September 16, the deadline for
comments on Pasadena's Draft Master Environmental Impact Report on the
Arroyo Seco, arrived, and Josh Hart, the city planner coordinating the
review process, was swamped with responses. Word has it that more
than 500 had reached his office weeks before the close of the comment
period. And many more arrived in the closing days.
The comments were hard-hitting and
detailed. They document the concern of people and organizations
who love the Arroyo. Together they all emphasize a consistent
support for a more natural approach to Arroyo planning that emphasizes
stream restoration and the enhancement of the natural resources and
historical trails and artifacts that adorn this great natural
treasure. "Save, Don't Pave" sums it up. And they
all urge Pasadena city officials to not certify the EIR until substantial
changes have been made.
We have made available some of the major comments
here. Click on the link to the left to review or download the
documents.
Arroyo
Seco Foundation |
The ASF comments
present a comprehensive vision of the importance of the Arroyo from
the past and for the future. It includes extensive biological
concerns from naturalist Verna Jigour and detailed comments on the
entire DMEIR. Charles McKinney contributed a major theme
piece, and Peggy Stewart and Tim Brick compiled the extensive
critique. |
Coalition
for the Protection of the Arroyo Seco |
This coalition of
neighborhood association and community groups came together through
the comment process to pool their resources and skills. The
document they produced is a masterful critique of Pasadena's plan.
Kudos to Joan Hearst and all who participated. |
West Pasadena Residents'
Association |
This neighborhood
association played a leading role in mobilizing opposition to the
DMEIR and in defining issues that needed to be addressed. Vince
Farhat, Richard Davis, Cheryl Auger and numerous others were
leaders. |
Pasadena
Audubon Society |
Don Rogers coordinated
a comprehensive review of the DMEIR emphasizing bird-related
issues. Impressive and professional. |
Urban &
Environmental Policy Institute (Occidental College) |
Marcus Renner of UEPI
at Occidental College penned a thoughtful critique that emphasizes a
historical approach to ecological function and structure in Arroyo
planning. |
North
East Trees |
North East Trees (NET),
which developed the Arroyo Seco Watershed Restoration Study along
with the Arroyo Seco Foundation, provided these comments on the
DMEIR. |
Santa
Monica Mountains Conservancy |
Here are the comments
of the conservancy that covers our region. It's a fascinating
critique of Pasadena's Master Plan and Draft EIR. |
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