Vote on Zoning for Alpha Road Project Delayed

The Glendale City Council postponed until Tuesday action on a proposal to reduce permitted density of development in a hillside Verdugo Canyon residential area. Neighbors there are seeking to block construction of a 104-unit apartment project.

The council delayed a vote on the Alpha Road development until all five council members can be present. Because the developer and residents have taken opposing positions on the proposal, the City Charter requires all council members to vote on the zoning change. Councilwoman Ginger Bremberg was absent from this week’s meeting.

The council last month imposed a moratorium on issuance of building permits for the project at 1905-07 Alpha Road, which is in an area proposed for downzoning as part of a citywide general plan.

The Glendale Planning Commission last week recommended that the council retain the zoning on the three-acre site, permitting medium-density multiple development of up to 107 apartment units. In a 4-1 vote, the commission deemed the current zoning proper because the property is between developments with 40 and 101 units.

Residents argued that the medium-density zoning that has been permitted for years is too high for the neighborhood of narrow, winding streets. They have asked the city to change the zoning to restricted, single-family residential development, which would permit construction of only eight homes on the site.