Last-Ditch Bid Aims to Block Goode Project

A group of preservationists opposed to a developer’s plans to build senior housing around the Victorian Goode House say they will make a fourth--and final--appeal to city officials in their campaign to block the project.

David L. Smith, co-chairman of Friends of Heritage, which has doggedly fought development plans for 18 months, said the group will once again appeal to the Glendale City Council. The council has twice approved the developer’s project.

The city Board of Zoning Adjustments in a 4-1 vote last week turned down the preservationists’ arguments that a 40-unit housing project for senior citizens to be built in a U-shape around the Goode House will overwhelm the architectural features of the 101-year-old building, considered one of the most important historical landmarks in Glendale.

Smith said a final plea before the council is required before the group can take formal legal action against the city. The appeal must be filed by Dec. 23.

Meantime, developer Joe Ayvazi of the Cedar Broadway Partnership of Glendale--who had proposed preserving the house while building apartments around it--has filed for a permit to demolish the historic building at 119 N. Cedar St. Ayvazi said he is angered by repeated delays in the project.

A hearing on the request for a demolition permit is expected to be held before the city Environmental and Planning Board in January. A date for the hearing has not been scheduled.