Double espresso anyone?

Can we tell you about the week we've had? It's been a doozy! 

A three agendas, two late night meetings, one tired Planning Division kind of week! We LOVE those kinds of weeks around here! We're jazzed!  Does anyone still say that?

Call us crazy if you want, but we get excited to see applications come forward for review. And we love it when we see good projects get approved. And we really really love it when we get to be involved in projects that are going to make Monrovia residents proud of their city!

Monday night, a special meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was held, and a project that is near and dear to the hearts of many Monrovians was reviewed and approved. It's a pretty special project that we think will be another jewel in the crown of the Gem City. We've placed and extremely subtle and subliminal hint about what that mystery item might be right here in this blog post.  

Keep looking...OK, here's a hint: "Riding on the Atchison, Topeka and the...

So, now that we've piqued your interest, we are going to encourage you to click here to get more details about the special meeting.

This week, we also had a Development Review Committee meeting/Planning Commission meeting double header on Wednesday. So now we totally understand what professional athletes feel like when they play two games in one day! Planning is a contact sport! For more information about the DRC meeting, click here and for more information about the Planning Commission meeting, click here. Hopefully you'll excuse the brevity of this post...we're going to go take a nap.

Landmarks are Awesome

We have a brand new historic landmark to brag about here in Monrovia! Wait... can something be both new and historic at the same time?  We think so, and we think it's a pretty big deal! Seriously, this is the one you've all been waiting for! That's right, the Monrovia Santa Fe Depot officially received landmark designation at the April 19, 2016 City Council meeting!

I bet some of you out there are thinking, "How has the Depot not been designated before?" That is a valid question. Though residents, officials and City staff have long looked at the iconic structure as an important and historically significant building, there have been a few hurdles to overcome in getting it landmarked. One big hurdle is that the City didn't actually own the building for quite a while. It was actually under the ownership of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or Metro, if you know the lingo. Luckily, in 2013, in conjunction with the Gold Line Extension construction negotiations, Monrovia received ownership of the property.

The timing of this landmark is also pretty fantastic. Not only has the Gold Line recently opened, along with several amenities at Station Square, but that area is also going to be the location of several more developments. And the Depot is a big part of that plan. Picture it... a year from know, you could jump off the train (please wait until the ride comes to a full and complete stop), and stroll into the beautifully restored Santa Fe Depot to enjoy tasty treats and libations. We are very excited to see this plan come to fruition and for one of our most treasured buildings to be restored to it's former glory, while also becoming a prime destination in Monrovia! 

There is quite a long history to the Depot, and you can read all about it here in the staff report that was prepared for the City Council meeting. We hope that you are as excited as we are about this new landmark. Stay tuned for future updates about the progress of the restoration.

Signs of the Times

Things are really rocking and rolling around the City of Monrovia these days. Yesterday, the Development Review Committee looked at 10 items, which represents a range of development across the City. But, what really caught our attention is the number of sign reviews that the Committee considered yesterday. We know what you're thinking... "Really? We're supposed to be excited about signs?" And to answer that question, we say, "YES!" because when you consider the companies that were applying for those sign reviews, you can see that a lot of new businesses, some of them VERY well known and successful, are moving into Monrovia. And that is good news.

For example, Orchard Supply Hardware (or OSH, if you prefer) came before the committee with their sign proposal. They are busy at work preparing to open a new hardware store and nursery location at 725 West Huntington Drive. Sign review generally occurs pretty close to the date that operations will commence, so we are quite excited to see OSH at this phase of the planning process. Luckily, the DRC saw fit to approve the OSH signs, so pretty soon, you'll see something like this when you are driving around the neighborhood. Actual weather patterns may vary.

Another sign that caught our attention was for the City of Hope Beckman Research Institute at 655 East Huntington Drive. You may have heard that City of Hope is relocating it's research laboratories to the City of Monrovia. The pending move into the former Xerox building at 1214 South 5th Avenue is expected to bring over 500 jobs into the City and we are thrilled to welcome them into that location. But before that big move, which is anticipated for later this year, a second Beckman Research Institute location in the City's technology corridor will be operational. The DRC approved the signage, so, the next time you are driving down East Huntington Drive, don't be surprised if you see a new monument sign similar to this.

