Street Renderings of the Caltech Lab Along Green Street (Photo – caltech.edu)
The Pasadena City Council approved major developments for both the Pasadena Central Library and a hotly debated Caltech research facility before adjourning near midnight.
By Andrew Sweet
Pasadena Council Advances Library Project
The Pasadena City Council approved a Pasadena Central Library contract 7–0 after it was shelved from their February 12 meeting. The agreement authorized PLC Construction Services, Inc. to provide Phase Two construction services at the Pasadena Central Library, which has been closed since 2021 for upgrades. The Council previously pushed back the item until the company could localize its involvement and provide space for resident jobs.
Before PLC representatives began their presentation, Councilmember Tyron Hampton, District 1 — who criticized the original plan three weeks earlier — commended PLC on its improvements.
“I think that there has been significant growth since the last time we saw this and I appreciate our staff and the construction company for working on this plan diligently,” Hampton remarked.
PLC stated that it will monitor an effective local hiring process with a Pasadena consultant. The company organized its selections by tiers, with Tier 1 designated for Pasadena residents, followed by Tier 2 for workers from Sierra Madre and Altadena.
After concerns were raised about equitable pay among local employees, PLC assured the Council that Pasadena residents would receive a 5% share of the payroll. Construction services estimated that 75 to 80 workers would be locally sourced out of the approximately 500 contributors expected during the project period.
Council Rejects Caltech Development Appeal
During a four-hour discussion, residents, experts, and councilmembers grappled with the contested building plan after Building a Better Pasadena, LLC filed an appeal.
The item would approve a four-story, 81-foot-tall facility at 1364 E. Green Street. The application was filed on August 8, 2025, and reviewed by the Design Commission until its approval in January 2026. The site is located near Saint Philip the Apostle School and Church. The plan also includes the installation of 260 parking spaces.
The appeal was grounded in what opponents described as insufficient analysis to support a categorical exemption for environmental review, as well as inconsistency with the General Plan and Zoning Code. City staff argued that the project aligns with General Plan policies and would not result in disruptions related to “traffic, noise, air quality, and water quality.”
Grant Johnson, a traffic engineer representing the appellant, pointed to inconsistencies in the project’s promises, stressing existing traffic issues near Saint Philip the Apostle School on Holliston Road. He argued that the proposed project could back up traffic for significant periods due to the narrow drop-off street.
The Council heard from more than 50 public commenters, including street residents, Caltech faculty, St. Philip’s clergy, and attendees. Public feedback was divided. Supporters argued that the project would promote jobs in Pasadena, provide much-needed space for Caltech research, and encourage students to remain in the city for academic pursuits. Opponents raised concerns about traffic congestion, environmental constraints, and a lack of comprehensive zoning review. In total, 728 letters opposing the project were submitted to the Council, and residents circulated a petition calling for further analysis.
Before voting, Councilmembers emphasized that the decision was not about “picking sides.” They agreed that the project met proper safety regulations. The Caltech applicant voluntarily offered to reduce the construction timeline by lowering the maximum height to 73 feet and eliminating 60 parking spaces.
The Council voted 8–0 near midnight to deny the appeal, approving the staff recommendation. The project will now move into final review with the Design Commission, with concerns over categorical exemption resolved.
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