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Planning Commission renews Affinity Plan Development for two years
Summary
The Pasadena Planning Commission approved a two-year renewal for Plan Development 39 (Affinity), allowing the previously approved project at 465–577 S. Arroyo Parkway to remain valid through June 30, 2028; staff said no plan changes were proposed and recommended the renewal under a CEQA "common-sense" exemption.
The Pasadena Planning Commission on July 8 approved a request to renew Plan Development 39 — the Affinity project at 465–577 South Arroyo Parkway — for two years, extending the approval to June 30, 2028.
Staff presentation and why it mattered: Planning staff told the commission the 3.3-acre site includes five parcels and nine existing commercial buildings, including a Whole Foods, and that the city council originally approved PD39 on Feb. 25, 2023 by Ordinance 7409. The approved plan allows construction of two new buildings (a medical office building and a second building that could house assisted-living or independent living units), retention of three existing buildings, up to about 197 dwelling units (if an exchange to residential is pursued), more than 31,000 square feet of open space, and between roughly 650 and 850 parking spaces. Staff said the applicant requested a two‑year extension, citing economic conditions, construction costs and interest-rate pressure, and staff recommended approval under the California Environmental Quality Act’s “common-sense” exemption because there are no project changes that would require new environmental review.
Applicant and public comments: Pete Kutser of Edgewood Realty Partners, representing the applicant, said the developer’s strong preference remains a medical office on the corner and that there are no requested changes to the PD. Nearby resident Erica Foy, who opposed the project in earlier hearings, asked the commission to consider the broader Fillmore–Raymond corridor — traffic, sidewalks, green space and cumulative impacts — and urged a larger-area planning approach so projects do not proceed parcel by parcel.
Commission action and vote: After closing the public hearing the commission voted to approve staff’s recommendation to renew PD39 until 06/30/2028. The roll-call vote recorded the following votes in favor: Commissioner Higginbotham (yes), Commissioner Hansen (yes), Commissioner Hernandez (yes), Commissioner Burns (yes), Commissioner Albrecht (yes), Vice Chair Delgado (yes) and Chair Lambert Giesinger (yes). The motion passed.
What’s next: Staff noted the PD would remain unchanged and that the commission and council should continue coordinating on corridor-level planning and objective design standards as the area evolves.
