Pasadena : Housing Vote Delayed

The Board of City Directors has delayed decision on a proposed 139-unit rental complex to be built at the northeast corner of Marengo Avenue and Bellevue Drive, saying it is doubtful that the project is suited for the neighborhood. City directors will hear the issue again at Monday’s regular board meeting.

Several neighborhood residents spoke in opposition to the project, claiming that it would worsen traffic on congested Marengo and that the units are not large enough for families. City officials have said they are considering the project because they are committed to providing affordable apartments for families.

The developer, Cantwell-Anderson Inc., has asked the city to issue $12 million in tax-exempt bonds to help finance the project, which sets aside 28 of the units for low- and moderate-income families. The Marengo Avenue project is one of three rental developments proposed by Cantwell-Anderson. The other two, a 98-unit complex at 44-100 Mar Vista Ave., and a 21-unit development at 222 S. Holliston Ave., were approved for bond financing this week by the board. The city will issue a total of $9.3 million in tax-exempt bonds for those two projects, which are slated to offer 25 units to low- and moderate-income families.