The City Council on Monday will consider a sweeping set of restorative justice recommendations aimed at addressing the lasting impacts of the failed 710 Freeway extension and decades of displacement, segregation and economic disruption in northwest Pasadena.
The plan acknowledges the displacement of primarily African American, Japanese American and Mexican American communities during the construction of the 710 and 210 freeways.
The framework includes 10 proposed elements focused on historical acknowledgment, housing, economic development and community oversight. Among the recommendations are a formal apology from the mayor on behalf of the city, creation of a permanent public space documenting the history of displacement caused by the freeway project, and establishment of a Restorative Justice Community Oversight Committee to monitor implementation.
The proposed framework, developed by the Restorative Justice Committee of the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group, is intended to guide future redevelopment of the former 710 Stub properties while acknowledging harms caused by freeway construction and related public policies.
The recommendations stem from a two-year planning effort tied to the Reconnecting Pasadena 710 Vision Plan, which seeks to transform approximately 50 acres of state-owned land relinquished to the city after plans to extend State Route 710 (SR-710) were abandoned.
City Council approved the broader vision plan in April but postponed consideration of the restorative justice component to allow for a separate discussion.
The committee also recommends that 25% to 35% of future housing built on the 710 Stub properties be affordable, including workforce housing, and proposes creating a registry to give displaced residents and their descendants priority access to affordable rental and homeownership opportunities.
Other proposals include business development assistance, local hiring preferences, workforce training programs and policies designed to promote home and business ownership.
The recommendations were informed by historical research and oral histories documenting the effects of freeway construction, urban renewal and discriminatory housing policies on Pasadena neighborhoods. Studies commissioned as part of the planning process examined displacement, segregation and long-term community impacts resulting from construction of the 710 corridor and other redevelopment efforts.
City staff are seeking direction from the council on the proposed elements and whether they should apply solely to the 710 redevelopment area or extend to communities affected by other historic policies.
If the council provides direction, staff would prepare a formal implementation plan identifying timelines, responsible departments, funding needs and any additional studies required before the recommendations are carried out.
While the recommendations carry no immediate fiscal impact, city officials said future implementation could require additional funding and analysis. Staff are exploring financing options for the broader 710 Vision Plan, including grants, tax-increment financing tools and public-private partnerships.
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