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Planning commission approves findings for Montebelloproperty acquisition on West Whittier Boulevard
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Summary
The Montebello Planning Commission adopted Resolution 03-26, finding that the cityinitiated acquisition of four parcels at 602, 604, 608 and 610 West Whittier Boulevard from TUVF Montebello LLC conforms with the Montebello General Plan; staff said the purchase is exempt from CEQA and would expand the site available for mixed-use redevelopment.
The Montebello Planning Commission on Tuesday adopted Resolution 03-26, finding that the cityinitiated acquisition of four parcels at 602, 604, 608 and 610 West Whittier Boulevard from TUVF Montebello LLC conforms with the Montebello General Plan, Planning Manager Viviana Esparza told commissioners.
Esparza said the four parcels total about 16,290 square feet and contain a vacant commercial building with a combined footprint of roughly 11,669 square feet. The cityinitiated action is intended to allow the city to hold and strategically manage the site for future development that aligns with the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan, she said. "The City intends to acquire the properties from seller TUVF Montebello LLC as part of its ongoing efforts to support revitalization within the city's downtown area," Esparza said.
Staff recommended the commission find the acquisition conforms with the general plan under Government Code section 65402. Esparza also said the proposed action is not subject to CEQA under CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) and 15061(b)(3), describing the purchase as an administrative activity that would not result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical changes to the environment.
Commissioners voiced support for the acquisition as a step toward downtown revitalization. "I think it's a good move," Commissioner Cuevas said, commending staff and the city for advancing long-term objectives for the area. Another commissioner seconded that view and praised the city's progress under the general plan.
A city director noted the strategic context, saying the city already owns adjacent property at 612 West Whittier and controls nearby surface parking; staff said if the acquisition and subsequent city council approval go forward the combined holdings would total about 2.7 acres, creating a footprint the city could market for mixed-use redevelopment under the adopted specific plan.
A commissioner moved to approve the recommended findings and adopt Resolution 03-26; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Cuevas and the commission approved the recommendation. The meeting transcript records that the motion passed on roll call and that Commissioner Medina was absent; the transcript does not clearly record each individual roll-call vote in readable form.
The planning manager said the city will retain the property under city ownership while it evaluates future development opportunities and that the next step would be council consideration as required by the city's property-disposition process. The commission adjourned with no further public comment recorded at the meeting.
