By Brandon HENSLEY
The Jan. 21 Crescenta Valley Town Council Meeting, held virtually on Zoom, saw a request made to council regarding property that was formerly the site of Leo’s All-Star Bar and Grill.
Grant Michals, from the Crescenta Valley Community Association, spoke to council and said he would like support in opposition to the proposed housing project that would replace Leo’s at 2941 Honolulu Ave.
“I’m asking for a comment letter from Town Council on something that would support our determination that this is not compatible with the North Glendale Community Plan, which has many similarities with the Community Standards District you have,” Michals said.
No decision was made at the meeting.
Michals said the neighborhood associations in Glendale have appealed the project. A date for appeal before the Glendale City Council has been moved to Feb. 16.
Michals said he is concerned primarily over the height of the design, which would stand at 43 feet, a violation of design standards of the Community Standards District. The building that was Leo’s was 25 feet high, which is the standard.
The plan includes subterranean parking, with three residential stories and 18 apartment units. Michals also noted the “boxy” design in renderings would not fit well with the architecture around La Crescenta and the North Glendale area.
In other presentations, Glendale Unified School District Superintendent Vivian Ekchian said the district has “put a pause of instruction programs on-site” due to concerns over ongoing COVID-19 cases from winter break. That will continue to the end of this week.
“It was a really difficult decision for us,” she said “Through every element of the pandemic we’ve stood by our students based on science.”
Ekchian said the district has partnered with Verdugo Hills Hospital, and that district employees are allowed to be vaccinated, most likely in early February. She also said the district is hoping to receive to additional funding by the state, and that it is making preparations for the summer to “make up for lost time.”
At the start of the meeting, council said goodbye to outgoing members Charlie Beatty and Daniel Kim. Both received certificates of recognition from the offices of LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman and Sen. Anthony Portantino.
“Both of you guys have been fantastic contributors to the entire community, and we’ve been really lucky to have your contributions to the Town Council,” said Vickere Murphy, senior representative for Portantino. “Town councils in general are kind of unique … participation from all of you is much more than people realize, and for Daniel and Charlie both have contributed so much time to make the community even more special than it is. It’s been really meaningful, so I appreciate that.”
Kim thanked Council, and said he didn’t realize how much work it would be at first. He said he hoped to see everyone down the road.
Beatty was not present at the meeting, but was there last month and had a chance to thank Council as well as hear many thanks and goodbyes.
“Charlie has been an icon to this community. He has served several positions. He led chair, several committees and has been a very good part of our lives, especially my life for 12 years,” said council president Harry Leon. “Daniel, thank you for your contributions to the community, especially to the youth council … I hope you won’t forget us; we’re always here and look forward to seeing you again.”
The next virtual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18.