Pasadena · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasadena public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Senior affordable housing at 280 Ramona Street
The council approved $2.76 million in federal HOME funds for a 100-unit senior housing project, but a resident flagged that per-unit costs have climbed to $878,000 and completion isn't expected until late 2028.
Summit Grove affordable housing construction defects
Homeowners at Summit Grove, Decker Court, and other city-supported affordable projects described water intrusion, black mold, health impacts, and repair funding shortfalls that threaten the projects' viability. They asked the council to meet with HOA boards and allocate funds before El Niño storms arrive.
Heritage Housing Partners affordable homeownership
A long line of residents — many who bought their first home through HHP developments like Fair Oaks Court and Lincoln & Orange Grove — praised the nonprofit's work, pushing back against criticism of its projects and urging continued city support.
Central Library seismic retrofit construction contract
The city hired Geocon West for up to $335,950 to do materials testing and inspections for the Central Library seismic retrofit — a step toward reopening the library, expected around 2028.
SB 9 Urban Lot Splits Repeal in Eaton Fire Zone
The council moved to repeal interim ordinances that banned Senate Bill 9 lot splits and duplexes in very high fire hazard zones within the Eaton Fire boundary. The first reading passed unanimously after a public hearing with no public comment.
Restorative justice for 710/210 freeway displacement
After two years of work, the council adopted ten elements to repair harms from the 710 and 210 freeway construction — including a community oversight committee, roughly $150,000 payments to displaced families, affordable housing targets, and a formal apology. Staff will return with an implementation plan, possibly by July 13.
SB 79 Transit-Oriented Housing Delay Ordinance
The council moved a first reading of a delay ordinance for the state's transit-oriented housing law, but narrowed it — dropping exemptions for higher-density multifamily zones and adding an 18-month sunset. Final action comes June 15 with three members recused.
TEFRA Bond Financing for Affordable Housing
The council approved tax-exempt bond financing vehicles for two affordable housing projects — up to $60 million for 600 North Rosemead and up to $220 million for Colorado Crest — with no city repayment obligation.
600 N. Rosemead Affordable Housing Project
A 133-unit, 100% affordable project (131 affordable + 2 manager units) combining adaptive reuse of an office building with new construction, including units set aside for Eaton Fire victims and special needs populations. Neighbors appealed over density, height, parking, noise, and transit-stop qualifications; the council found no substantial evidence supported the appeal.
Rental Housing Board vacancy and appointments
The council filled one of four Rental Housing Board vacancies, appointing mediator and former planning commissioner David Coer to the at-large seat. Board members testified the board lacks legal expertise and faces heavy quasi-judicial workloads; three vacancies remain.
511 S. Oak Knoll multifamily project appeal
Neighbors appealed the Design Commission's approval of a 46-unit, four-story apartment building, citing lit exterior corridors, a protected canyon live oak, noise from an adjacent substation, and neighborhood character. The council denied the appeal but added a condition pushing the developer to study relocating or opening the corridors.
All Saints Church safe parking application
The council finally decided a months-long fight over letting up to 25 people sleep overnight in their cars at All Saints Church's parking lot. Neighbors say the area already has too many homeless services and too much crime; supporters say safe parking is proven, humane, and helps people get back into housing.
Caltech R&D building next to St. Philip's Church and School
The most contested item in months: a four-story, 93,539-square-foot research building on a Caltech-owned parking lot next to St. Philip's school. Neighbors demanded a full environmental review over lab safety, traffic, and scale; supporters cited jobs and keeping Caltech startups in Pasadena. The council approved it with BSL-1/2, height, and parking concessions.
Affordable housing at 434-470 North Lake Avenue
The city spent $12 million to buy this former Kaiser site and is now negotiating exclusively with a development team for 100%-affordable housing plus mental health services. Madison wanted the site re-marketed without the county mental health component, arguing taxpayers could get more value.