(L-R) Councilmembers Gene Masuda and Jason Lyon, VM Felicia Williams, Sup. Kathryn Barger, Mayor Victor Gordo, John M. Yamamoto, Kaiser Permanente’s VP of Community Health & Government Relations for Southern and
Hawaii Markets (Photo – Office of Kathryn Barger)
The City of Pasadena and the County of Los Angeles move one step closer to providing needed health services and affordable housing to the community.
By News Desk
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the City of Pasadena has taken formal ownership of the 2.5 acre site located at the southeast corner of Lake Avenue and Villa Street. The property was vacated by Kaiser Permanente more than 10 years ago and has sat empty ever since.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo reiterated his vision for the future of the property to provide affordable housing and health care services within a community-focused mixed-use Transit Oriented Development. “This project, in partnership with Los Angeles County, is an opportunity to bring much-needed health care and mental health care services to our residents at one location. It also is an opportunity to develop quality affordable housing and improve the overall economic vitality of this part of our City.” said Gordo. “Now that the City has taken ownership of the property, the hard work of developing the site begins. Knowing that LA County is in true partnership with us to address critical community needs and improve the quality of life for our residents makes all the difference. This type of partnership is precisely how government at all levels should work.”
Supervisor Kathryn Barger said:
I am thrilled that we have reached the finish line and closed this deal. Forging partnerships sounds like an easy task, but it takes a lot of work to get the details right so that all parties are satisfied. Ultimately, our North Star was improving the quality of life of north Pasadena residents by anchoring a variety of health, housing, and support programs in a property with much potential. I’m a proud partner in this revitalization effort and look forward to breaking ground soon.”
“At Kaiser Permanente, we’re dedicated to the health and welfare of our members and the communities we serve. Today, we celebrate the final real estate transfer of the 2.5-acre site from Kaiser Permanente to the City of Pasadena,” said Michelle Gaskill-Hames, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of Southern California and Hawaii. “This collaborative effort enables the City of Pasadena and the County of Los Angeles to revitalize this property, with a strong emphasis on improving mental health accessibility and affordable housing. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this partnership, which will undeniably transform our community for the better.”
City Manager Miguel Márquez expressed his gratitude and support for the ongoing City and County collaboration. He indicated that a Request for Proposals for the development of the site should be released in about 90 days.
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