San Gabriel : Hotel Opponents Organize

Opponents of a proposed 11.5-acre hotel, shopping and restaurant development on the site of a former drive-in movie theater in San Gabriel have formed a group called the Citizens for Responsible Development, vowing to fight any new development that does not “accurately reflect the wishes of” San Gabriel residents.

Saying the city has been beset by traffic congestion and the loss of its small-town personality because of widespread condominium and apartment development, the group has chosen the drive-in site, which is owned by a doctor from Monterey Park, as its prime target.

Last week, 50 representatives of the group asked the City Council to postpone action on the project until after further study. The project would require council approval of a zoning change.

The council, however, rebuffed the committee members, saying it was scheduled to consider the item April 21. “The council has designated that time for further discussion,” City Administrator Robert Clute said. “On that day, the council may vote for it, vote against it, reopen the public discussion or make any other decision. But they deliberately placed it on the agenda for the 21st.”