Glendale City Councilmember Paula Devine and her husband Art joined us for the Crescenta Valley Community Association meeting on Thursday. We are very pleased that they took the time to learn more about the issues important to the residents of the Crescenta Valley.

We discussed California Senate Bill 649, currently being considered in Sacramento, which would take control away from local jurisdictions to determine the placement of Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, such as cellphone towers, in public spaces. The bill allows telecommunications companies to install small cell transmitters on existing utility poles. In this case, “small” means up to the size of a refrigerator. The California chapter of the American Planning Association opposes the bill, noting the following concerns on its website: The bill eliminates full discretionary review except in the coastal zone and in historic districts. All other areas must process these permits through either a building or encroachment permit. There will be very limited ability to apply design standards for property in the right of way, and the fees that the bill prescribes would likely barely cover maintenance costs.

That means that the city would have to absorb these facilities where the phone companies want to put them and not even be able to charge enough to bring in some revenue for the city. If you think our local elected officials should continue to regulate what the telecommunications industry can build in your neighborhood, please let Assemblymember Laura Friedman, website: https://a43.asmdc.org/, and State Senator Anthony Portantino, website: http://sd25.senate.ca.gov/, know that you oppose SB649.

The prospects of development of the former Kmart property at 8040 Foothill Blvd. are getting a bit likelier with two proposals being discussed. As you may be aware, LA Mission College approached the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council regarding a satellite facility at the Kmart site back in 2009. Due to changes in the administration at the college, that effort lagged. Last year they set up classes in the Foothill Commerce Town Center, 7200 Foothill Blvd., with an eye toward moving forward with the original plan for classrooms and retail stores – possibly even a general merchandise replacement for the Kmart. The proximity is expected to facilitate cooperation between local business owners and the college. Classes will be tailored to the specific skills needed by businesses and job placement would be convenient.

On July 17, the STNC Land Use Committee heard from representatives of Ken Porter Auctions, website: https://www.kenporterauctions.com/, with their competing proposal for the old Kmart site. They want to have two auctions a month on Saturdays, when 200-300 people would come to the site. The rest of the time the facility would be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays with a staff of 25. There would be five or six truck deliveries per day, plus customers picking up their purchases.

This prime property has been idle and attracting homeless people for several years. It would be a benefit to the community to have something bringing jobs and tax revenue to the area. I favor the college/retail complex proposal and will watch for further news.

As of this writing, there has been no decision posted yet on Glendale’s website on the variance request by Wells Fargo to legitimize the fence at the southern edge of 3200 Foothill Blvd. discussed in last month’s column.

The next CVCA meeting will be Aug. 24 starting at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd. Park in the upper lot accessed from La Crescenta Avenue. Our meetings are free to attend and open to the public. Bring new neighbors so that they can learn about land use issues and how they can participate in shaping future development.

Sharon Weisman is a founding

member of the CVCA. She can be

reached at sharon@jetcafe.org.