Pasadena: Big City or Small Town

During the summer and fall of 2009, more than 3,000 people helped identify what they cherish about Pasadena, and what they would like to see improved. These operations were known as phase one of the General Plan Land Use and Mobility Elements update. Then all comments were organized into an Outreach Summary Report approved in May 2010 by the Pasadena City Council.

Now it's time for phase two. This will entail considering the options, making tough decisions and creating a city that reflects the community's diverse wishes.

One of the biggest questions is-

Should Pasadena continue to grow into a more metropolitan city or slow down to maintain the small town feel? Is there a healthy balance between the two?

Pasadena residents can state their opinion during one of two community workshops at the Pasadena Senior Center, located at 85 East Holly Street.

•Saturday, September 25, at 9am

•Thursday, September 30, at 6:30pm

Each workshop will include a short presentation on some of the challenges facing Pasadena, such as housing affordability, the local economy, housing laws and climate change. Then breakout groups will discuss the existing guiding principles of the General Plan, pinpoint areas of the city that are fine just the way they are, and determine if, how and where any new growth should occur. Input from these workshops will be used to draft alternatives that address concerns in the Outreach Summary Report.

In spring 2011, there will be another round of workshops to choose which alternatives will be included in the updated General Plan. Stay involved by visiting www.cityofpasadena.net/generalplan where you can find more details on workshops and pour through documents. Make your mark on Pasadena's future!