License revocation upheld for internet studios run by couple Dr. Susan Block and Maximillian Lobkowicz. City says sex therapist Dr. Susan Block and husband allow people to sleep there overnight in the business building on Las Tunas Drive that is zoned for office use. City revoked their license on July 28. The couple appealed but the city's Planning Commission upheld the decision. The couple will appeal again.
Arcadia Planning Commission voted to support the Rancho Santa Anita Homeowners Association's Architecture Review Board (ARB) in its decision to reject changes in Ibraham Irawan's home under construction at 821 San Vicente Road.
Arcadia City Council delays vote on Arcadia Highlands home building projects. Council will address the matter again on February 3, to allow for more time to vet newly received petitions from area residents and a detailed letter from an attorney representing a leading opponent of the developments, that the City received last week. Both projects, one at 1600 Highland Oaks Drive, the other at 29 East Orange Grove Avenue, and both designed by Robert Tong of Arcadia-based Sanyao International Inc., involve the demolition of vintage homes to make room for larger residences.
Arcadia City Council approves Arcadia Highlands land development projects at 29 East Orange Grove Avenue and 1600 Highland Oaks Drive. The larger scale new construction of mansions will replace existing homes. The primary bone of contention came down to whether or not property owners' rights to maximize their investment and exercise freedom to build as they see fit should prevail over homeowners associations and residents concerned with maintaining a neighborhood's traditional aesthetic character while protecting neighboring properties' scenic views and privacy.
Arcadia City Council clears way for massive new homes at 29 East Orange Grove Avenue and 1600 Highland Oaks Drive, despite opposition to the increasing "mansionization," from several members of the Highland Oaks Homeowners Association (HOA). City Council voted to move forward with both projects, finding they complied with city's zoning codes and were exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The two homes met the city's design guidelines and met the resolution that governs design in the HOA areas.
Arcadia City Council upholds delay of zoning revamp and exclusion of Highlands from historical preservation survey. Divided Council rescinds nonpublic votes, reaffirms stance on zoning delay and historical preservation.
Arcadia City Council voted unanimously to partially reconsider their moratorium on a citywide revamp of commercial, industrial zoning regulations. Former city councilmember Mickey Segal threatens winter recall campaign if council doesn't find resolution to Highlands lawsuit.
Arcadia residents and ex-mayor Mickey Segal threaten to recall city council members Roger Chandler, John Wuo, and Sho Tay for their decision to suspend a zoning code update last month. The issue involves a lawsuit, Arcadia Highlands Homeowners Association (HOA) and mansions. See hard copy in VF "City Council 2011-2020."
Residents irate over plans for a mansion at 2235 Hollis Lane by designer Marvin Fong. The proposed project violates several provisions in the city's zoning code and is nearly 3x the size of homes in the neighborhood.
Arcadia City Council postpones decision on 1217 Mayflower Avenue home construction project. Scott Yang of Figure 8 Group Inc. seeks to replace a one-story 988 square foot ranch style house built in 1923 with a 5046 square foot home in the "modern" architectural style. In June, Planning Commission denied Yang's project.
Arcadia Planning Commission denies 2236 Hollis Lane project, citing the applicant's lack of effort in finding a middle ground between the developers and the neighbors that oppose it. The applicant Marvin Fong aims to replace a 624 square-foot home with a 2500 square-foot home. Many Arcadians are concerned with "oversized" homes.
Arcadia Planning Commission denies Marvin Fong's plan for a large development at 2236 Hollis Lane. The proposed project is 4 times larger than the existing property, which upset a grass roots group effort to prevent "mansionization."
Arcadia City Council members to submit nominees for John Wuo's vacant seat at next meeting October 20. Mayor Gary Kovacic and Councilman Tom Beck recommended former mayor Mickey Segal. Councilman Roger Chandler and Sho Tay wanted to take time to think of a few more nominees.
John Wuo resigns from Arcadia City Council, "due to personal and health reasons." City and residents settle "Save the Arcadia Highlands" lawsuit, which highlighted the issue of mansionization. City Attorney Stephen Deitsch announced the terms of the settlement, which include these key highlights: 1) Bowden Development must submit a revised design for the 1600 Highland Oaks Drive home that will not exceed 5800 sq. ft. and is a single-story house. 2) The revised plan for 29 E. Orange Grove Avenue from Mur-Sol Construction must not exceed 5775 sq. ft. with a single story that won't exceed 17 feet, 6 inches. 3) The council will approve or disapprove the revised plans. 4) The developers must pay Save the Highlands' attorney fees. 5) The council will vote on resuming the residential zoning update and the Highlands portion of the historical survey at its next public meeting.
Arcadia City Council appoints Mickey Segal to fill John Wuo's vacated seat; officials reboot zoning code update, Highlands will be included in the historic architecture survey.
Ballot measure aims to repeal Arcadia's utility tax. The current tax adds 7% to bills for water, electricity and natural gas and 5% for telecommunications for both residential and commercial customers. If approved, city services will be downgraded significantly. It would eliminate 12.5% of Arcadia's budget.
Arcadia City Council declines to further consider moratorium on residential construction. Opponents of temporary development freeze turn out in force. State law requires a five-member municipal panel have at least four votes to approve a moratorium on real estate development. The Council could not muster majority support.