The Pasadena City Council on Tuesday adopted the Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan, a long-awaited land-use framework that designates the North Fair Oaks corridor as the Black Legacy District and clears the way for denser, mixed-use development along a historically Black commercial strip.
The plan, which passed 6-0 with Mayor Victor Gordo recused because he said he owns a home near the area, drew approximately 20 public speakers who urged the council to honor the corridor’s past while rebuilding its economy. The development guidelines are for a 171-acre area in northwest Pasadena, with the Fair Oaks Avenue corridor stretching between Montana and Maple streets and the Orange Grove Avenue corridor between Lincoln and Maple avenues.
“We need to restore the pride and have economic vitality again, making Black Legacy District the official name designation will help to create a sense of place that I felt growing up,” Loretta Parks told the council during the pubic comment portion of the hearing. “This can drive culture, tourism and provide a platform or small local businesses to thrive again under the recognition of culture ban brand.”…