Letter to the Editor: Residents Voted for A Building Height Limit For A Reason

Letters to the Editor | SouthPasadenan.com News

Open letter to City Council regarding serious changes to the current South Pasadena building height limit that threatens South Pasadena’s livable character. 

TO: Mayor Zneimer, Mayor Pro Tem Donovan, Council Members Primuth, Cacciotti and Braun,

Repeal of the City of South Pasadena’s 45’ voter imposed height limit is a very significant issue that can absolutely threaten the small town character of our community.

When both the Planning Commission and City Council in the 1980’s approved twin hundred foot towers of 10 and 12 stories on Fair Oaks Avenue, it created a ground swell in the community and a citizen’s referendum which overwhelmingly passed the present height limit.

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In 1982, it was proposed that the two buildings shown below be built on Fair Oaks Avenue where the Pollo Loco strip mall and the large brown office building next to it at 625 Fair Oaks are now. Submitted by Ron Rosen

This issue should today be treated as a more significant matter than a simple one hour Virtual Town Hall on 6/12 with no opportunity for any discussion for such an important issue related to the Housing Element.

This should not be a Zoom presentation by staff and hired experts answering questions, but should be a special meeting of the City Council devoted solely to this issue with full participation of the community – in person as well as on Zoom.

Since you are asking for our votes in November, we are asking you for a more meaningful public outreach process for this important issue before that vote takes place.

Signed,

Richard Schneider, MD, Former Mayor
Harry Knapp, Former Mayor
Clarice Knapp
Gary Coyne
Delaine Shane
Joanne Nuckols
Ed Simpson
Bee Simpson
Bill Sherman, MD
Teresa Sherman