Politics & Government
City to Continue Discussion on Condominium Project
Glendora's planning commission has reportedly been opposed to this project.
A public hearing on the controversial condominium project at the corner of Bonnie Cove Avenue and Gladstone Street will continue Tuesday at the next Planning Commission meeting.
The project covers 5.72 acres of land on four parcels. Only one parcel, 2.47 acres, is being considered for the 23 detached two-story condos.
Representatives with the developer, Olsen Company, asked the Planning Commission to continue discussion of the proposed development into a future meeting.
City officials have been weary of this project due to zoning issues dating back nearly 50 years. In the 1960s, the land that was annexed into Glendora was zoned for medical use. The rest of the area was zoned for single-family homes, according to city records.
Officials have stated that the current project would not be compatible with the existing single-story homes in the neighborhood and would not "provide a positive contribution in the future physical quality of the City," officials said.
Olsen Company has filed multiple applications to request a change in the General Plan land use designation: a change from civic institutional and low medium density to multiple family residential; a zoning change to allow multiple family residential; and a change allowing height and setback options, city officials said.
The medical facility, Gladstone Care & Rehabilitation Center, and two single-story homes would remain under Olson's original plans, but would have their zoning designations changed. The other three parcels on the land in question would not be developed in the near future, which is something the Planning Staff has not found desirable.
The city Planning Staff has said that upon annexing land to a city, the zoning designation closest to the land's previous zoning is chosen. This is done to not negatively impact the property owners, officials said.
Any changes to the General Plan and zoning in favor of the project could inspire future property owners to request similar zoning changes, officials said.
“Ultimately, the burden would likely shift to the City to show we have sound reasons of why the properties were not really similar if we were to deny applications in the future,” said Jeff Kugel, Glendora planning director.
Many residents have expressed their support for the project. The Olsen Company reported over 100 residents have signed a petition in favor of construction, a number of the supporters spoke at the March 19 Planning Commission meeting.
The May 7 meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. at the City Council chambers, 116 East Foothill Blvd.