And there's still one more sign that we want to tell you about. It's green and white and promises to draw you in like a siren song. That's right, folks, we're talking about the Starbucks that will be opening at 860 West Foothill Boulevard within the next month or so. The DRC approved all the signage at that location, so, the next time you are in need of a triple grande, nonfat, no whip, extra hot, two pump, white chocolate mocha with a drizzle of caramel, we've got you covered! As you may be able to tell, we are very excited about all of the new businesses that are opening in Monrovia and we hope that you are too!

All Aboard!!

Monrovia is buzzing about the Gold Line beginning service from Pasadena to Azusa on Saturday, March 5, 2016. That's right, readers! The train is chugging it's way toward Monrovia and the grand opening event will be quite a celebration! Starting at 11:00 a.m. and going until 4:00 p.m. here at Monrovia Station Square, the City will be celebrating with live music, food trucks, and free shuttle service between Station Square and Old Town Monrovia. But, the celebration continues, with events at each new station from Arcadia to downtown Azusa. And get ready to ride the rails because Metro will be offering free rides on the Gold Line all the way to East Los Angeles until midnight!

To gear up for the coming of the train, the City has been paying a lot of attention to the Station Square Transit Village area.  In January, the Station Square Park was dedicated and will be a gathering place for residents and commuters with a new band shell and playground equipment. There are also new, exciting businesses moving into the area, with plans for more to come. Soon Station Square Transit Village will have wineries, breweries and restaurants for everyone to enjoy. The residential apartment complex, “The Parks at Station Square” is also going to be breaking ground soon and will provide over 200 apartments in the area. But all this activity isn’t a coincidence. Every single City department, division, elected official and appointed commissioner over the past decade has contributed to keeping the train on track!

We are excited to see the results of this amazing Citywide effort and honored to have been a part of this process. For example, in 2015, we got to work with the Planning Commission and the City Council as they reviewed and approved an amendment to the guidelines for the Station Square Transit Village area. The new and improved guidelines identified seven neighborhoods and refined the standards for each, yet maintained the overall vision for Station Square Transit Village as a “a dynamic, mixed-use, transit oriented community.” Basically, our logic here was, "trains are cool and people like to be around them!" The map below shows how Station Square Transit Village has been planned. If you'd like more information on each neighborhood, visit http://www.cityofmonrovia.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/1812/pd_-_12.pdf or stop by City Hall and talk to a planner.

DRC 2016 Off to a Roaring Start

On January 20, 2016 the Monrovia Development Review Committee was back and better than ever in newly renovated City Council Chambers and a variety of development projects.

A couple of projects came in looking for a recommendation of approval to the Planning Commission. First was a new microbrewery called Hop Secret (Mmmmmmm... beer!) that is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to move into Hamby Park in the Station Square Transit Village area. Staff recommended approval of this project and we're all very excited to see how things develop down there once the trains start running, businesses start opening, and people start moving in. Over the next six months, we should be getting a good feel for things down there and we'll be able to determine how future projects will fit in with the area. The DRC agreed with staff's assessment and recommended approval to the Planning Commission, who will hear the item within the next few months.

We also had a CUP application for a new restaurant in Old Town, on Lemon Avenue in one of our beautifully restored historic buildings. "Hummos & Pita" (Mmmmmm.... Mediterranean food!) is hoping to open in the next few months with delicious meals and wine and beer. Staff thinks this is a great location for such a restaurant and was supportive of the project. Luckily, the DRC agreed (aren't those guys cool?) and forwarded the application to the Planning Commission with a recommendation of approval.

Another new business the DRC approved is "Dream Big Children's Center" a indoor play area and exploration zone for children ages 1 - 10. This business is going to bring something new and different to our Planned Development - 5 zone, adjacent to Old Town. Building blocks, bouncy balls, books and birthday parties. It makes us wish we were kids again!

The DRC also saw two facade remodels on single family homes. One thing that is fantastic about working in Monrovia is that there are many people who take pride in their homes and want to improve the community. The DRC approved both projects for this very reason. But, credit is also due to our business owners, who also make improvements and help to keep Monrovia a thriving community. That's why the DRC approved two new signs for existing businesses.

