Proposed West San Gabriel Valley Plan Sparks Debate in Altadena

The proposed West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan (WSGVAP), set for a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors vote on December 10, has ignited controversy among Altadena residents. The comprehensive long-range policy document aims to guide future growth and development in nine unincorporated communities, including Altadena, but some fear it could radically alter the area’s character.

“From what I can tell, there’s H five zones, H 18 zones, H 30 zones. This is 30 units on the corner of Altadena Drive and Lincoln. We’re going to have huge apartments going up. You’re talking about traffic deaths. You’re going to be looking at a lot of increased traffic, increased danger to pedestrians,” said resident Alan Zorthian during public comment at the Tuesday, Oct. 15 Altadena Town Council meeting.

The plan, developed by Los Angeles County, would establish new land use and zoning designations across Altadena, East Pasadena-East San Gabriel, Kinneloa Mesa, La Crescenta-Montrose, San Pasqual, South Monrovia Islands, South San Gabriel, Whittier Narrows, and South El Monte Island.

It addresses elements including land use, mobility, conservation and open space, public services and facilities, economic development, and historic preservation.

Town Councilmember Milissa Marona reported that the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission has raised this to the Board of Supervisors for the December vote. She noted a fact sheet addressing community concerns voiced at the October 1st land use meeting is forthcoming from Los Angeles County Planning.

Marona said there will be no density increases in high fire areas under the plan.

“[Such] properties in the Angeles National Forest cannot achieve maximum density under existing regulations nor with the West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan,” she said.

Another resident submitted a statement expressing concern that “the passage of this plan will allow for La Viña- type development in high fire zone and already built out areas. This will change the characteristics of the neighborhood, increase traffic, increase fire insurance, and negatively affect the environment.”

The plan includes a General Plan Amendment, changes to land use and zoning designations, and an amendment to Title 22 (County Planning and Zoning Code). A Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR) has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was made available for public review on June 27.

The development of the WSGVAP has involved extensive community outreach and collaboration with various stakeholders, including community residents, local businesses, community-based organizations, external public agencies, surrounding jurisdictions, and other County departments.

Residents can submit comments to Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office at kathyrn@bos.lacounty.gov, attend the hearing in person downtown, or make comments via telephone before the December 10th vote.

The Altadena Town Council took no formal action on the plan at the October meeting. Residents can find more information on the County website or by contacting their Town Council representatives.