Pasadena Updates on Progess of Plans for Former 710 Freeway Extension Property

The City of Pasadena is making progress on planning for the future of the land that was relinquished by the state after the 710 freeway extension was canceled.

A year after the City reacquired the project site, City Manager Miguel Márquez’s office will present an update to the City Council on Monday, highlighting some of the milestones and challenges in the process.

The land, which spans about 50 acres from Columbia Street to Union Street, was officially transferred to the City in August 2022 after the California Transportation Commission voted to relinquish it in June 2022.

The City is now working on developing a vision for the area, which could include housing, commercial, open space and other uses. 

Several potential projects on the drawing board for the former 710 extension project area include roadway network improvements, complete streets programs, transit facility construction, traffic signal and intersection enhancements, bike boulevards and greenways. The City has received at least $230.5 million in funding from the state for these projects. 

The largest current project is the Pasadena Ave. and St. John Ave. Roadway Network, which would cost $75.1 million and will improve the connectivity and safety of the streets from Walnut Street to Columbia Street. The City has allocated $181.4 million for the planned projects and reserved $49.1 million for future requests.

The planning process is expected to take three years, during which the City expects to face some challenges such as coordinating with multiple agencies, addressing existing leases and encroachments, and ensuring equity and affordability. 

The City manager’s office said it will continue to update the council and the public on the progress and seek input and feedback.

The City also announced that it has applied for a federal grant from the new federal Reconnecting Communities Pilot program, which could provide funding of up to $2 million for the SR-710 Northern Stub Reenvisioning Project. The project will aim to reconnect the neighborhoods and restore communities that were divided by transportation infrastructure. 

Also during Monday’s meeting, the City Council is expected to act on a recommendation by the City Manager to approve a contract to pointC LLC for “strategic planning and project management services” related to the relinquished SR-710 area. The contract is for a three-year period in the amount of $540,000. 

Monday’s Council meeting begins with a closed session at 4:30 p.m. The public session opens at 5:30 p.m.