Senior Living Center Receives Opposition From Residents

A scattering of appointments were made during the week’s city council meeting in Arcadia. Slots were open in three departments — the Arcadia Beautiful Commission, the Museum Commission and the Recreation and Parks Commission.

“Every candidate is phenomenal,” said mayor Michael Cao. “The fact that they want to give free time to serve the community already says they are incredibly special people.”

Uyen Wong was chosen for the Beautiful Commission, and was subject to lavish compliments from the council members.

“She’s a great asset to PTA and always helps with the downtown improvement association,” said council member April Verlato. “I’m confident she’ll grow the commission.”

“She works at the City of Hope and has a great resume,” added council member Paul Cheng, and council member Eileen Wang chimed in that they are “really grateful for her contributions.”

For the Museum Commission, Dale Carter was nominated. Carter served on the museum board in prior years, and is also a member of the historical society.

“He’s a true asset to our community,” said mayor Cao.

For Recreation and Parks, Matthew Goldsby was appointed by the board.

Onto other matters, the committee assessed a proposed project to build an assisted living center in the northern part of the city. The 2.82 acres lot is surrounded by residential properties, who have been contacted about the proposal.

The senior facility is called The Ivy and if built, comprises of three stories, 100 units and stretches the area of about 100,000 square ft. It’ll hire 20 employees, have 24-hour staffing, give daily meals, transportation and house 140 beds.

“The building gives a transition between commercial properties to the west from Pasadena and the residential area to the east from Arcadia,” said a representative from The Ivy while presenting background information. “There’ll be a fitness room, dining center and an outdoor dog park.”

With all its amenities, it occupies an inordinately large space — “The building is the size of two football fields,” asserted one resident.

Ms. Wang came forth and stated, “Those in the surrounding area are concerned about the height and scale. Have we talked to the designer?”

“We brought it up with the property owner,” a staff member answered. “Due to monetary reasons it is not feasible.”

Many residents are bothered by the privacy concerns that come with living near a three-story complex.

“We are not opposed to the building,” said Katherine Gronto, a nearby tenant. “Just the height of it. Hopefully you can make modifications and we can reach an agreement.”

The board voted to postpone the approval of constructing the senior living center to the following meeting.

If the motion passes, it’ll be the first new assisted living facility built in the city in nearly thirty years.