A proposed condominium development at 511 S. Oak Knoll Ave. is drawing mounting opposition ahead of a City Council hearing, with residents submitting extensive correspondence raising concerns about design, environmental impacts and neighborhood safety.
The project calls for a four-story, 46-unit multifamily building totaling more than 56,000 square feet, with one level of subterranean parking on a roughly 38,000-square-foot site. The development is allowed by-right under zoning rules but is before the Council on appeal of its concept design approval.
Opponents are urging the Council to overturn that approval, including a petition with hundreds of signatures submitted as part of the public record.
“Hundreds of neighbors urge city council to approve the appeal,” wrote Lisa Jacobs in correspondence transmitting the petition.
The petition outlines concerns with the project’s design, particularly exterior hallways and rooftop equipment.
The petitioners also called for additional study of environmental and quality-of-life impacts.
“Please do more to study nighttime noise from 46 air conditioning roof units,” the correspondence states.
Nearby residents echoed those concerns in individual letters. Karen Beavers, who lives adjacent to the site, warned the project could significantly affect neighbors.
“The building’s current design will increase noise and light pollution for those living in adjacent buildings,” Beavers wrote.
She also cited traffic and safety concerns along Oak Knoll Avenue.
“The increase in street parking and cars driving on the block, due to the new property, will decrease visibility, add to traffic, and make it even more dangerous for pedestrians,” she wrote.
City planning staff are recommending that the council deny the appeal and uphold the commission’s approval, concluding that the project complies with applicable design guidelines, zoning standards and state housing laws.
The development includes six affordable housing units and qualifies for a state density bonus, allowing additional units beyond the base zoning limit.
The project does have its supporters.
“Pasadena and Los Angeles County need as much new multifamily housing as can be developed, at all price levels,” wrote P.A. Brown. “More supply of housing can stabilize housing prices. The 511 S Oak Knoll project will provide additional housing options, and offers a sensitive design. Without more housing supply, Californians will continue to face rising housing costs, and many will depart. Loss of population will reduce California’s weight in the electoral college and in Congress.”
Other correspondence frames the issue as part of a broader debate over development standards in Pasadena, particularly as state housing laws increase pressure to build.
Sue Mossman, executive director emerita of Pasadena Heritage, urged the Council to require significant design changes before allowing the project to proceed.
“Despite the need to build more housing, and the disruption of our local processes being caused by State legislation, Pasadena can and must expect and demand that new buildings be of real quality and add to our legacy of architectural excellence. Please send this project back to the drawing board until it meets our standards.”
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