Altadena could have the perfect nursery for our climate!
With kind permission, from notes from Carolyn Seitz per Alice Wesson
Condensed for the listserve
Note: Other listserves are b’ccd for their privacy
–Alice
Re: Status of the townhouse development that was
proposed for Fair Oaks between Ventura and Kellogg
Court.
While this project had wide ranging support from the
community and unanimous support from the Los Angeles
County Regional Planning Commission, negotiations
between the developer and the Cemetery Board broke
down and the cemetery made the decision not to sell
the property.
The developer had to withdraw their project.
The Cemetery Board has been approached by someone with
a new idea they’d like to develop on that property, at
least on the portion of the property that is between
Ventura and Mountain View.
A gentlemen, who has had a long history at the former
garden center called Hortus, in Pasadena, wants to
develop a garden center on that property, similar in
character and feel to Hortus, but with a primary focus
on native and drought tolerant plants, the things that
thrive in our Mediterranean climate.
The property has 3 different zoning classifications –
C-3 which is major commercial along the Fair Oaks
street frontage, R-2 (multi-family) in the middle and
the western most portions are zoned R-1-7500, meaning
single family residential, 7,500 square feet minimum
lot area required.
Ultimately they’d like to have this garden center on
the entire parcel, but to do that would require a zone
change. Their proposed is permitted on the C-3
portion of the property, but not on the R-2 or
R-1-7500 portions.
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Will keep folks updated as developments evolve
-Alice
January 22, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I am glad to see that there is talk of a nursery at Fair Oaks & Ventura instead of a housing development. It would be a beautiful addition to the area. I hope this plan can come together. What is happening with the eyesore across the street from there where the Apple Market closed? That seems like the perfect spot for a COOP store similar to the PCC stores. I have been to PCC in Seattle and they are great stores. Why is it that good healthy grocery stores are needed in Altadena, but all we seem to get is liquor stores and check cashing stores? I couldn’t be the only one in Altadena that is feeling this?
I am also concerned about what is going on with the development on Lincoln at Altadena Drive? So many businesses could prosper in this neighborhood if they were businesses that catered to all economic levels. Some mom & pop businesses would be a great addition to the area, along with chain stores. What about a Coffee Bean Tea and Leaf or similar coffee shop? It would be nice to be able to go to a local restaurant for dinner in Altadena. Amy’s patio was a great addition to the area, but it is not a dinner place, and Boss Sauce wings cafe is OK, but not the healthiest food fair.
I live in the neighborhood and if there were the right mix of businesses, I would frequent them regularly. Anyone else have any thoughts?