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Planning Commission approves PACE adult day center at 702 N. Azusa
Summary
The West Covina Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for a 18,245-square-foot PACE adult day center at 702 North Azusa Avenue; applicants aim to complete building work by late 2025 and begin serving participants in mid-2026.
The West Covina Planning Commission on Jan. 28 approved a conditional use permit to allow an adult day health center — a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) facility — in an existing retail building at 702 North Azusa Avenue.
Planning staff described the property as a 1.42-acre lot and said the building will be about 18,245 square feet. Miriam Machado, associate planner, told commissioners the proposal includes a new lobby and two access points; staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 25-6159 to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 24-08.
Kate Hirsch of Turner Impact Capital, the applicant’s representative, said the program will serve frail seniors who otherwise would qualify for nursing-home care and will provide wraparound services so participants can remain in the community. "We're really excited to be here and with the opportunity to be able to provide a program of all inclusive care for the elderly," Hirsch said, adding the team has targeted construction this year and a program opening timeline that could allow services to begin in July 2026.
Susan Waszhevski, operator with Habitat Health, described PACE care as coordinated and flexible: the interdisciplinary team meets to tailor services, and the program coordinates care when participants are hospitalized and upon discharge. Applicants told the commission they expect 40 employees and a typical daily participant population between about 130 and 180 people; participants would be age 55 and older, and the center would operate Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There were no substantive objections from neighboring speakers during the public-hearing segment; one public commenter spoke in favor while raising accessibility concerns and urging the city to ensure ADA compliance and consider shuttle or transportation options for participants. Commissioners did not ask staff to return with additional conditions beyond the standard entitlements and environmental review.
Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 25-6159 and approve Conditional Use Permit No. 24-08. The motion passed on a roll-call vote (Commissioner Lewis: aye; Commissioner Castellanos: aye; Vice Chair Becerra: aye; Chair Heng: aye).
Next steps identified by the applicant include submitting for building permits and completing construction work later in 2025; applicants said state approvals and staffing would follow construction so the center could begin serving participants as early as July 1, 2026.
