A protest sign at the Pasadena Planning Commission meeting – Oct. 25, 2017 (Photo – Garrett Rowlan).
The fate of a parcel of currently vacated land just below the 210 freeway was the subject of Wednesday nights’ meeting of the Pasadena Planning Commission.
By Garrett Rowlan
The property, sold by Fuller Seminary to the Carmel Partners, has been the subject of two different development proposals on the 3.34 acres of land, the second being to build 307 units on the property.
No decision on the proposal was slated to be made on the October 25 meeting in the Council chambers of Pasadena, the gathering was only to hear public comments on the proposal. Hear it they did.
Pasadena Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 (Photo – Garrett Rowlan).
Public comments
People didn’t like it. Not one of the two dozen or more public speakers expressed approval for the plan as it currently stands. The apartments and the 521 parking spaces sound great—there is a proposed fitness center, private courtyard, and rooftop space—if you can afford it, which was the rub.
750 students
are considered
homeless,
many living
in cars or motels
There is no provision for affordable housing, which was the main bone of contention. Speakers noted not only Pasadena’ s homeless problem, but the fact that people who work in the city cannot afford to live there. Speakers cited the current rental rates as $2,100 for a one-bedroom and $2,700 for two bedrooms. Even Section 8 certificates, one speaker noted, wouldn’t get you placed. As a result, the homeless population in Pasadena is growing, even among families. One school board member noted that 750 students are considered homeless, many living in cars or motels. A common refrain was, we don’t need more luxury apartments in Pasadena.
No representative from Fuller Seminary or the Carmel Corporation was there to speak. A final decision will be made at a later date.
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