APPLE VALLEY • Launching construction of the Yucca Loma Bridge, groundbreaking for a new training center and completion of a stalled housing project are all on the horizon for the town of Apple Valley in 2012.

After years of delay, the Happy Trails Villas will be one of the bright spots for the town, with occupants expected to move in by April, according to Kirsten McKinnon director of sales.

Once an abandoned eyesore, the 34-unit project located on the corner of Highway 18 and Kiowa Road sprang to life with construction and remodeling right after escrow closed on Nov. 9.

The town contributed $2.1 million in federal funds to help complete the for-sale town homes. The gated community will offer 2,000-square-foot homes geared for first-time home buyers and those who fall into the $30,000 to $93,000 income range.

Extending across the Mojave River, the Yucca Loma Bridge project will open an additional route between Apple Valley and Victorville.

The $75 million project has met with unexpected delays. But in December, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors agreed to fund up to $3.4 million for drainage improvements necessary for construction and the project is expected to begin construction by late summer.

Grading for the new Walmart Supercenter will begin by February after final plans checks have been completed, according to a town report.

Situated on the corner of Dale Evans Parkway and Thunderbird Road, the town approved the project last January but was hindered a few months later when Walmart was threatened by litigation. The council then approved the project as it stood in May without sending it to the ballot.

“Apple Valley is one of the least expensive cities for business in California, which is certainly encouraging for continued growth and increased sales tax potential,” newly appointed Mayor Barb Stanton said in an emailed response.

Located next to the Walmart distribution center, the Victor Valley College Public Safety Training Center should be ready for operation by spring, according to Apple Valley Fire Protection District Chief Art Bishop.

The $32 million center is designed to train VVC student for careers in firefighting, paramedic, police and corrections, with the facility available to public safety agencies across Southern California.

The center, which broke ground August 2010, was the first major project to move forward as part of a voter-approved $298 million bond measure and a donation of land by Walmart. It will include 13 classrooms, a five-story fire tower, shooting range, new fire technologies and training equipment and several emergency scenario props including a newly installed 35–ton rail tanker.

Village property owners will decide this year whether their Property Business Investment District should continue or be dissolved.

The PBID was formed in 2007 to fund Village improvements, with members paying a flat $230 yearly fee and an assessment by the square foot. A handful of area property owners have complained about the extra fees, with members set to vote on extending the PBID June 30.

Billed as the nation’s largest small-box discount retailer, Dollar General will make its California debut in the Village area this year and two major distribution centers will add close to 85,000-square-feet to their facilities.

With Town Manager Frank Robinson set to leave his post in June, 2012 will also have town leadership busy looking for a replacement. Robinson announced his resignation but has not shared what led to his decision.

“This year will be financially challenging and I am prepared to make some very difficult decisions,” Stanton said. “Staff and this council will work to continue the legacy of ‘A Better Way of Life.’”