Council approves Matadorosa parcel map; 7 acres to be dedicated as permanent open space

Sierra Madre City Council on April 22 approved a tentative parcel map (TPM 2401, map 84653) that divides the Madra de la Rosa retreat center parcel into two parcels and dedicates roughly seven acres of the northern portion to perpetual open space.

Planning Director Lynn presented the map and said the application completes a second-phase requirement following the council's earlier approval of the Meadows at Bailey Canyon specific plan and related legislative entitlements. The Subdivision Map Act requires a parcel map for divisions into four or fewer parcels; staff said the map is consistent with the specific plan and the general plan's open-space goals. City staff noted the submission qualifies for categorical exemptions under CEQA (Class 1 existing facilities and Class 17 easements/open-space transactions for parcels not proposing development).

The project site is about 27 acres within the city; the applicant owns adjacent parcels that total roughly 38 acres outside or north of the city boundary. The proposed map establishes one parcel to remain in institutional use by the retreat center and a second parcel restricted to open-space use in perpetuity. Staff added conditions to secure easements and coordinate existing utility and flood-control arrangements with county agencies.

Council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution 25-23 approving the tentative parcel map; no public comment was received on the item. Staff said Cal Fire findings were provided as a precautionary measure even though no development is proposed, and noted review by public works, surveyors, and the city's fire officer had been completed.

Ending: With the parcel map approved, the city will record the map and associated conditions to create the open-space parcel and preserve the retreat center's remaining institutional parcel; staff will monitor recording and complete associated agency notifications.