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Planning Commission finds city's proposed purchase of 222 East Cypress Avenue conforms with Monrovia General Plan
Summary
By a 4-1 vote, the commission found the city's proposed acquisition of a large, 1892 Victorian house at 222 East Cypress Avenue conforms with the General Plan; the purchase agreement was previously executed by City Council.
The Monrovia Planning Commission voted 4-1 to find that the city’s proposed acquisition of the property at 222 East Cypress Avenue conforms with the Monrovia General Plan. The commission’s finding follows a staff recommendation and the City Council’s execution of a purchase agreement on Jan. 21, 2025.
Community Development Director Bermejo told the commission the subject site is on the south side of East Cypress Avenue between South Ivy Avenue and California Avenue and consists of four parcels totaling about three-quarters of an acre (roughly 32,000 square feet). The property is developed with an early Monrovia residence constructed in 1892 in a Queen Anne/Victorian style and has experienced deferred maintenance, Bermejo said.
Bermejo said staff’s analysis found the acquisition is consistent with the land use element goal to preserve the character of existing neighborhoods and historic resources. He cited California Government Code section 65402, which requires the Planning Commission to report on a proposed municipal acquisition’s conformity with the adopted general plan before acquisition proceeds.
Commissioners asked whether further review or additional approvals would be required for potential future uses. Bermejo and staff said the council has expressed the primary goal of preservation; if council pursues landmark designation, that process would go to the Historic Preservation Commission before returning to council, and any future project beyond preservation would require additional environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
No members of the public spoke for or against the staff recommendation during the administrative-report public-comment period. Commissioner Austin moved to find the acquisition in conformity with the general plan; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call: Commissioner Austin — yes; Commissioner Scheffler — yes; Commissioner Sheaf — yes; Commissioner Vashani — yes; Chair Tahira — no. The motion carried 4 to 1.
Bermejo said that if the council proceeds with the purchase and preservation work, the city would secure and stabilize the building, clear the property as needed, and later return to the council for consideration of landmarking and next steps. He emphasized that any future change in use or development beyond preservation would require separate environmental review and additional approvals.
