Agency Delays Decision on 710 Freeway Extension

An independent federal agency that protects the country’s historic resources delayed a decision Wednesday on whether to challenge preliminary federal approval of the much-delayed Long Beach Freeway extension through Pasadena, South Pasadena and El Sereno.

The board of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will not decide until at least later this month whether to request the President’s Council on Environment Quality to review the dispute over the proposed $1.4-billion highway project and act as a mediator. Officials said the board delayed a decision because of the absence of board members.

Freeway opponents are hoping a referral to the council would delay the 6.2-mile project. If the presidential council mediates, it would delay federal transportation officials from formally signing off on the project and allowing design work to begin.

However, some federal officials note that the council is a White House organization and the administration has already publicly voiced its support for the roadway.