“We want to work to a Yes,” is the exclamation Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson had when remarking on the presentation given by Tim Schwehr, Economic Development Analyst for the City of Arcadia. Tim’s presentation at the December Community Connection focused on new developments within the City which are either being proposed or in the works to be completed. The local community also heard from legislative representatives and local city officials.
Westfield Santa Anita will soon be welcoming Bowlero, a bowling lane that is offering a new immersive experience for all ages with dining, drinks and an arcade. The new attraction is moving from its original location in Pasadena to the mall and although the date of arrival is still pending it is a confirmed project. With this new addition the Westfield Santa Anita will be gaining a trendsetting store to go with its other recent add-ons such as the much beloved Food Alley and the wave of Asian clothing/department stores such as UNIQLO and MUJI.
Tim elaborated on the fact that although at the moment there are no new development projects that are set for Santa Anita Park, there are always a constant flow of proposals to build on the classic site. One that has gained the most attention is the Caruso project, a proposal to create a time square through the use of Santa Anita Park’s parking lot.
Downtown Arcaida will be seeing a host of new projects which are sure to activate much of its untapped potential. On 1st Avenue across from the 24 hour fitness development has been cleared for a mixed use property to go into the works. The new development is sure to bring in many businesses interested in taking advantage of the frequently traveled Gold Line Station. Tim states that the mixed use property is set to finish by the end of 2018. A proposal which has recently been approved and will go soon go into construction is the Delta Marriott, a 4 star hotel which Tim states will be one of the most high end hotels in the San Gabriel Valley. The new Marriott hotel will be built in the space currently being occupied by the Santa Anita Inn.
In the Duarte District of South Arcadia there are multiple mixed use developments already in construction. One that is gaining a lot of attention from other businesses is the mixed use property at 56 E. Duarte Rd. The opening of that property is set to occur sometime in the middle of next year and Tim made the announcement that an 85 degrees has confirmed its lease in one of the properties.
Tim announced that in addition to the projects that are already in development there are many other spaces which are still being considered for redevelopment. Sylvia Rosenberger of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden asked Tim on how the rate of growth and development compares to other cities in Los Angeles County. Tim responded that the growth and development has been moving quite fast within this city. Arcadia is in a great financial situation which is matching perfectly with the areas of potential space within the city. The efforts of the city and its staff have led it to be awarded the 2017 Winner of Most Business Friendly City in the Los Angeles County during the 22nd Annual Eddy Awards.
Legislative Reports
- Mayor of Arcadia, Peter Amundson, reported that in response to the fires ARcadia has two fire crews helping assist South of Santa Barbara. Two other crews are stationed here in case the fires come further down into the San Gabriel Valley.
- Linda Sells of the MAD Town Council, reported that next Tuesday December 12, 2017 they will be hosting a meet and greet with Senator Blanco Rubio at Pamela Park. On December 21, 2017 they will be hosting a Christmas Dinner with a toy giveaway.
- Mike Vercillo of the Arcadia Police Department reported that they hosted in partnership with ring, a security appliance company, a subsidized (by the city of Arcadia) sale and safety seminar in Arcadia. The event had a great turnout with 62,000 dollars of merchandise being sold.
