted near the rail corridor.  However, applicants could build slightly taller through participation in a community benefits incentive program.

Claremont joins other cities along the Foothill Gold Line in planning for new development near its stations, including Duarte and Monrovia.