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Commission reviews Page & Turnbull survey of Central Park and Hadley‑Greenleaf historic districts
Summary
Page & Turnbull presented survey findings to the Whittier City Historic Resources Commission identifying contributors in the Central Park and Hadley‑Greenleaf districts; commissioners and preservation groups backed advancing the work toward Mills Act participation, but no formal action was taken due to lack of quorum.
The Whittier City Historic Resources Commission on Aug. 13 received a study‑session presentation from Page & Turnbull on updated criteria and survey results for the Central Park and Hadley‑Greenleaf historic districts.
The consultant reported a period of significance of 1887–1940. For the Hadley‑Greenleaf district, Page & Turnbull surveyed 193 parcels and identified 139 as contributors (72 percent) and noted 16 individually designated landmarks. For Central Park, 45 parcels were surveyed with 36 contributors (80 percent) and 13 individually designated landmarks; the park itself was identified as contributing. An expanded review of 25 additional parcels found 24 that would be contributing if district boundaries were extended.
Mary Sullins, president of the Whittier Conservancy, told the Commission she supports the survey findings and thanked staff and consultants for the work. Susan Cameron, speaking for the Central Park area, urged the city to hold a Mills Act workshop so property owners can understand the application process.
Several public commenters raised technical questions about the survey. Linda DeVries asked about possible factual corrections to survey forms and whether non‑contributors might be reevaluated in the future. Dennis Dickerson requested clarification of contributor counts. Helen Rahder, executive director of the Whittier Conservancy, asked the Commission to reconsider the evaluation of 6301 Bright Avenue and recommended outreach to owners of non‑contributing properties and adoption of separate resolutions for each district.
Staff and commissioners praised the thoroughness of the survey and discussed how the findings will support future planning and Mills Act implementation. Assistant Director of Community Development Luis Escobedo told the Commission that, because a full quorum was not present, the study session was received and filed and no formal action was taken; resolutions to implement recommended next steps will be brought forward at a future meeting.
The consultant outlined methodology, integrity analysis, treatment of alterations, and evaluation of ancillary structures but did not propose final boundary changes at this session. The Commission did not vote on designations or boundary expansions; those items will return for formal consideration when a quorum is available.
