Downey : Redevelopment Postponed

The Downey City Council postponed action Tuesday on a plan to form a redevelopment zone, as dozens of persons testified against the plan and submitted reams of documents to rebut allegations that the area is blighted. The public hearing on the Woodruff Industrial Project was continued until 6:30 p.m. June 3, said Jim Cutts, director of community development.

“We got about a foot deep of information (Tuesday) that people submitted in the afternoon and we didn’t have time to analyze and respond intelligently,” Cutts said, explaining the reason for the continuation.

About 45 persons spoke during the nearly four-hour hearing, and only about three or four favored formation of the redevelopment zone, Cutts said. If the City Council approves the plan June 3, a second reading could occur in five days and the redevelopment zone could be in place 30 days later.

As proposed, the Woodruff Industrial Project would encompass 118 acres of an industrial area straddling Woodruff Avenue south of Firestone Boulevard. Downey Redevelopment Agency officials contend that the area is blighted, with some dilapidated buildings and land uses contrary to zoning. The agency also contends that there is not sufficient water pressure in some parts of the area to fight fires and that the economic benefits of a redevelopment zone are needed to encourage growth.

Two groups of businessmen and property owners have submitted petitions asking to be deleted from the redevelopment plan. They contend the area is thriving and governmental intervention, along with possible condemnation of private property.