Hesperia turns off lights on redevelopment agency

The government agency responsible for much of the road paving in Hesperia over the past decade has closed its doors.

Following a Dec. 29 California Supreme Court decision, the Hesperia Redevelopment Agency was shut down at the Jan. 17 meeting of the Hesperia City Council. Members also served as the board of directors for Hesperia RDA.

“The state of California is not our favorite people up here tonight,” Councilman Paul Bosacki told audience members at the meeting. “Their popularity is slightly below the Ebola virus.”

The shutdown was intended as a cost-saving measure by the state, which plans to redirect funds that the 400 redevelopment agencies in California have used to create affordable housing and spur economic development in “blighted” areas. The Hesperia City Council had used RDA monies to pave much of the city’s once-notorious streets and to help pay for the Ranchero Road Underpass. Officials had also planned to use RDA funds to help build an interchange connecting Ranchero Road and Interstate 15.

Critics attacked the redevelopment agency system as one open to abuse and misuse of public funds, although the Hesperia RDA was not accused of such behavior.

“Those of us following the rules and using redevelopment money to help our residents got hurt badly,” said Bosacki, who had originally campaigned for office promising to pave city streets.

The Hesperia RDA will legally be dissolved on Feb. 1 and all of its bond obligations and other activities will be transferred to the city of Hesperia.

The next regular meeting of the Hesperia City Council will take place at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Hesperia City Hall, 9700 Seventh Ave.