Despite COVID-19, Much is Going On in the Crescenta Valley

As we enter our fifth month under the Stay at Home Order, I know many community members have been feeling restless, emotionally exhausted and drained. This has been a trying time for all members of our community. Is this our new normal? There is so much uncertainty. As we all grieve our lack of normal, I know that we will come out of this. We will build our community back up and take care of each other.

Aside from this pandemic, there are many issues going on in our community.  Illegal dumping is a big problem in our community. In the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including La Crescenta, there is a trash responsibility ordinance that requires residents to dispose of their trash on a weekly basis. Whether the resident is a renter or homeowner, that person is responsible for any trash that is in front of their home, even if that trash is not something they put there. Bulky items left on the street have become a danger, not just due to their size and unsanitary conditions, but also because many items are dumped on sidewalks. This is a safety concern for people walking in the neighborhoods. Donation centers are often full but there are so many options out there to help you get rid of your trash. Try your local Buy Nothing Groups. Your trash may be someone’s treasure. Think outside the box. 

For residents in La Crescenta and La Cañada Flintridge who have bulky items that have been dropped at their residence or in their neighborhood, call (888) 838-6746 or download The Works iPhone or Android applications. Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping in the unincorporated portion of LA County can call (888) 838-6746. We are in this together.

Another topic in the Crescenta Valley is the upcoming condominium development on Briggs Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. The Crescenta Valley Town Council Land Use Committee plans to notify community members later this summer detailing news about the property on which the La Crescenta Motel currently sits. The proposed developer has submitted plans to LA County Regional Planning for affordable housing condo units, but those plans could be months away from approval. Evaluations concerning traffic flow and fire response must still be conducted and approved.

Ines Chessum, LUC co-chair, stated that the important point for developers to consider, especially when designing buildings with high density, is having the plans meet Community Design Standards. In this case, the infrastructure needs to be able to support the density.

“Our water, traffic and sewage are going to be impacted,” Chessum said. “Establishing a conversation helps [developers] understand the intent to make a good project so the community can be engaged.” 

Land Use would prefer to gain more knowledge about the owner’s plans before proceeding with public information.

And lastly, don’t forget our monthly Town Council meetings. For those who have an interest in attending and participating in our virtual meetings and want to submit comments and/or questions, we encourage you to please contact CVTC at contact@thecvcouncil.com.

As a community, let’s focus on what we can do today in this moment. We need to protect our community members, wear our masks, support our local businesses and reach out to a neighbor and say “hi”. We are all in this together! Give yourself grace and extend grace to those around you. 

Thank you for doing your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protecting your family, friends, neighbors and community.

Stay healthy, stay safe and stay home.

Harry Leon, President

CV Town Council

  Harry LEON