The Monrovia City Council unanimously approved an 85-unit residential project and associated general-plan and zoning changes for the 710 South Myrtle Corridor after a multi-hour public hearing and extensive public comment. Council member Larry Spicer moved the item and a second was recorded; the motion passed without recorded roll-call tallies in the transcript.

The project team, introduced during the hearing by a presenter identified as 'Bridal Briggs' and a manager named Scott, described plans for a multifamily development and presented the staff-recommended environmental review and zoning changes. Multiple members of the public criticized the proposal's scale and aesthetics, calling it a "5 story big white box" that does not fit Myrtle's character (Carlos Delgado). Several commenters urged the council to require more tree preservation and to improve the project's design to better blend with the neighborhood.

A caller identified as Chase (Savor) objected that the project's environmental impact report (EIR) omitted a health-risk assessment for diesel emissions and raised concerns about noise-study adequacy, asking the council to withhold approval until those analyses aligned with CEQA procedures. In response, the city attorney stated that, in his view, the EIR "is compliant with CEQA" and advised the council they could move forward on the basis of the staff report.

Council members expressed mixed views in deliberations: Council member Jimenez said he did not believe there were historic-resource impacts but shared aesthetic reservations; Dr. Kelly emphasized the project's role in providing low-income opportunities and lamented low turnout for the hearing; Council member Belden highlighted tree-preservation priorities while acknowledging housing needs; Mayor Shevlin discussed statewide pressures to streamline housing and asked how the project aligned with the city's goals for affordable units.

After discussion about design, trees and walkability, the council moved and approved the project. The transcript records the motion being moved by Larry Spicer and seconded (transcript: "Edward Beld in second"), with the hosts noting surprise that a protracted hearing concluded with a quick, unanimous approval. The council did not record detailed roll-call vote counts in the hosted recap.

Next steps: The staff report and the council's action mean the project may proceed into the implementation stage described by staff, subject to any written findings, conditions of approval and final ministerial steps recorded in official minutes and permit documents.