Council Approves Rancho San Rafael Project
In an unprecedented Sunday session, Glendale City Council this week formally approved the 316-acre Rancho San Rafael subdivision--the largest housing development in the city’s history.
Choked with emotion, Timothy MacDonald of La Crescenta, whose family has attempted to develop the land for 25 years, tearfully thanked the council for approving the 542-unit development plan.
MacDonald was applauded by a small group of supporters who attended the brief 8:30 a.m. meeting.
The special session was called so that Councilman Larry Zarian could vote for the project before leaving Sunday for a two-week vacation in Hawaii. The zone change required approval by four of the five council members. Councilman Jerold Milner, who has opposed the project, did not attend the Sunday session.
Homes by Polygon of Costa Mesa, which joined the MacDonald family in the project in January after a previous partner sold out its share, will build the complex. Work is expected to begin in August.
The project is in the San Rafael Hills above Glendale College and east of the Glendale Freeway. The plans approved Sunday provide for construction of 130 two- and four-unit town houses, 189 duplexes and 223 single-family houses.
About 190 acres of the development site will be dedicated to the city as open space.
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