EDC Giving Money For RV Park

The City of Orange Economic Development Corporation board and the City Council approved the first step of deal with businessman Mark Frey’s new company to develop an RV park on Interstate 10. The deal includes an economic development grant of $250,000, with $50,000 to be repaid, plus some tax incentives. Hotel owners and managers, along with some managers of other RV parks objected to spending. Councilwoman Theresa Beauchamp, who also sits on the EDC board, said the park will not “have the kind of construction people that pull their (RVs) along and live in a park two or three months.” She said people have RVs that cost $500,000 and the park will attract them. “Those kind of people are usually older and upscale,” she said. The economic development money would include $75,000 to demolish the motel, which is now vacant. In addition, $175,000 would be used for infrastructure improvements to water, sewer and drainage. Jack Patel, owner of the Holiday Inn Express, said he objects to the city paying for the demolition of the old motel. He said the bank which has taken ownership of the land should be responsible for the demolition. Patel told the EDC board that he is responsible for the land he owns and that if his grass grows too long, the city sends him a letter telling him to mow. Frey formed a limited liability corporation, Outdoor Hospitality, for the business. He plans to spend at least $1.53 million on the construction. The park will have landscape paver driveways, lush landscaping, gated security fencing, landscape and parking lot lighting. The resort will also have a swimming pool, hot tub, cabana, dog park, shower house, restrooms and laundry facilities. A small retail shop will also be on the premises along with a “rally barn” with full kitchen. Frey said the park will not resemble any of the other RV parks in Orange County because the City of Orange has strict rules for the parks. Those rules, he said, include paved driveways, lighting and water and sewer service to each RV pad. Frey said he has worked with a consultant on the plans for five years.