Pasadena Planning Commission Endorses Old Pasadena-Inspired Overhaul of North Lake Avenue

The city’s Planning Commission unanimously backed a sweeping transformation plan for North Lake Avenue on Wednesday, aiming to revitalize the corridor with strategies modeled after Old Pasadena’s successful redevelopment.

The draft North Lake Specific Plan calls for a dedicated “placemaker” team and public sector leadership to spearhead improvements in infrastructure, pedestrian accessibility, and streetscape aesthetics. Officials emphasized that immediate implementation planning is key to ensuring the corridor’s long-term success.

Planning commissioners and community stakeholders praised the proposal during a workshop, citing its robust focus on public space development.

“The key will be almost immediately to start work on an urban design plan for the North Lake corridor,” said longtime community advocate Tom Priestley, who drew direct parallels to Old Pasadena’s revitalization efforts.

Councilmember Rick Cole pushed for moving beyond conventional planning timelines.

“We finish the plan, we adopt the plan, and then we start to plan for implementation,” Cole said. “We really need to bring at least the first stages of an implementation plan that is funded when we adopt a plan.”

The plan outlines specific goals including widened sidewalks, landscaped medians, new bicycle facilities, and a comprehensive streetscape strategy.

City staff have already secured a $10 million active transportation grant to jumpstart the improvements.

Commissioners expressed enthusiasm about the plan’s potential impact on the surrounding neighborhoods and local economy. One noted that the initiative could become a template for other areas undergoing similar planning efforts.

City officials expect to present the draft to the City Council before the end of the year, with hopes for swift adoption and the launch of initial upgrades shortly thereafter.