EL SERENO : Builder to Start 78-Condo Complex

A three-acre condominium development is set for groundbreaking in June after two years of canvassing neighbors for opinions on what to include in the project.

Cantwell-Anderson Inc. of Altadena plans a 78-unit development bordered by Huntington Drive, Lifur Avenue, Oakland Street and Portola Avenue.

At a meeting of the El Sereno Coordinating Council last week, a representative of the builder was lauded for working with the community before going ahead with plans.

“We saw the previews and they told us what the standards would be,” said Philip De La Rosa, who chairs the environmental committee of the coordinating council.

“We wanted something nice and presentable with security. It’s right where the markets are, close to the buses and the police (substation). So everything’s good.”

Residents asked Cantwell-Anderson to design the units for ownership rather than rental, and to ensure that traffic on Oakland Street be minimized.

“We designed it after getting input from the community,” said Tim Cantwell, president of the company. “Our company learned that process in Pasadena years ago where there are very active neighborhood associations.

“Our staff literally went door-to-door and it took a lot of time, but it’s a good healthy process. They said, ‘We want to have a way that will uplift us and not bring us down.’ ”

De La Rosa said residents wanted the land developed because it has been used as a dumping ground. They volunteered to help clean it up in time for a block party the developer is having March 13.

The development, where units will cost about $150,000, will target people with incomes ranging from $28,000 to $50,000, Cantwell said.

Funding from the state’s Century Freeway Housing Program and the city’s Home Ownership Program will make financing available for people who qualify, Cantwell said.

He added that residents will be apprised of the stages of construction and the routes of the trucks and machinery used in the development.