Councilmembers have issues with Colorado Blvd development plan

Janette Williams wrote yesterday about a plan for developing Colorado Boulevard, between the intersections of Lake and Mentor (also known as the view out the newsroom window):

PASADENA - Plans to restore the 1926 Constance Hotel and replace small businesses lining the 900 block of East Colorado Boulevard with new stores, restaurants and offices have started through the city process.

The plan came up as an information item in last Monday's meeting and several council members have already expressed some concern about the plan. Sid Tyler and Margaret McAustin both seemed unenthusiastic about changing the entire block, and McAustin specifically said she didn't like the idea of a multi-story development, which is what would be taking place.

Also, the duo, along with other Council members were concerned about the fact that the plan will only be heard by an officer of the Planning Department- according to Richard Bruckner, the plan does not need to go before the Planning Commission or Council unless there is a challenge to the plan filed with the city.

There was concern among the council members that a plan that would seriously change a major block along Colorado could go through without any further input from the council, the Planning Commission, or the public.

I expect we will be hearing a lot more about this plan in the future.