Council Advances Greenways Plan After Divided Public Debate

The Pasadena City Council on Monday approved a $1.09 million contract with TDG Engineering, Inc. to prepare conceptual and preliminary designs for Pasadena’s four north–south Greenways corridors — El Molino Avenue, Wilson Avenue, Sierra Bonita Avenue, and Craig Avenue — which could feature traffic-calming elements such as medians, traffic circles, crosswalks, and bicycle detection. The contract includes an optional second phase for final engineering and a $100,000 contingency, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $1,092,594. A separate public-outreach contract will be brought forward later was also approved by City Council at the same meeting.

The Greenways Program is part of Pasadena’s $12 million Active Transportation initiative, funded through Measure R, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities grants, and local traffic-reduction fees.

The City Council voted 5-0 to approve the contract. Mayor Victor Gordo, Vice Mayor Jess Rivas and Councilmember Justin Jones recused themselves citing potential conflicts of interest. Councilmember Tyrone Hampton presided over the item and led the debate.

According to staff, the routes would comprise less than 10 percent of Pasadena’s total street network, connecting neighborhoods, schools, and business districts through calmer, low-traffic corridors. Public Works officials said the effort aligns with Pasadena’s Vision Zero policy, which seeks to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries by making streets safer for all users.

The Greenways Program stems from years of planning under Pasadena’s Active Transportation Plan, funded through regional transportation grants and local match dollars. Additional community meetings and design workshops will be scheduled before any construction begins.

“This is about safety and connection,” said Catherine Hart, a Pasadena resident and member of the Complete Streets Coalition, speaking in support of the plan. “Greenways make Pasadena a place where people can move freely without fear, and that benefits everyone — whether you’re walking your kids to school or biking to work.”

Opponents, however, voiced concerns about neighborhood impacts and cost. Charles Page, who lives near the Arroyo Seco, said the project was unnecessary and could divert traffic into residential streets.

“We already have safe streets,” Page told the council. “This is a costly experiment that could create more congestion, not less.”

Councilmember Hampton, who represents northwest Pasadena, said the plan will improve access and safety in communities that have long lacked safe walking and biking routes.

“Our neighborhoods deserve safe streets, too,” Hampton said. “This isn’t about taking anything away from drivers — it’s about adding safety for everyone, especially kids and families.”

Councilmember Jason Lyon called the program a measured, data-driven approach.

“These corridors are a small part of our network, but they’ll make a big difference in how people move through Pasadena,” Lyon said. “It’s a practical step forward.”

Councilmember Rick Cole said the process underscores Pasadena’s broader vision for sustainable mobility.

“This is exactly the kind of balanced investment Pasadena should be making,” Cole said. “We’re building a city that works for cars, bicycles, and pedestrians alike.”

Councilmember Steve Madison agreed, calling the plan a modest but meaningful safety upgrade.

“This is part of making Pasadena a complete city,” Madison said. “We’ve heard concerns, and we’ll keep refining the details as designs come forward.”

City staff reported receiving over 200 written comments with 70-percent of the comments in favor. Over 40 residents provided public comment in support of the project at the meeting.

Officials emphasized that Greenways are not bike lanes, but rather traffic-calmed streets using features such as speed humps, traffic circles, and landscaping to reduce vehicle speeds while maintaining access and parking.