Mailbag: Do drought and development mix in Glendale?
I drove through downtown Glendale for the first time in a few months and took note of the gargantuan amount of development of apartments and condos. Simple question: If we are in the midst of one of the worst droughts in SoCal history, how can we continue to build and build and build?
George NeJame
Glendale
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Najarian was pro-development
In 2013, as a candidate for Glendale City Council and sitting next to incumbent council candidate Ara Najarian, I and many of my supporters were surprised to hear Najarian state going forward he was going to put the brakes on any new development in the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) zone. But that was only after Najarian had already approved a majority of all new development and the damages of overdevelopment were apparent. He probably was receiving a backlash from his constituents.
Councilman Najarian, along with Councilwoman Friedman, in my opinion, have put the taxpayers of Glendale into legal limbo when they approved the Holland Partners mega apartment complex at Wilson Avenue and Orange Street. That building has over-hanging balconies that I believe are dangerous.
News-Press reporter Arin Mikailian’s story, “Project receives healthy approval,” June 10, stated, in part, that Najarian voted against nearly all major mix-use development projects. Najarian approved this medical building because he thought it would be a good fit in the DSP zone. It seems that the reporter neglected to mention the damages Councilman Najarian and Councilwoman Friedman did before they both decided to seek higher offices.
Mike Mohill
Glendale
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A suitable use for Rockhaven
I read with interest the June 18 editorial in the News-Press, “Creative thinking needed for Rockhaven.” I have lived in the Montrose/Glendale/La Crescenta area most of my life, and have watched this beautiful property as I drive by regularly, wondering what its fate will be.
I propose that the property be rehabilitated for use as a veteran’s village. Our area has sent many men and women off to war, and is home to many veterans. Los Angeles itself has the greatest population of homeless veterans in the country.
Rockhaven, once a tranquil, serene home for convalescing women of a certain age, now sits empty, idle and in disrepair. By rehabilitating it for use by our veterans, we can bring life and a sense of safety and belonging for our vulnerable veterans. This would provide a serene, enjoyable place for healing in a community of like-minded people.
Veterans are more than deserving. We can let them know how we are grateful to have a chance to provide a safe place for them here.
The Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans Administration have programs that could provide some allocation to this, as it meets a huge need for veterans. This could be maintained as maybe a private-public partnership with New Directions or the VA, with sponsors like USAA. Ideally it would be nice to employ a local labor force, by veterans, for veterans. It could be a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. It could be presented to Art Center College of Design’s Environmental studies class for a real-life project, and as part of their Design Matters program. Veterans could attend the class to discuss with designers what they would like in a veterans’ community. There are many creative possibilities.
I feel that Rockhaven is a suitable place to exhibit our gratitude.
Kathleen Boss
La Crescenta