By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The City of Glendale Design Review Board (DRB) meeting being held today, Thursday, July 8 at 5 p.m. will undoubtedly be well attended – even though the meeting is being held virtually.

On the DRB agenda is the preliminary hearing for a proposed development at 3411-3437 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta. The listed developer, Garo Nazarian c/o Domus Design, proposes to build 78 residential units (102,263 sq. ft.) and nine commercial units (17,217 sq. ft.) that would be housed in three buildings that are four and five stories high. The design of the buildings has been noted as being “modern boxy,” not keeping with the aesthetics of the Crescenta Valley.

A flyer, created by Gary and Roxanne Myers who live near the proposed development, was circulated to nearby residents of the proposed project. The flyer includes a sketch depicting what the development would like if green lit by the City of Glendale and urges residents to take part in today’s hearing to voice their opposition to the project.

Mary-Lynne Fisher is a member of the Crescenta Valley Community Assn. and is against the development.

“I am gratified to know that so many members of our community, many of whom have not previously been active in zoning and development issues, have come out to oppose this gargantuan project,” she said. “I look forward to hearing what the members of the Design Review Board have to say about it.  

“Aside from needing an Environment Impact Review because of the reservoir beneath New York Park [which sits north of the proposed development] and the gas station that formerly sat on the site of the used car dealership [at the northwest corner of New York Avenue and Foothill Boulevard], the most important element is preserving the 35-foot height limit codified in the North Glendale Community Plan. Whether this is accomplished by eliminating the commercial spaces or reducing the number of units is an issue on which the developer, the city and the community need to collaborate.”

The hearing is being held virtually today, Thursday, July 8 at 5 p.m. It can be viewed on Charter Cable channel 6 or online at https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/management-services/gtv6/live-video-stream. Those who would like to make comments or ask questions during the meeting can call in (818) 937-8100. Written comments can be submitted beforehand to Roger Kiesel at rkiesel@glendaleca.gov.