The City's Redevelopment Agency has launched a massive marketing plan for two sites located at the NW and SW corners of Second Avenue and Huntington Drive.
The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency approved the purchase of $1.2 million in land owned by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Co. at 21 North 2nd Avenue to be used as part of the Northwest Corner Project of commercial development.
The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously to begin condemnation proceedings of a property at 156 Santa Clara Street. The agency wants to claim the land for retail stores and office buildings. Eminent domain proceedings were begun since the city and the owners of the property have not been able to agree on the value of the property.
The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency is looking for developers to submit building proposals for 2 new major development projects on 5 acres of downtown property. The agency wants to house corporate headquarters, business and professional offices, retail stores and restaurants.
The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency recently made several changes in its relocation rules that serve as guidelines to move residents and businesses to comparable sites when the city purchases their locations for redevelopment purposes. The new rules, which go into effect January 1, were prompted by new changes in state law and the need for smoother transition periods during relocations.
The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency's financial obligations and development projects prevent it from saving $294,000, or 20% of its tax increment, for low-cost housing, as required under California Assembly Bill 265. The state law, concerned with agencies formed since 1976, does not affect the ARA, formed in 1974. Starting in the 1996-97 fiscal year, however, all agencies will be required to set the money aside.
The discovery of contaminated soils will slow down a deal on some Arcadia land slated for redevelopment. Emkay Development Co. was planning to build a Residence Inn on the 11-acre site north of Huntington Drive.
Arcadia's City Council has given the final go-ahead to Stanley Gribble and Associates on the retail-office-restaurant center planned for the south side of Huntington Drive in East Arcadia.
Arcadia Business Association President, Charles Chivetta, who criticized the city's redevelopment policies and was criticized by the city in return, has sent out a letter criticizing the criticisms.
Arcadia's city government is "appalled" by opinions expressed by Arcadia Business Association President Charles Chivetta in the ABA newsletter. Chivetta criticized the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency for being ineffective.
Neighbors of Lutheran Church of the Cross, at 66 West Duarte Road, have complained about the placement of a school playground directly behind their property. They say they have found bottles, rocks, oranges, beer cans and shoes in their backyards.
The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency would like the Arcadia Nissan property in East Arcadia, but the city may not be able to afford it since the Redevelopment Agency is already $9.9 million in debt.
On the eve of a court battle, the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and the owner of the construction yard property at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Santa Clara Street agreed to terms by which the city will take possession of the land.
Arcadia hasn't been quick enough in spending its Community Development Block Grant and as a result the county might take back 18% of the money. In response, the Arcadia City Council voted to shift $100,000 from the Downtown Revitalization Program to the Housing Rehabilitation Program.
The Arcadia Planning Commission approved the development of a retail shopping center at the corner of Santa Anita Avenue and Duarte Road. The approval was made after determining that such a project would not cause adverse traffic congestion.
With the addition of $113,295 of federal money to Arcadia's Home Improvement Program, the city will now be able to help about 12 more Arcadians refurbish their homes.
Between August 11 and September 30, the city will install brick sidewalks on Huntington Drive between 2nd Avenue and Santa Clara Street as the first major phase of Arcadia's downtown revitalization project.
In a significant move to redevelop the east end of town, the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency voted to take 6 landowners to court to obtain their property by condemnation.