We believe that 2016 is going to bring great things for Monrovia - new parks, new trains, new businesses - and that's just in the first quarter! Stayed tuned, loyal readers, because there is sure to be plenty of excitement ahead!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Happy Thursday, loyal readers! We're back with a brand new Development Review Committee recap! We must apologize for our recent lack of updates. With all of the holiday hustle and bustle plus a whole lot of new, exciting, and large projects about town, we turned around and suddenly two months had gone by without a blog update! The old saying really is true - time flies when you're having fun!

The DRC heard several items this week, and we wanted to draw your attention to a few interesting tidbits. First up, there's a new micro-brewer in town! Well, they haven't quite opened their doors yet, but this week REV Winery/REV Brewing Co. went before the DRC with a request to open a manufacturing facility (plus tasting room!) at Hamby Park. This is a new use at Hamby Park that will add an attraction to the overall development of Station Square Transit Village. The DRC forwarded their recommendation of approval to the Planning Commission, who will hear the item early next year. Once operations begin, visitors may be able to catch a performance of some live music in addition to being able to taste REV's organic wines and heady brews. With new businesses "REVing" up Station Square, Monrovians will soon have a new vibrant and bustling neighborhood to check out!

But, don't worry, because our beloved Old Town Monrovia is also blossoming with fresh and exciting businesses. For example, a new restaurant called Sow House located at 402-404 South Myrtle Avenue, previously home to Cafe Opera, just moved into town. With its emphasis on local, fresh, and organic ingredients, this restaurant is "sowing" fresh seeds and introducing a new style of restaurant to Old Town. Sow House will also offer live entertainment on weekend evenings through the end of the year, and will be requesting that the Planning Commission allow live music on a permanent basis. 

We also want to remind you that Orchard Supply Hardware is gearing up to open their Monrovia location at 725 West Huntington Drive. They were back before DRC this week to ask for allowance of seasonal display items in front of the store. This request was approved, and DRC ascertained that OSH is going full speed ahead for their new store. Sorry... we couldn't think of a clever pun for OSH. However, we are gOSH sure excited to have a new home improvement store in town!!

Finally, we would like to wish a very fond farewell to our DRC Chair and Community Development Director, Steve Sizemore, who is retiring at the end of the year. Steve is beloved here in Monrovia and we want to thank him for his guidance, insight, and humor through the years. Good luck, Steve!!!

In the lastest edition of DRC...

Well, what a week this has been! Not only were we preparing for DRC, but the Planning Commission meeting was also held the same day. Even though it was a short agenda, DRC did welcome new business and said goodbye to one of our beloved oak trees. Take a look below for a recap of the October 14th DRC meeting.

A minor exception was requested for a single family residence at 200 block of West Cypress Avenue for an addition to the front of house. Basically, the property owner wanted to continue the existing setback that does not meet the minimum. We understand that requiring the existing development standards can affect the design or look of a home, so the minor exception process was the way to go. If approved, it would allow for the owner to add over 800 square feet to their home. After much deliberation, DRC unanimously approved the minor exception. Woohoo!

On a different note, we will bid farewell to one of our beloved oak trees in town. We received an oak tree removal permit for a property located on the 200 block of Melrose Avenue. The applicant provide an arborist report with an assessment addressing the condition of an existing oak tree in the front yard. The arborist recommended that it is in advanced and irreparable decline and it should be removed immediately. Let us take a minute to remember that great oak tree and the wonderful canopy it once possessed...

On a lighter note, we have several new business coming to town!

A new monument sign was approved for Westport Construction Inc. on the 100 block of West Maple Avenue. 

Good Fortune Supermarket will be replace Hong Kong Supermarket. We wish Good Fortune Supermarket good luck!

And finally, the new signs for the Taco Bell Remodel at 140 West Huntington Drive. For all you drive-thru Pizza Hut lovers, make sure that you take advantage of pizzas while they're still hot. The new remodel will only be for the Taco Bell and pizza will no longer be available. 

Tune in next time, for the next edition of DRC....this is the Planning Division, signing off.