710 Former Surface Route Properties to be Sold

After decades of controversy, distress and frustrations, properties along the former surface route of the 710 Freeway extension will be sold.

Caltrans will begin a process to determine how, when and at what price individual properties will be offered.

Former owners and tenants will be given certain preferences as state law mandates. Housing authorities will have priority as well.

A bill authored by Senator Carol Liu dictates that the California Department of Transportation must quickly sell some of the nearly 500 properties it owns in Los Angeles, South Pasadena and Pasadena. It also states that after reimbursing the original costs to the agency that acquired the parcels, generated revenues will be used for improvements in the corridor, including work on neglected homes to make them salable.

Almost 400 homes are occupied by tenants, but many others remain vacant and in disrepair.

Pasadena Heritage, amongst other local organizations, has an interest in the process as it unfolds. They have voiced their commitment to continue to watchdog these historic properties, as they have done throughout their 36-year history.

Stay tuned.