By Michael YEGHIAYAN

A meeting hosted by the Crescenta Valley Community Association was held at the La Crescenta Library in order to discuss the state of businesses in the northernmost part of Glendale. The meeting on April 25 was held with the intention of opening the dialogue between business owners, residents, and city officials regarding the development of Far North Glendale.

Business owners discussed a number of issues that they believed were preventing the development of the area to its greatest capacity. Although landlord disputes and signage visibility due to city trees were discussed, a lack of foot traffic was deemed one of the larger obstacles to seeing Far North Glendale reach its full potential.

“Far North Glendale” is the area located north of Honolulu Avenue and between Pennsylvania and Lowell avenues in La Crescenta.

Participants also brainstormed potential events that would bring in more people and help address the perceived exposure problem for a number of the businesses in that part of the city. The possibility of a local art walk was discussed and will be further explored.

The CVCA is a cross-jurisdictional organization consisting of local volunteers dedicated to the well-being of the foothills. The group meets monthly to discuss a variety of topics impacting the area.

“This is an opportunity for residents, business owners, and representatives from the city to get together and start a dialogue on ways we can improve our commercial district,” said Nancy Comeau, a member of the CVCA. “Obviously nothing will change unless we make it happen, and here is a golden opportunity to start moving in the direction of improving Foothill Boulevard, which in turn will increase not only the quality of our lives here but pragmatically improve the value of the properties.”

In addition to holding a discourse about businesses, the group advocated for the preservation of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and expressed an opposition for the 710 Freeway North Extension Tunnel project.

The CVCA made plans to revisit the recommendations made during the meeting during its meeting to be scheduled in June.

  Lisa YEGHIAYAN