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Planning commission finds Anderson House Museum acquisition conforms to general plan
Summary
The Monrovia Planning Commission unanimously found that the city's proposed acquisition of the Anderson House Museum at 215 East Lyme Avenue conforms to the General Plan and qualifies for CEQA exemptions related to historic preservation.
The Monrovia Planning Commission on March 12 voted unanimously to find that the city's proposed acquisition of the Anderson House Museum at 215 East Lyme Avenue conforms to the Monrovia General Plan, clearing a planning-step after an earlier City Council vote to accept the property.
Planning Division Manager John Mayer told the commission the Anderson House, built in 1886 and designated a historic landmark in 1949, is one of Monrovia's earliest surviving homes and requires significant repairs to ensure long-term preservation, including a new foundation, interior plaster and wallpaper replacement, upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems, and ADA access improvements. "The Anderson House Museum is a designated historic landmark for 01/1949 and one of Monrovia's earliest surviving homes built in 1886," Mayer said.
Mayer said the Monrovia Historical Society currently owns and operates the museum and has struggled to keep up with long-term maintenance needs. The City Council on Feb. 18 approved preservation on-site rather than relocating the structure, which staff said would have been costly and could have risked structural damage. Under the approved approach the city will assume ownership and responsibility for maintenance and preservation, while the Monrovia Historical Society will continue to serve as docents and operate public programming.
Staff recommended the Planning Commission's conforming finding under California Government Code section 65402 and advised that the acquisition qualifies for environmental review exemptions under CEQA Class 25 (acquisition of historic resources for preservation) and Class 31 (rehabilitation/maintenance consistent with Secretary of the Interior standards). The commission voted by roll call: Commissioner Austin: yes; Commissioner Brown: yes; Commissioner Rose: yes; Commissioner Scheffler: yes; Commissioner Moshani: yes; Commissioner Vashani: yes; Chair Stehira: yes. The motion carried.
Mayer summarized community benefits, noting the museum hosts school programs, tours and historical events and that preserving the structure on-site maintains its historic context near City Hall and Old Town Monrovia. He said relocation to Recreation Park had been considered but rejected because of cost and environmental concerns.
No public speakers registered for the noticed public comment period on the item. After the vote, commissioners asked clarifying questions about ownership and precedent; staff said the arrangement is similar to another city-owned historic museum at Recreation Park, which the city owns and maintains while volunteers operate programs.
The Planning Commission's finding is an administrative step confirming the acquisition's consistency with the General Plan and clears the way for the city to proceed with preservation work under the terms discussed by City Council.
