The Pasadena Planning Commission on Wednesday reviewed a sweeping update to the Fair Oaks–Orange Grove Specific Plan, a long-anticipated blueprint aimed at guiding housing, development and cultural preservation in Northwest Pasadena, while drawing strong community input on affordability, equity and neighborhood identity.
The proposed plan covers an area generally bounded by Fair Oaks Avenue between Montana Street and Maple Street, and Orange Grove Boulevard between Lincoln and Oakland avenues.
It seeks to create a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented corridor with housing, commercial activity and public spaces that reflect the area’s cultural history.
City planning staff said the plan builds on years of outreach, including workshops and community meetings, and incorporates feedback from residents and commissioners.
A central feature of the proposal is the creation of distinct subdistricts, including the renaming of one area as the “Black Legacy District” to recognize the neighborhood’s historic role as a hub for Black and businesses.
“The vision of the Fair Oaks Orange Grove specific plan is to offer a variety of housing options and flexible commercial, recreational, and community building spaces,” said Ani Garibyan, a local city planner.
The plan proposes increased residential density in several areas, including up to 48 dwelling units per acre along key corridors, along with building heights generally ranging from 36 to 51 feet depending on location. Officials said those changes are intended to support housing production while maintaining transitions to lower-density neighborhoods.
Public testimony overwhelmingly supported the Black Legacy District designation and called for stronger commitments to affordability, economic development and restorative justice.
“The community has consistently said they want housing they can afford, businesses, traffic safety, and to beautify the area with art,” said Albert Newton.
Several speakers urged the city to incorporate policies addressing past displacement and discrimination, including studying historic land-use decisions and investing in local businesses.
“We now need the city to embed restorative justice into the specific plan,” said Donna Lee, pointing to the impacts of urban renewal and freeway construction.
Others underscored the importance of public art, pedestrian safety and small-business support, while some business owners raised concerns about zoning changes potentially displacing longstanding craft and manufacturing operations.
Commissioners signaled general support for the plan but discussed possible refinements, including accelerating timelines for public art projects, expanding economic development strategies and reviewing building height incentives.
“I think we need to have some kind of direction … to go forward with economic development,” said Commissioner Julianna Delgado.
Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.
Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.
