News of the Arroyo
Title: | Fate of land uncertain |
Subtitle: | City mull possibilities for DOD's Desiderio base |
Date: | 2006-04-28 |
Summary: | April 28 - It's a prominent knoll right beneath the Colorado Street. In many ways it's the entry to Arroyo Seco. What will be its fate now that the Army has packed up and moved? |
Author: | Gary Scott, Staff Writer |
Publication: | Pasadena Star-News |
Content: | PASADENA - The city is beginning to consider possibilities for the old Desiderio Army Reserve Center, which sits below the Colorado Street Bridge in the heart of the lower Arroyo Seco. The federal government closed the base last fall as part of a massive consolidation of military bases nationwide. The Department of Defense has until May 9 to decide whether to keep the property for another federal use or turn it over to the city for disposal. The land is connected to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is housed in the Vista Del Arroyo Hotel up the hill from the base. The parcel is 10 acres total, and would have to be subdivided if the base portion is to be sold. Where that line is drawn will play a major role in determining what kind of development can occur there, said Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard. He expects the federal government will ultimately let the city decide what to do with the property. For his part, Bogaard would prefer to see the land restored as a natural habitat or turned into a park. \"Obviously that is part of the Arroyo, and wouldn\'t it be wonderful if it could be retained for open space?\" Bogaard said. But he added, \"I don\'t think it is realistic because of the cost and the need of the federal government to show some proceeds from the transaction.\" The Department of Defense will maintain ownership of the property up until the point of sale. The military has made clear to the city that it wants to see the property sold at fair-market value. Still, area residents would have a voice in deciding the property\'s fate. Stephanie DeWolfe, deputy planning director for Pasadena, said that once the base is formally declared surplus, the city will solicit proposals for redevelopment, and then hold public hearings to discuss future plans. The law requires the city to reach out to homeless shelters as well. \"After the city approves whatever re-use plan, we will then submit it to HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and the Defense Department\" for approval, DeWolfe said. One city official joked that the base property looks to be Councilman Steve Madison\'s \"next big headache,\" considering the political pull of the residents who live around the property. Dorothy Lindsey, president of the West Pasadena Residents\' Association, said her organization has yet to formally discuss what it would like to see done at the base, but assured that the group will \"be trying to help city fathers figure out what to do with it.\" The property is currently zoned for single-family homes. Lindsey, like the mayor, said her preference would be to restore the land as open space. \"If it is not for a park in and of itself,\" she added, \"it could be traded for park space someplace else.\" gary.scott@sgvn.com (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4458 |
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