South Pasadena Panel Moves to Block Church Expansion

In what many are calling South Pasadena’s own holy war, the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission has taken the first step toward blocking a Catholic church’s campus expansion by recommending its neighborhood be declared a historic district.

Commissioners late Thursday sided with Ramona Avenue residents, who contend that what they call a historic neighborhood is threaten by the expansion plan of Holy Family Catholic Church. They recommended that the City Council name an area that includes the 1500 block of the avenue and 1527 Fremont Avenue a landmark district.

If such a district is established, property owners would need the approval of the heritage commission or council before demolishing or making major changes to their buildings, commissioners said.

As part of Holy Family’s plan to build a new administration center, enlarge its parish hall and double the size of a school for its 3,500 parishioners, four church buildings on Ramona and at 1527 Fremont would be relocated or demolished.

Church representatives, in letters to the city and in person Thursday night, have cited a state law exempting religious organizations from landmark laws.

A Sacramento judge has declared the law unconstitutional but the case is on appeal.

The council must approve an environmental impact report on the project, a change to the city’s general plan and rezoning before construction can begin, city officials said.