710 stub photo taken in 2024 (File Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)
The Pasadena City Council tackled both local procurement concerns and bold plans to transform the 710 Freeway “stub” into a walkable urban village, in a meeting that also paid tribute to a key figure in the city’s early childhood policy.
By Andrew Sweet
Before the meeting began, Mayor Victor Gordo requested an adjournment in memory of Dr. Dianne Philibosian. A friend to several councilmembers and mentor to Gordo, Dr. Philibosian taught at California State University, Northridge and helped launch Pasadena’s Early Childhood Development Policy. Gordo shared a detailed account of Dr. Philibosian’s many contributions to the Pasadena community.
Equipment Contract Sparks Concern
Councilmembers were unable to reach a decision on a proposed park maintenance contract. The five-year agreement, with Arizona Machinery LLC, would address ongoing issues with lawn care equipment.
Councilmember Tyron Hampton (District 1) expressed disappointment over the lack of consideration for local businesses. He urged the council to explore Pasadena-based companies for the equipment supply.
“As far as I’m concerned, we win by taking our equipment somewhere closer,” Hampton commented.
Councilmember Steve Madison raised the question of whether repair timelines were urgent. Mayor Gordo agreed, warning that delaying the contract could slow needed maintenance.
In the end, the council voted 5-3 to table the contract until later this month.
Restorative Justice and Replanning
Chair Danny Parker and the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group presented plans to reunite neighborhoods divided by the 710 Freeway.
The group is exploring ways to repurpose the land to boost walkability and housing availability. The targeted area, known as the “stub”, stretches west to east from Union Street to South Pasadena Avenue and includes streets like St. John Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.
“It was a wonderful neighborhood with great neighbors that all got along with each other,” said Luis Correa, a committee member and former resident of the stub. “They were mostly hardworking Latinos, African-Americans, and Asians.”
The group proposed transforming the stub into a walkable urban village with public courtyards and parks. Plans include adding 1,750 to 2,400 housing units and developing a commercial district spanning two to four blocks. Suggestions also included converting streets to two-way traffic to reduce congestion.
During public comment, several representatives advocated for reserving space for innovation and start-ups. Speakers from scientific organizations and non-profits emphasized the importance of research zones in Pasadena, citing the potential for job creation.
Mayor Gordo highlighted the transportation challenges, especially concerning adjacent properties. Councilmembers proposed green spaces like a central park or water feature and stressed the role of schools and youth in the planning process.
The council agreed to seek consultants and revisit the project in the spring.
> Watch the full Pasadena City Council Meeting from October 20, 2025, at this link.
Leave a Reply