The Pasadena Planning Commission on Wednesday will consider a request to renew the Planned Development Plan for The Affinity, a proposed mixed-use development on South Arroyo Parkway, a move that would keep the project’s land-use approvals in effect through June 30, 2028, if approved.
The planned development governs the 3.3-acre project at 465-577 S. Arroyo Parkway approved by the City Council in 2022.
“The applicant has cited economic conditions, including changes in construction costs, interest rates, and market demand for various uses, including uses approved in the PD Plan, as ongoing challenges,” according to a city staff report. “In addition, the applicant team has sought renewal to allow the project additional time to complete the design review and building plan check processes that are necessary to obtain building permits.”
The request would not alter the project.
If approved, the renewal would keep the Planned Development (PD) Plan in effect through June 30, 2028, allowing the developer additional time to secure permits and begin construction under the project’s existing approvals.
The project, owned by The Arroyo Parkway, LLC, calls for demolition of six existing commercial buildings while preserving three structures, including the Whole Foods Market and two historic buildings along Arroyo Parkway.
Two new multi-story buildings would be constructed featuring medical office space, assisted living and independent living uses with up to 95 senior housing units, ground-floor commercial space and as many as five subterranean parking levels.
The approved plan also allows developers to substitute medical office space for up to 197 residential units under specified conditions.
The PD was originally set to expire after two years unless building permits had been issued and construction was underway.
Although the project received a one-year extension under a City Council ordinance adopted after the Eaton Fire, no building permits have been issued, prompting the current renewal request.
According to the staff report, the developer cited rising construction costs, higher interest rates and changing market demand as continuing obstacles to moving the project forward. The applicant also said additional time is needed to complete the city’s design review and building plan check processes before building permits can be issued.
Planning staff concluded the request satisfies the requirements for renewal under the city’s zoning code because it does not modify the approved project or its development standards.
Any future revisions to the development would require a separate public hearing before the Planning Commission.
The City Council certified an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the development in 2022, and staff found there have been no substantial project changes or new information requiring further environmental analysis.
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