Arroyo Seco EIR Comments: 

"Save, Don't Pave!"

 

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.