Caltech R&D project

An ACE Mentor Program volunteer, strongly supported the project for workforce development and real-world learning for students.

A St. Philip's parishioner and attorney, argued the project is inconsistent with the general plan, specific plan, and the 2024 R&D restrictions near schools.

A Caltech faculty member living near St. Philip's, said faculty support is far from unanimous and called the building inappropriate next to the church and school.

Called the wet-lab facility next to the historic church and grade school inappropriate and demanded full environmental review.

A Caltech bioengineering PhD student starting a diagnostics company, said the facility would let his startup stay in Pasadena.

A 30-year resident and St. Philip's parishioner, asked why the innovation center must go next to the church and its community services.

A union carpenter speaking for Local 661's 4,000+ members, urged the council to deny the appeal and approve the project for apprenticeship opportunities.

Lives on the block; described construction noise, vibration, narrow streets, and praised St. Philip's fire-relief work.

A former biotech executive who warned the R&D zoning doesn't cap biosafety levels and could allow BSL-3 near the school; urged a full EIR.

A 28-year Holliston resident who supports the building itself but says the lot is too small for the traffic and activity; urged an environmental study.

A St. Philip's parent who works in construction; supports the project and urged partnership and coexistence rather than stopping it.

A parent who cited the 73-foot height, traffic near the school, and 700+ opposition letters; asked the council to grant the appeal and require an EIR.

A St. Philip's parent focused on stewardship of the church and school and unknowns from rotating lab tenants.

A parent and startup executive who supports innovation but asked for more testing and study to remove unknowns about what will operate in the building.

Argued the zoning doesn't define a containment ceiling, that BSL-3/4 could evolve over time, and that the precedent deserves deliberate consideration next to kids.