Downey to Review Data From Public on Redevelopment Plan

The City Council has continued until July 6 a public hearing on a plan to add 305 acres to the city’s 125-acre redevelopment district along Firestone Boulevard.

Twelve people spoke in favor of the so-called Amendment 4, while 28 opposed the plan during about four hours of testimony last week. Jim Cutts, the city’s director of community development, recommended that the hearing be continued to allow time to review numerous documents on the plan that citizens have submitted.

As proposed by the city’s Redevelopment Agency, the addition would include 305 acres both north and south of Firestone Boulevard, from Old River School Road on the west to the city boundary on the east.

The proposed 30-year plan would give the Redevelopment Agency condemnation powers for 12 years. Owner-occupied residential property would be exempt, but once the original owner leaves the property, it also would be subject to condemnation.

Most of the opponents at last week’s hearing said they were opposed to giving the Redevelopment Agency the power of eminent domain. Proponents said the economic inducements of redevelopment would attract new business and industry to keep Downey economically healthy.