A homeless housing project has been proposed for 740 E. Foothill Blvd. The property is on the south side of Foothill Blvd. between San Dimas Canyon Rd. and Baseline Rd. Although the postal address is "San Dimas", the area is actually in unincorporated L.A. County between San Dimas and La Verne. The Foxglen neighborhood of La Verne is across the street, north of Foothill Blvd.
The proposal is to build a 5-story apartment building with 54 units for individuals who are homeless and who meet certain criteria, such as being over 55, no sex offenders, and nobody who has been convicted of a violent crime in the past five years.
The cities of San Dimas and La Verne found out about this proposal just before the L.A. County Board of Supervisors was going to consider giving the project a $7 million grant, which was on their agenda for April 16. Both cities immediately contacted Supervisor Kathryn Barger's office and protested the total lack of communication with the residents, City Councils, and administration of either city. The matter was postponed until May 16.
The city managers, mayors, and individual councilmembers of both cities continued to urge more public engagement. Mayor Badar and I spoke personally with Supervisor Barger on April 23 (at the Heart of the Foothills event). Mayor Hepburn of La Verne and members of both City Councils have spoken with Supervisor Barger and/or her top staff. Residents have sent hundreds of emails. As a result, Supervisor Barger prevailed upon the Board to postpone the matter to a date uncertain so that the community can give input. (I have since spoken again with Supervisor Barger as well as with her chief planner. I have also spoken with National Core representatives. In addition, I have visited other National Core sites in Pasadena and Glendale and spoken to neighbors of those apartment buildings.)
It should be noted that, due to recent state law, the project can go ahead without approval from San Dimas, La Verne, or even the County. However, the County Board of Supervisors does have a say in whether to loan the developers $7 million, which may or may not affect the viability of the project.
Community outreach and input has been scheduled as follows:
National CORE, the developer of the project will host a virtual meeting
Tuesday, May 9, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
View flyer and register to attend
San Dimas City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 9, 7:00 PM, San Dimas City Hall
You have to be at the meeting in person to make comments.
The City Council will consider an official Notice of Opposition.