Planning Commission Set to Examine Environmental Impacts of Multi-Use Residential Development on Green Street

The Pasadena Planning Commission on Thursday will examine the possible environmental impacts of a planned development proposed for a 2.33-acre site on the south side of East Green Street, between South Oak Knoll and South Hudson avenues.

The total size of the project would be approximately 254,000 square feet and include 263 rental units, ground floor commercial space, a lobby area, a leasing office, business and fitness centers, and a pool lounge. Bicycle parking and mechanical equipment areas will be contained within two subterranean parking levels with a total of 443 parking spaces.

During Thursday’s special meeting, which begins at 4:30 p.m., Planning and Community Development Department staff will present the project and a mitigated negative declaration for the commission’s information. 

In a staff report, the Planning Department said the site is currently developed with five existing buildings, ranging in height from one to five stories, which are to be demolished to give way to the four- and five-story mixed-use residential and commercial project. 

The proposed project also includes outdoor community open space, with a publicly accessible “pocket park,” breezeways, a swimming pool courtyard, roof terraces, as well as indoor community open space and private balconies. 

According to the report, the applicant is proposing to use the state density bonus legislated by the California Government Code to develop 263 for-rent apartment units, which is 30 percent above the proposed 87 dwelling units per acre. 

Because the project would include 20 percent on-site affordable housing units, it would be in compliance with the city’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, which would allow the project to utilize the affordable housing concession menu to increase the floor area ratio (FAR) from 2 to 2.5, and increase the building height 12 feet above the allowed height limit of 35 feet along Green Street, in the northern portion, and 50 feet along Hudson Avenue and Oak Knoll Avenue in the south. 

At this time, the Planning Commission is not expected to make a formal recommendation on the project or the environmental review. A public hearing on the project will be held at a future date, after due notice, and upon completion of the Final Initial Study or Mitigated Negative Declaration, the report said. 

After this presentation to the Planning Commission, a zoning map amendment and a Planned Development Plan will have to be introduced to the City Council, and permits will have to be obtained to remove 15 existing street trees along public sidewalks near the site and 12 trees within the project site. 

The city’s Design Commission will also need to review the project design for consistency with the Zoning Code and applicable design guidelines. 

Members of the public may access Thursday’s special meeting through https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85823667010 or by calling (669) 900-6833 and using the webinar ID 858 2366 7010.

Public comments may be sent in advance to tmolinar@cityofpasadena.net or through www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/publiccomment.