According to a document obtained by Pasadena Now, All Saints Church is withdrawing its application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a controversial housing program that would have allowed people to sleep in their cars in a parking lot near the church.
The CUP would have allowed up to 25 cars — unhoused individuals or families living in their vehicles — to park overnight in the church’s existing parking lot. Portable restrooms and handwashing stations would be provided to support participants.
“Our commitment to our unhoused neighbors remains unwavering,” said Mayor Victor Gordo. “We will continue moving forward to ensure every member of our community has a pathway to permanent, safe, supportive housing. That includes creating safe parking options. We are actively working to identify appropriate locations where those programs can succeed.”
According to a declaration by Jordanna G. Thigpen, the admission came June 23 after inquiries about a settlement demand and real parties of interest in a lawsuit filed by Martin Truiit, who lives near the parking lot.
“All Saints’ counsel Mr. Kim wrote back later that day and indicated All Saints was intending to ‘withdraw’ the permit and ‘is in the process of taking the necessary steps for the withdrawal,'” according to the document.
Kim asked for several hearings to be delayed since the application is being withdrawn.
No specific reason was given for the withdrawal. Although the program will not happen at the church, it could still happen elsewhere in the city.
During the City Council’s public hearing, Mayor Victor Gordo mentioned the Rose Palace as a possible location for Safe Parking.
City staff is now working to place a homeless shelter at that location. It is not known if it is being studied as a location for the program.
Opponents pointed to a large volume of police calls to the area, and said the money could be used to help people stay in their homes in the first place.
Supporters said Safe Parking could help keep people safe.
The item passed 5-2-1 in March after two contentious public hearings.
In the first hearing in November, the City Council failed to approve the environmental exemption findings on a 4-3 vote.
However, under the City Charter, council actions require at least five affirmative votes to take effect.
Because the motion received only four votes, no final decision was reached.
A second motion to reopen the hearing and continue the item also failed to receive the required five votes, leaving the appeal unresolved.
In February, the council voted to rescind the earlier closure of the hearing and continue the matter to the current meeting.
The item came back in March in front of a full City Council. Councilmember Steve Madison was absent at the first meeting.
At that meeting, Councilmember Tyron Hampton abstained, and Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember Justin Jones voted against the matter.
Opponents, including the Maryland Homeowners Association, later filed a lawsuit after claiming the matter had been decided and the applicant had to reapply.
The association argued the program could cause environmental impacts, including air pollution from idling vehicles. Church representatives say the program would prohibit vehicle idling.
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