Four hundred happy and curious Sun City and Menifee residents came to Webb Hall Wednesday night to hear about what is and isn't coming to the Countryside Marketplace.


Jeff Chambers, Vice President of the project's developer, Donahue-Schreiber Realty Group, talked and answered questions for over an hour about the businesses that will be included and why some won't, in the development just West of the 215, South of Newport.


With the reminder that any of them could drop out at the eleventh hour, Chambers said current expectations include: Lowes, three Banks, a Hawaiian BBQ, Cingular and Verizon Phones, cleaners, a Japanese Sushi place, Chopolte Mexican Fast food, Starbucks, BJs Brewery and Restaurant, a Red Robin Restaurant, TGIFriday’s, Chick-Fill-A, Staples, Petco, Linens and Things, a Bakery, Old Navy, Kohl's, Best Buy, Sports Chalet, Shoe Stores, some beauty salons and an In & Out Burger.


Target will expand when it moves over from its current location on the East side of the Freeway. The good-natured crowd hummed with approval when it was announced that Beverages and More was expected, and that all the full size restaurants would include full bar service.


The evening also turned out to be kind of a "town hall wish list" for many who were hoping that some of their favorite restaurants and businesses would be there. Tops on the list of wanted but won't be coming were Red Lobster, Trader Joe's, Costco, a fabric/crafts store, and a movie theater.


Behind the Marketplace will be some homes and included therein will be a park and bike trails. Scheduled for completion slightly after the commercial project are a government center and a major aquatic facility, both of whom will be built next door on Newport Road.


Mr. Chambers noted that great care has been taken to utilize every possible means of preventing traffic problems, with a planned future expansion of the on- and off-ramps of the adjacent 215 freeway.


Completion of the project is expected in Fall, 2009. The evening was sponsored by the Menifee Valley Municipal Advisory Council. Third District Supervisor Jeff Stone, who is credited as a major architect of the project, was unable to attend as he was in Washington, DC, lobbying for the Riverside Conservation Authority.