The City Council unanimously approved the Fair Oaks–Orange Grove Specific Plan Tuesday, adding directives to accelerate neighborhood improvements and pursue investment in a corridor residents described as a once-thriving center of Black-owned businesses.
The 7-0 vote followed testimony supporting recognition of a Black Legacy District and urging the city to pair its development framework with funding, street improvements and assistance for small businesses. Mayor Victor Gordo recused himself because he owns a home near the plan area.
The district would honor Northwest Pasadena’s Black history through public art, signs and gathering places while supporting locally owned businesses.
The Black Legacy District extends north of Washington Boulevard to the city boundary beyond Montana Street.
“When I was a young girl, my parents divorced and so I spent my summers with my dad here in Pasadena,” said Loretta Parks during public comment. “I love coming here because it was all black and it had black pharmacies, all kind of black businesses. And as a girl, it really inspired me because I saw folks who look like me having their own businesses. And my father, he owned his own business. He only went to the third grade, but he started his business and he had a successful business that he hired people and those people are still working today.”
Parks said naming the area the Black Legacy District will help to create a sense of pride where she grew up.
“This can drive culture, tourism, and provide a platform or small local businesses to thrive again under the recognition of culture brand.”
Councilmember Tyron Hampton’s motion, seconded by Councilmember Justin Jones, approved staff’s recommendation with additional directions to seek funding for banners, crosswalk improvements and decorative wraps for traffic-control utility boxes.
“We need sustained, identified financial and staff support,” Councilmember Rick Cole said. “That’s what is going to make the Black Legacy District come to life. Just adopting a plan won’t do that.”
The council also directed transportation officials to revisit a proposed street median and called for collaboration with the North Fair Oaks Empowerment Group.
Hampton said public investment would demonstrate the city’s commitment to the neighborhood and encourage private property owners and businesses to invest.
“Private investment only happens when private investors and property owners that have been there for a long time see that the city actually values that area,” Hampton said.
Residents and community advocates urged the council to preserve that history while creating opportunities for renewed commercial activity.
The council accepted amendments proposed by Cole to move a placemaking program and support for forming an equitable business improvement district from medium-term to near-term implementation.
The council’s vote did not allocate new funding for the improvements.
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