Planners will consider enlarging Westside redevelopment area

Deirdre Newman

City planners are recommending that preliminary boundaries be

designated for a 434-acre section of the Westside to be added to the

downtown redevelopment area.

The Planning Commission will consider the issue Monday as the

first major step in the Redevelopment Plan Amendment process.

The odd-shaped area is roughly bordered by 15th Street, Whittier

Avenue and East 19th Street. Another section stretches up to about

Wilson Street.

Adding these sections to the redevelopment area would allow the

city to seize through eminent domain properties that are deemed

blighted.

The first public hearing on the proposed amendment was held in

November 2002. At that time, several property owners and others with

a vested interest in the additional area voiced their concerns.

The Planning Commission postponed the issue to allow more time for

public review. Two community meetings that focused on the concerns of

the industrial property owners were held in January.