PUSD Board Authorizes Negotiations for Former Linda Vista School Site Development

Linda Vista School closed on June 30, 2006 (Photo – googlemap)

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education voted Thursday night to authorize district staff to begin negotiating an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with a preferred developer for the former Linda Vista Elementary School site.

By News Desk

As part of the action, the Board approved an amendment requiring that the park on the property remain in its current location and retain its current size.

Before the vote, Board members heard public comment from residents of Linda Vista, one of Pasadena’s wealthiest neighborhoods, overlooking the Rose Bowl. Many expressed concerns that the proposed housing development would require relocating the existing park and argued that the project was inconsistent with the area’s low-density character.

District officials emphasized that Thursday’s vote represents an early step in a lengthy planning process and does not constitute approval of a final development proposal, ground lease, construction, or any required City entitlements.

“We heard our community loud and clear about keeping the Linda Vista School site park in place, and about making sure overall density is addressed thoughtfully,” PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement. “The vote includes a requirement that the park remain at its current location and size, and community input will continue to guide us as this process moves forward. Before any agreement comes back to the Board for a public vote, families and neighbors will have continued opportunities to ask questions, share their priorities, and help shape what comes next.”

According to the district, the proposal will continue to evolve as feedback is gathered during both the ENA negotiations and the City’s review process.

During the ENA phase, the district and its prospective development partner will conduct due diligence, engage with the community, and determine which city planning and environmental reviews will be required.

Any finalized Exclusive Negotiating Agreement will be presented to the Board of Education for consideration and approval at a future public meeting.

Additional information about the Linda Vista Development Request for Proposals process and timeline is available on the Pasadena Unified School District’s asset management website.