Public parking, which is becoming increasingly scarce in the downtown area, was given close scrutiny at the May 18, 1976 City Council meeting. Most Council members seemed to favor a parking structure to alleviate the situation. Comparative costs were given.
The City Council amended the Municipal Code to specify that violation of handicapped parking restrictions on private, off-street parking facilities is an infraction of the Code.
On November 8 the City Council adopted a design for public parking in the City's downtown business district which left no one particularly happy. Assessments will be worked out beginning at the December 6 meeting. Estimated cost of the project is $241,957.
Traces the redevelopment of the downtown area in the past year including the medical building at First and Wheeler, the Sawmill Restaurant to be built on the site of the old San Gabriel Valley Lumber Company, etc.
Arcadia has allotted $3700 toward the construction of a multi- jurisdictional bikeway along the Rio Hondo Wash from Peck Road to the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. This would provide approximately 7.5 miles of bike paths linking Arcadia to existing paths leading down to the Long Beach Harbor.
The City Council has agreed to pay $83,770 of the total $241,957 cost of the new parking district, thus making each of the 62 property owners' assessments smaller.
The Republic Development Co. made a report to the City Council concerning redevelopment of the area around Fifth Avenue, Santa Clara Street, and Santa Anita Wash. Proposals include 3 five-story office buildings and expansion of retail stores into the area.
The City Council agreed to allow home owners in the residential-mountainous area of Arcadia to keep their existing roofs, although new developments may face new restrictions. At issue is the use of shake roofs that are not treated to fire retardant.
Both the teachers and the Arcadia Board of Education ratified an existing contract, with some changes agreed upon by all involved. Salaries were excluded from discussion due to Prop. 13. The contract extends through June 30, 1980.
Rodents in Wilderness Park were found to have Sylvatic Plague. The area has been dusted with insecticide and closed since June 4. It is hoped that it can be reopened soon.
John Rousselot has been re-elected U. S. Congressman in the 26th Congressional district. John Collier has been re-elected Assemblyman in the 61st Assembly district. Complete returns given for this area.
Hinshaw's new section: a child's dream world. New children's area for children's clothing was formerly occupied by JC Penney. See hard copy of newspaper in Box 51.
A mixed reaction has greeted a bill that recently passed the Senate and is being debated in the Assembly. It attempts to prohibit splinter movements toward secession from an existing county.
A public hearing to air teachers' contract proposals was well attended by an angry public. Some expressed the view that teachers were out to get everything they can.
The Whittier Narrows Recreation Area was dedicated on December 8, 1975 by Supervisor Peter Schbarum, the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Victor Vesey, and others. The 1000 acres include a nature area, picnic center, ball areas, etc.
The Arcadia Tax Reform Committee will present signed petitions to the City Council re requested repeal of 3 ordinances levying assessments on street sweeping and sewer service, and an increase in the utility users' tax from 5% to 7%.
Proposed annexation of the area between Standish Street on the north and Jeffries on the south. One hundred percent of the residents of the area have asked to be annexed, so proceedings should move rapidly.