SCE crews in Altadena (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net/W.K.)
In a move to preserve the integrity of Altadena’s local economy, Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new Executive Order that includes a key provision safeguarding the future of commercial development along the city’s vital corridors, specifically Lake Avenue and Fair Oaks Avenue.
By News Desk
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger praised the action, calling it crucial for the small businesses that drive the region’s economy.
In a statement today, Barger commended Newsom for his efforts to prevent the permanent loss of commercial spaces, which are essential for Altadena’s small business community. She emphasized the importance of these businesses, many of which are still recovering from the challenges of a displaced customer base, and stated that this executive order will provide much-needed relief.
“Altadena’s local economy may be small, but it is powered by resilient, hardworking small businesses,” Barger said. “As these businesses continue to recover and rebuild—or, for those that remain open, strive to survive despite the challenges of a displaced customer base—this Executive Order will serve as an important safeguard to preserve commercial space and the local economy.
Barger also highlighted how the order will eliminate regulatory barriers that could have threatened commercial development in the community, noting that it ensures any future developments along the corridors will enhance, not diminish, the pedestrian-friendly and vibrant atmosphere of the area.
“By preventing the permanent loss of commercial sites in our business corridors, the Governor’s action ensures that our small businesses can continue to serve the community without the looming threat of redevelopment pressures pushing them out,” Barger added. “Recovery isn’t just about residents returning to their homes—it’s about ensuring that the restaurants, coffee shops, dry cleaners, and other essential services they rely on remain in place to help them rebuild their daily lives.”
Under the new executive directive, certain state provisions will be suspended, offering a buffer to local businesses from pressures of redevelopment. The move aims to ensure that Altadena’s commercial and mixed-use corridors remain a vital part of the community’s fabric, protecting spaces where small businesses can thrive.
Barger also urged local stakeholders to collaborate on “smart, sustainable development solutions” that prioritize the needs of residents while addressing the area’s housing demands. The goal is to find a way to grow Altadena while maintaining the charm and character that make the community so unique: “I encourage our local stakeholders to seize this opportunity to collaborate on smart, sustainable development solutions that serve our residents. Together, we can shape a future for Altadena that protects its charm while thoughtfully addressing its housing needs.”
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