Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors urge city to review proposed 48‑unit Hellman Avenue project over traffic and safety concerns
Summary
Dozens of residents from Monterey Park and nearby Alhambra spoke during public comment opposing a proposed 48‑unit development at 816/824 West Hellman Avenue, citing traffic dangers at the Hellman/Hathaway corridor, parking overflow from a nearby hotel and requests for transparency on density‑bonus calculations and concessions.
Residents packed the public comment period to press the council for a thorough review of a proposed 48‑unit apartment project at 816/824 West Hellman Avenue.
Randy Kaye opened the block of speakers by describing likely construction and traffic disruption and calling the location "a dangerous, accident prone major intersection." He warned that the project would bring more traffic into an already hazardous corridor, noting a prior study suggested additional analysis if development proceeded: "The traffic study done in 2023 recommended that another traffic study be done should the development be built because a 3 way stop at Chandler And Hellman may be warranted due to the increased amount of traffic."
Caleb, a nearby resident, asked the council to direct staff to provide clarity on zoning and density‑bonus calculations and to explain any concessions the developer is requesting. "Please ask staff to provide the public with the base density, the exact density bonus calculation, the affordability level of the 6 affordable rental units, and every waiver, concessions, incentive parking reduction, heights exception, or setback exception being request," he said, urging transparency and a written report back.
Multiple speakers — including neighbors from Alhambra — raised consistent concerns about parking overflow from the Courtyard/Marriott, event traffic, pedestrian safety and emergency access. Council members responded that the project must go before the Planning Commission, that staff will pursue community outreach and look into parking mitigation options and that residents will receive formal notice when the item is scheduled for public hearings.
No action on the project occurred at the meeting; council directed staff to engage with planning staff, the developer and local stakeholders and to return information to the council and community as the formal review proceeds.
