On June 1st Monterey Park Councilmember Teresa Real Sebastian, residents and business owners of the south end of town met with Director of Community and Economic Development Michael Huntley, Senior Planner Samantha Tewasart, Assistant City Manager Ron Bow and members of RBF Consulting at George Elder Park to discuss the future of their neighborhood.

The specific plan for the Garfield entrance into the city was provided by a $500,000 grant from MTA. The Gold Line extension from Pasadena in now scheduled to be built on the 60 Freeway on the Montebello side of the freeway. The location of the park and ride facility could be located on either the Montebello side or the Monterey Park side of the freeway.

The residents and business owners have been discussing ways to improve and upgrade their shopping center.

They have offered many ideas to make the area more pedestrian and bike rider friendly with outside dinning, bike paths, more parking and a better traffic flow.

The consultants stated the existing specific plan was adopted in 1987 and revised in 2000.  This plan would encourage revitalization of the area, improve mobility and connectivity, provide guidance on development and improve the buildings and structures and guide the infrastructure polices and priorities.

This plan is in draft form and is considered a living document with input from the residents and business.

Some of the plans can be implement now and other plans are for the long term. These plans should be created for future generations too.

The conceptual vision plan included the area on Garfield Avenue from Pomona to Fernfield.

The residents and businesses were told about the various land use areas that would include new development standards, upgrading pedestrian walkways, additional parking areas and bike paths.  Drought resistant plants and trees would be added to the green belts.

New signage in the area would welcome residents, businesses and guests to the village concept.

Residents can view the South Garfield Village specific plan on the city’s website.

This specific plan will have to be approved by the Planning Commission, the Traffic Commission and the City Council.

Interested residents and business owners will be able to attend all the open meetings to speak up and voice their concerns.

Monterey Park is an older city and the south end of town can use a face-lift.

Please support your hometown and the future of our residents.