Residents weighed in on Thursday, March 28, on what they’d like to see for the future of a former Kaiser-Permanente property on North Lake Avenue, purchased by the city and long in the pipeline for redevelopment.
What that redevelopment might look like was the key question at the city forum, as the leaders consider proposals from more than a dozen developers for the property, at 434-470 North Lake Ave., on the south side of Villa Street.
Around 75 people participated in the two-hour discussion, held at nearby Lake Avenue Church.
The city purchased the 2.28-acre site at the end of 2023 under the state’s Surplus Land Act. Leaders are weighing proposals that will satisfy legislative requirements and, potentially, offer the community a place it can embrace.
“I thank you for your involvement in the opportunity to dream a little bit about this corner and dream a lot about improving this part of our city,” Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said.
Following remarks by city officials, attendees were assembled in small groups of around eight people each for brainstorming sessions, which afforded them an opportunity to share their thoughts and visions regarding the development.
J.K. Russell, who has lived in the area 40 years, can’t wait to see the property reemerge after sitting empty for a decade.
“One of the things I think might be good might be some form of community recreation or a space where people can gather and just enjoy themselves, meet and get together,” he said.
Along with new shops and possible entertainment opportunities, Russell would also like to see a small museum created amidst the development that could serve to chronicle the history of the area.
Julian Levy, who lives nearby, is an active walker who favors pedestrian opportunities.
“Being able to walk to places, whether that’s somewhere to go out to eat or buy something or to hang out with friends,” he said, “just being able to go and do that right by where I live, would be really special and amazing and would absolutely contribute to my quality of life.”
His mother, Alyssa Levy, said she often talks about what she’d like the development to look like.
“I’d love it if there’s like a pilates studio and an ice cream shop and some restaurants with outdoor seating,” she said. “Something that feels a little bit more approachable, warm, open.”
“We walk a lot in the area, so any enrichment to that, that serves our community and supports the people that live and work here, feels really good,” she said.
Pasadena Vice Mayor Jess Rivas thanked everyone who showed up.
“What we’re here to get tonight is your vision, so that, whatever ultimately goes in there, represents what you want, what the community wants,” she said.
“You’re an important part of this process,” Rivas said. “You’re a necessary and key part of the process.”
She spoke of the importance of affordable housing, especially just for those who may have good incomes but still can’t afford to live comfortably in the area.
“It’s insane for anyone to keep up with rent, to afford to buy a home,” Rivas said, “so whatever we can do on our end to minimize that impact, we have to do.”
David Klug, Pasadena’s economic development director, described some of the restrictions necessary on the property per state law, including that at least 25% of the housing units qualify as affordable housing.
“Priority is given to the entity that proposes to provide the greatest number of affordable housing units,” he said. “If an equal number of units are proposed, the priority shall be given to the entity that proposes the deepest average level of affordability for the affordability units.”
The project could potentially include up to 87 housing units per acre of land, creating a high density in structures that will be developed between three- to five-stories high.
In July, Klug said, a notice of availability was sent out to registered affordable housing developers, 13 of which responded within the 60-day window.
“We continue to negotiate with the developers after we hear from you tonight … Getting the community input is key for us to take back to the City Council and involve your input into the selection of the developer,” he said.
Gordo explained that L.A. County conducted a study that found the Pasadena area was underserved as far as health and mental health services were concerned, especially for minors.
“The decision was made that we needed to address that gap in service … We all see the impacts of what the lack in services brings to individuals and families and communities,” he said, so the Pasadena City Council is looking to this site as a potential location for medical and mental health services.
“We also envisioned … an opportunity to create more affordable housing and hopefully stimulate more development along Lake Avenue,” he said, with the affordability concept aimed particularly at the senior population.
“We’ve had plans in place to improve Lake Avenue,” Gordo said. “What’s been missing is the investment from the private sector.”
Monty Bernstein, who was born just down the street in 1948, remembers playing in the parking lot of the Safeway store that once stood on the former Kaiser Permanente property.
“I’m tired of having it be empty,” he said. “I don’t think it’s very good looking or very attractive right now, the way they’ve got it fenced off. I’d like to see something go in there.”
Jarret Liotta is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and photographer.