Downtown Bell
Atlantic & Gage Community Visioning
The City of Bell is engaging the community in a conversation about the future of the vacant property at the corner of Atlantic and Gage Avenue in Downtown Bell.
This site presents an opportunity to consider how future development can support Downtown Bell, reflect community priorities, and contribute to a vibrant, welcoming destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The City began its community outreach earlier this year with two public workshops designed to gather ideas, priorities and feedback about potential uses for the site. Community input will continue to help inform future concepts and next steps.
Community Workshops
The City of Bell recently hosted two public community workshops in spring 2026.
Community Workshop #1
April 29, 2026
Veteran’s Park
Community Workshop #2
May 2, 2026
Atlantic & Gage Project Site
What We Heard
Across both workshops, participants expressed a strong interest in creating an active, walkable and family-oriented destination that contributes to the long-term vitality of Downtown Bell.
Common themes included:
-
Mixed-use development with active ground-floor uses
-
Restaurants, retail and grocery options
-
Open space, plazas and places for community gathering
-
Family-friendly amenities and entertainment
-
Safe, attractive and walkable public spaces
-
Adequate parking and thoughtful access
-
Businesses that complement and support existing local businesses
Housing was also an important topic throughout both workshops. Some attendees supported housing as part of a mixed-use concept, including affordable housing opportunities for Bell residents, while others raised concerns related to parking, maintenance and the balance between residential and commercial uses.
Participants also identified uses they felt would be less appropriate for the site, including fast food, smoke shops, liquor-related businesses and bargain-style retail.
Continuing the Conversation
The community workshops were an important first step, but the City wants to hear from residents who were unable to attend. A community survey is available to provide additional feedback on potential uses, development priorities and the future character of the Atlantic & Gage site.
Feedback collected through the workshops and community survey will be summarized and used to help inform future planning and development discussions for the property.
Stay Informed
Additional information and future engagement opportunities will be shared as the process continues.