We Need Another Win

As community activists, we hardly ever win … but sometimes we do.

A Los Angeles County Superior Court decision last week was applauded by those of us who have been fighting a 215-unit housing development at 6433 La Tuna Canyon Road, the site of the former Verdugo Hills Golf Course. The court ruled that owner/petitioner, Snowball West Investments, LP, did not demonstrate zoning inconsistency in the City of Los Angeles general plan and that the Housing Accountability Act “anti-NIMBY” law did not apply. It further determined that approval of a vesting zone change to RD-5, a higher density than currently exists, posed a fire safety risk to the community. Consequently, the petition was denied, the zoning remains as is and only 19 units can be built on the 58 acres. Stay tuned for further “developments.”

The Crescenta Valley community had another smaller success years ago when a century-old Moreton Bay fig tree was threatened by a commercial development. The tree sat on the property line between 2620 and 2636 Foothill Blvd. Between the large-scale excavation for the new building project that removed dirt from its roots and a hard trim by the other property owner, the historic tree was in danger of dying. A group of concerned citizens came out on a rainy day to bring attention to the matter and the “save the tree” movement was born. Because of our efforts, both owners realized its importance to the community and took steps to protect it. The tree still stands today, albeit smaller than it once was. Look for it across the street from Togo’s restaurant.

Not all projects have had such a positive outcome. In 2008, the community overwhelmingly supported a proposal by the City of Glendale to purchase the Rockhaven sanitarium property located at 2713 Honolulu Ave. After the business closed, Glendale acknowledged the historic value of the 3.5 acres of land with buildings, representing the last surviving sanitarium in the area. Its original plan was to rehabilitate the buildings and to transform the space into a community park, using funds from the proposed Trader Joe’s land lease/taxes. A new Montrose library would be built on the vacant land with the fire station expanding into the old library space. See the video produced by the City of Glendale in 2010, outlining its vision for Rockhaven https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88-u9JENth0. During the years since, the masterplan for Rockhaven has changed several times but not a single proposal has moved forward; nothing has been updated and it sits unused. The site is listed on both the State and National Registries of Historic Places but that alone may not be enough to save it. Friends of Rockhaven are determined to try. In a twist of fate this week, on Tuesday State Senator Anthony Portantino secured funding so the dilapidated property can be revitalized (see this week’s cover story).

With the improved economy has come a renewed concern for the residents of the Crescenta Valley. Developers who had previously focused their sights on downtown Glendale are now eying the foothills for their multi-storied housing projects. Almost overnight, we have seen nearly a dozen proposals for apartments and condos along our main arterials. Some have already been approved and will be built. The latest out-of-scale project is located at 3411-3437 Foothill Blvd., ironically the site of the previous Trader Joe’s in La Crescenta. The 78 units in three separate buildings would be the tallest buildings anywhere on Foothill Boulevard and will substantially overshadow New York Park. The modern design would stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.

Clearly, this is not what was envisioned in the North Glendale Community Plan.
How do you feel about it? The Glendale Design Review Board will meet virtually on Thursday, July 8 at 5 p.m. to discuss it along with other rescheduled projects. The meeting is certain to run long. Let your voice be heard by calling in to (818) 937-8100 and/or by sending your comment letter to Glendale Planner Roger Kiesel at rkiesel@glendaleca.gov. More at https://www.glendaleca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/62687/637589242146870000 .

Susan Bolan
susanbolan710@gmail.com