Desert Dream Delayed: Indio Project Stalled for Decades

A sprawling 1,200-acre property in Indio, originally planned for resort-style living with 3,000 homes and a golf course in 2007, has remained undeveloped for nearly two decades. This vision for the Citrus Ranch community has faced numerous ownership changes and stalled progress.

Robson Resort Communities is now negotiating to acquire the land and aims to fulfill the original plans. The company has requested an extension to the development agreement, pushing the completion deadline to 2052 from the current 2032 expiration. This extension is considered vital by Robson, as attorney Rob Bernheimer noted the project's scale necessitates a long-term building horizon.

Significant hurdles exist, including an estimated $100 million for essential water and electrical infrastructure. Identifying a viable water provider is paramount, as the cost of extending service from the Coachella Valley Water District is deemed economically infeasible. Robson is currently seeking alternative providers.

The Citrus Ranch site has a history dating back to a 65-year-old citrus grove and subsequent waste disposal operations. Previous developers, including SunCal Companies and Saxony Land Company, failed to materialize the planned community due to financial issues and unfulfilled promises.

Concerns regarding water usage and environmental impact were raised by local residents during a city council meeting. However, Robson representatives highlighted their experience in sustainable development practices for golf courses and surrounding communities, emphasizing the golf course's role as a critical amenity for high-end homes.