By Nicole MOORE

Jennifer McLain, representing the City of Glendale, addressed the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. at its monthly meeting on Thursday morning. She said that a final draft of the Montrose 20/20 plan, which outlines various improvements being considered for the Montrose Shopping Park, will be handed over to stakeholders in mid September. Such improvements include bettering the landscape, making parking lots more accessible, and modernizing the shopping village to make it more consumer friendly.

McLain addressed various community members’ concern regarding the plan’s call for increased nightlife. Based on survey results, many residents believe the current nightlife at the shopping park is sufficient and they do not want the area to become congested. However, the plan’s outline to implement more nightlife is to encourage economic growth in the area.

That being said, McLain said the city wants concerned members of the community to come to the monthly MSPA meetings and during visitor sessions express their opinions regarding the 20/20 plan.

“We’re all in this together,” McLain said.

The Montrose 20/20 plan is set to be completed within a few months.

The MSPA then presented Chris Peplow and his team of landscapers from the City of Glendale Parks Dept. with a certificate of appreciation for their work in shopping park.

“We appreciate everything you do. There are so many mornings you are all working on projects we don’t even realize. Honestly, you have been a true friend to Montrose,” said Andre Ordubegian, president of the MSPA, during the certificate presentation.

Lt. Oscar Rodriguez from the Glendale Police Dept. reported there has been an increase of burglaries in the Glendale area. However he added that due to the Glendale Police Dept.’s collaboration with the city’s citizens, five out of the six perpetrators have been detained. Recently, on the 2500 block of Chevy Chase, a woman noticed three men exiting her neighbor’s house, carrying valuable items. She quickly called authorities and officers were able to arrest the individuals involved.

“If people call us we have a great chance of catching these guys,” said Rodriguez.

Additionally, despite the recent surge of burglaries, Rodriguez noted Glendale is still one of the safest metropolitan areas in California.

Joanna Linkchorst, president of the Friends of Rockhaven, stated there will be a meeting for the organization on Sept. 24 at the La Crescenta Woman’s Club. The meeting will consist of a dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by a silent auction from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The proceeds from the auction will be used to further the preservation of the historic Rockhaven Sanitarium.

Dale Dawson, executive director of the MSPA, provided information about the upcoming Montrose Holiday Wine Walk, which will take place on Nov. 12. Tickets for the event will be $45. Participants will receive an ID wristband, a map of the Montrose Shopping Park, and a commemorative wine glass. There will not be street closures for the event, as all activities will take place inside venues. Along with wine, businesses participating in the event will provide snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. More information regarding the event will be available closer to the date.

The next MSPA meeting will take place on Oct. 6 in the Glendale Community College PDC, 2340 Honolulu Ave. at
8 a.m.

  Nicole MOORE