Pasadena : Board OKs Church Project

Most politicians are criticized for flip-flopping, but Pasadena City Directors were cheered for it Tuesday by more than 120 churchgoers who support the board’s change of heart on the Confirmed Word Faith Center.

Last week, the directors in a 3-3 tie vote turned down a General Plan amendment that would have allowed construction of a 32,124-square foot sanctuary and fellowship hall on residentially zoned land in Northwest Pasadena.

Mayor Jess Hughston and Directors Chris Holden and Rick Cole voted against the church, saying low-income housing is needed in the Northwest. But Tuesday, Director William Paparian, who was absent last week during the vote, asked the board to vote again.

This time, Cole said he had done a lot of “soul searching” on the issue and would switch sides. Hughston was more succinct, saying, “I, too, will cave in.”

The vote was 6-0 in favor, with Holden absent.