Council approves Envision Encore PAD for mixed-use redevelopment near Ballpark Boulevard
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Summary
Council approved a general plan amendment and rezoning to create the Envision Encore PAD (about 39 acres) for mixed-use, high-density multifamily and commercial uses intended to complement the sports/entertainment district; public commenters urged maximizing housing rather than hotels.
Glendale City Council on April 22 approved GPA 24-02 and Ordinance O25-18 to reclassify 39 acres south of the southwest corner of 90 Ninth Avenue and Ballpark Boulevard for an Envision Encore planned area development that envisions mixed-use, high-density multifamily housing and complementary commercial uses.
City planner Alex Lerma said the request changes the sites general-plan designation from business park to entertainment mixed-use and rezones the property from agricultural to PAD to enable multifamily housing and commercial development that would support the adjacent sports and entertainment district. The staff report noted the site historically has been unimproved agricultural land and that the Planning Commission recommended approval with stipulated conditions.
Margaret Schultz of Worker Power Institute spoke in favor of multifamily housing but questioned the inclusion of hotels in the PAD, urging the council to prioritize services residents would use directly (daycare, cafes) and to maximize housing. "Glendale needs more housing," Schultz said, citing studies on local affordability and urging the city to preserve as much housing as possible in proposed developments.
Jack Weinberger, representing landowners (Porter Fields, Fram and Washburn families), thanked city staff and said the owners supported the Vision 4 project and working with the city. Lerma said there were no other public speakers and the planning commission had no major concerns.
Councilmembers voted to adopt the resolution and ordinance; several members explained their votes, balancing housing needs with the city's interest in commercial and employment opportunities near the entertainment district.