Introduction to the 710 Freeway Stub
The city of Pasadena has been left with a 50-acre plot of land after the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) relinquished control of the property. The land, known as the "stub," was initially intended to be an extension of the 710 freeway, connecting Long Beach to Pasadena. However, after a decades-long battle to extend the freeway, the project was abandoned, leaving the land undeveloped and without a master plan.
History of the 710 Freeway Stub
The area was cleared in the 1970s, displacing thousands of people and destroying homes owned or rented by mostly low-income and minority residents. The city has chosen to consider the development potential of the land through a "restorative justice framework." However, the lack of progress on the project has been attributed to a lack of political will among elected officials.
Current Status of the Project
City council member Steve Madison stated that the city is "behind where we should be" in terms of development. Geoffrey Baum, a former president of the West Pasadena Residents Association, expressed frustration at the lack of urgency and progress on the project, calling it "a shame" that the land remains undeveloped. Pasadena-based real estate attorney Richard McDonald attributed the delay to politicians being overly cautious and unwilling to risk upsetting anyone.
Planning Efforts
The city council appointed an advisory group to assist in the planning efforts, which has focused primarily on social justice. However, Baum argued that the focus on correcting past injustices is delaying the project. The ad hoc committee, which includes four members and lacks a leader, has met less than a handful of times and has taken little action.
Consultant Involvement
Consultants have been brought on to assist with the project, including architecture firm Perkins Eastman, which was awarded a $2.8 million contract. However, Madison described some of the firm’s proposed plans as "provocative and thoughtful" while others were "dead on arrival." Another consultant, David Grannis, stated that the city council needs to "get their arms around" how they want to proceed with the project.
Developer Interest
Grannis reported that developers are interested in the project, but McDonald noted that a request for proposal (RFP) has not been issued. Developers want certainty about what they can build, but the city itself is unclear about its plans.
Impact on the City
The delay in developing the 710 freeway stub is resulting in lost revenue, job creation, and transportation formation for the city. Assistant city manager Brenda Harvey Williams stated that the city has engaged consultants to advise on the master plan process but has not yet issued an RFP.
Conclusion
The 710 freeway stub in Pasadena remains a contentious issue, with the city struggling to make progress on its development. The lack of political will, focus on social justice, and lack of clarity on the project’s direction are all contributing to the delay. As the city continues to lose out on revenue and development opportunities, it is essential that the council takes a clear and decisive stance on the project’s future.
FAQs
Q: What is the 710 freeway stub?
A: The 710 freeway stub is a 50-acre plot of land in Pasadena that was initially intended to be an extension of the 710 freeway.
Q: Why was the land cleared in the 1970s?
A: The land was cleared to make way for the proposed freeway extension, which displaced thousands of people and destroyed homes owned or rented by mostly low-income and minority residents.
Q: What is the current status of the project?
A: The project is currently stalled due to a lack of political will and clarity on the project’s direction.
Q: Are developers interested in the project?
A: Yes, developers are interested in the project, but a request for proposal (RFP) has not been issued.
Q: What is the impact of the delay on the city?
A: The delay is resulting in lost revenue, job creation, and transportation formation for the city.
