Where a Freeway Plan Failed, a Development Opportunity Rises

"With state legislation proposed that could remove the 710 Freeway extension from future consideration, Alhambra and Pasadena are making preparations for what could happen to the almost-100 acres of land comprising the loose freeway ends," reports Christopher Yee.

There is state legislation for putting the final nails in the coffin of the 710 extension plan, which has already been ended by the planning agencies potentially responsible, but none of that legislation "addresses what would become of the freeway stubs, one at the terminus of the 710 that spills onto Valley Boulevard in Alhambra and the 50-acre concrete ditch running through west Pasadena that was once part of the proposed extension," according to Yee.

The cities of Alhambra and Pasadena both recently met to discuss the subject, and they both have their own concerns. Pasadena is worried about the state selling the land to the highest bidder with no feedback or veto power offered to the city. Alhambra, meanwhile, wants to build a park where the free would have gone.

"Most Alhambra residents who spoke at Monday’s meeting were not in favor of the park idea and instead asked the city to advocate against the closure of the 710 stub, arguing that any such closure would create an even worse traffic situation than the existing one, with cars filling Valley Boulevard while waiting to turn north onto Fremont Avenue toward South Pasadena and Pasadena," according to Yee.