All Saints Church as soon from its parking lot (Photo – Staff)
The Pasadena City Council voted 5–2–1 Monday to approve a permit allowing All Saints Church to expand its safe parking program for homeless residents.
By Andrew Sweet
On Monday, March 9, the council held a public hearing concerning an appeal to approve a permit for All Saints Church to establish a safe parking area for homeless residents, a safe parking program allowing people living in their vehicles to stay overnight in the church parking lot. The permit would expand the parking lot by up to 25 spaces.
The hearing was first brought up on November 17, 2025, but was stalled after a 4–3 vote. According to the council’s charter, five affirmative votes are required for an item to take effect. Councilmember Steve Madison, District 6, was absent.
The council reopened the hearing on February 2nd, 2026, despite threats of litigation. The Maryland Homeowners Association and Martin Truitt, a tax advisor and frequent council consultant, threatened legal action, contending that, per the Pasadena Municipal Code, “the Council [was] without jurisdiction to proceed with any further proceedings on this matter.” Pasadena City Council received overwhelming correspondence from both sides of the safe parking program debate.
In its letter, the MHA claimed that the safe parking program was being used for commercial purposes rather than religious activity. The MHA also pointed to a previous All Saints Church policy in which a person was redirected away from the church to partake in drugs off-site.
In the middle of the five-hour meeting, public commenters turned out in overwhelming support of the program.
“Safe parking is a religious activity,” All Saints priest-in-charge Tim Rich said, responding to the MHA’s comments.
Another commenter pointed out that the church enforces a Good Neighbor Policy, in which illicit activity such as drug use is discouraged within a half-mile of the site.
Councilmembers also had to address any previous connections to Truitt, prompting fierce discussion. Several members said they had spoken to Truitt, including Mayor Victor Gordo for consulting purposes. Councilmember Madison was also singled out for allegedly failing to disclose Truitt’s involvement in election campaigns opposing him.
Councilmember Rick Cole, District 2, put forward a motion to amend the permit. Cole sought to include a monthly meeting between neighbors, parishioners and various representatives to help manage the process. Councilmember Madison seconded the motion, but Mayor Victor Gordo remained firm in his decision to reject the item’s approval.
Mayor Gordo and Councilmember Justin Jones, District 3, agreed that the program was not something to pass and that the city could “do better” in addressing homelessness. Both intended to vote against the item.
In the end, the council voted 5–2–1 to approve the program, with Councilmember Tyron Hampton, District 1, abstaining.
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