Old Town Pasadena Is a Victim of Its Own Smart Growth Success

Pasadena's General Plan from the 1990s, allowing for higher-density and mixed-use development, signaled a move toward smart growth in Pasadena. According to Mayor Bill Bogard, the intention was "to reduce dependence on the automobile. The hope is that our downtown will be vital and exciting." New large scale housing developments on the remaining open spaces in Old Pasadena will be approved by City Council, however, some residents and groups feel the plans detract from the historic character of the area and will cause traffic problems.

Sue Mossman, executive director of Pasadena Heritage, says: "The lesson is that we are victims of our own success. Forty years ago, you couldn't get people to build new housing in Pasadena. Now that the community is recognized as a beautiful, economically vibrant and historic place to live, suddenly its popularity has risen astronomically. The development pressure here is tremendous." Some believe the 6-story senior housing project will dwarf a church next door, which doubles as a concert venue for the California Philharmonic and other area orchestras. "Why does it have to be so big?" asked Doug Huse, director of operations for the church. "It's too huge. It's too massive. It overpowers the neighborhood."