This article on CNN titled “Home Sales Rebound to Highest Level in Two Years” illustrates that the market continues to show strong signs of potential recovery, however, a lot of this increase can be attributable to buyers capitalizing on the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which expires the end of November.  Fourth quarter 2009 and first quarter 2010 should provide a much clearer picture of the health of the housing market.

A few months ago, San Clemente Coastal Living wrote a blog supporting a proposal to expand the Ralph’s center at 911 S. El Camino Real.  The plans called for a brand new, larger Ralph’s store along with the addition of a new parking structure and ocean view restaurants in an area where, to put it frankly, many older businesses and vacant lots have become an eyesore to residents in the southern area of San Clemente.  Last night, according to this article in the OC Register, the San Clemente City Council adopted a resolution that puts an end to this plan and paves the way for a basic remodel of the Ralph’s center and a facelift to the Ralph’s.

Opponents have long maintained that the plans were too gaudy and would welcome future large retail developments into San Clemente; these opponents want to maintain the small-town feel of San Clemente.  While I agree that San Clemente’s small-town atmosphere makes it a highly unique Orange County city, I for one feel sorry for Southwest and Southeast San Clemente residents who will not be better served by a grocery store that meets their needs.  As anyone who has ever set foot into this Ralph’s knows, the store is tiny and difficult to maneuver when a sizable amount of people are shopping.  Opponents claimed that it would be easy to simply expand the store and leave the rest of the center alone.  Rick Skillman and Howard Harmatz, partners in the proposed “Village Courtyard” project, state that an expansion is not feasible and that only a simple remodel of the existing store will take place.  This means that even though Ralph’s will be brought into the 21st century, the majority of residents in this area will still need to make the trek to Avenida Pico if they want a larger grocery store that can satisfy all of their shopping needs.

I am disappointed that this project will not commence as I feel it would have provided a much-needed shot of energy into an area of San Clemente that needs it.  With its proximity to the downtown area, the Village Courtyard could have provided more options for residents and tourists alike with new restaurants, shopping and an overall more appealing look.  Instead, residents are stuck with the same small grocery store, and that is a shame indeed.