A Call to Join in Protecting Hilltop Views

Time and time again, the good citizens of Arcadia have come before the Arcadia Planning Commission and the Arcadia City Council to oppose a new cul-de-sac or a monster house, which will alter the character of their neighborhood, block their view or destroy the privacy of their back yards.

And time and time again, the city has responded, “The project meets all the code requirements” or “The developer has a right to develop his land” or “Sorry, but there is nothing we can do.” So the people walk away, feeling destroyed and rejected, knowing that their lives and neighborhood are about to be radically altered. Same old story every time: The developer makes out, the city makes out, and the good people of Arcadia suffer.

Is it true that the city of Arcadia is powerless to act against this unwanted development? I don’t think so, in spite of what they tell us at City Hall.

In the latter part of December, the City Council will hear the appeal of the approval of a second story addition by the Highland Home Owners Assn. This proposed addition will block the view of the valley for several of the properties to the north.

Needless to say, this will result in the loss of something very important to those affected people, and will be coupled with a substantial decrease in the value of their property. If this project is allowed to go through, one party will be allowed to radically change the nature of the neighborhood at the expense of his neighbors.

Since the appeal is addressed in a public hearing, we the people of Arcadia have the opportunity to appear before the City Council to support those who are about to be injured by the proposed project. However, since the Arcadia City Council has steadfastly denied its duty and ability to consider injury to surrounding property owners, it will be a very tough battle to dislodge the council.

How many of you have already lost your favorite view of our mountains or if you live on the hillsides your view of the valley? And, how many of you have lost the prized privacy of your back yard and now feel that you live in a fishbowl?

If we are to alter the course of development here in Arcadia, we must explain to our council from our own personal experiences, and in our own words, how our own lives have been altered by the city’s developmental policies.

I am not personally involved with any of the properties in question, and in fact live many miles away, but I am very concerned with how development of our city has negatively impacted on so many of our lives.

It is clear that one or two of us standing alone will not be heard, but maybe, just maybe, our combined voices will be heard.

HAL ELLIS

Arcadia

Editor’s Note: The hearing in question is scheduled before the City Council Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall, 240 W. Huntington Drive.