La Puente : Redevelopment Plan OKd

The City Council unanimously adopted a controversial redevelopment plan Tuesday, despite criticism by opponents of the 92-acre urban renewal project.

“Something has to be done to revitalize this town,” Mayor Charles H. Storing said. He denied that the redevelopment plan, designed to encourage commercial development in blighted areas of the city, will lead to widespread demolition and relocation of residences and businesses in the four areas included in the project.

He said the city will force homeowners or businesses to relocate only as a last resort.

But Bernard Acton, chairman of the Project Area Committee, the state-mandated watchdog panel overseeing the city’s redevelopment activity, disagreed. He said his group hopes to gather enough signatures to place the matter on the ballot as a referendum.

He also said a recall drive to unseat the entire City Council is being considered.