Josh Kleinbaum
The calendar shows a different year, but the major themes for the
city of Glendale in 2004 will be the same as in 2003: the Town Center
and the budget.
As the city prepares for the next 12 months, those two issues
remain the top priorities.
"I want to see the development agreement finalized, the
environmental document approved, and get into the plan-check stage,"
Councilman Dave Weaver said of the Town Center project. "That's what
I'd like to see done this year."
The Town Center is a 15.5-acre mixed-use residential and
commercial project proposed for downtown Glendale, and would be one
of the biggest commercial developments in the city's history. The
city has discussed a Town Center project for 15 years, and could
finalize the details this year. Developer Rick Caruso expects to open
the project in 2006.
However, the owner of the Glendale Galleria has come forward with
an alternate plan, which some city councilmen support. General Growth
Properties, owner of the Galleria, submitted a proposal that
preserves historic buildings and keeps Harvard Street open to
vehicles. Caruso's plan will turn Harvard Street into a pedestrian
promenade.
Although the city has an exclusive negotiating agreement with
Caruso and city staff insist he is the developer of record, Mayor
Frank Quintero said he prefers the General Growth proposal, and
Councilman Bob Yousefian said he would keep his mind open.
City officials also hope to see some stability with the budget
this year. But with uncertainty about vehicle license fees, it is
difficult to predict what will happen. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has
ordered that cities receive all of their funds from the car tax, but
Democrats could challenge that order. If the city loses those funds,
it will have to make significant budget cuts.
"Hopefully we can resolve this unknown factor in the budget,"
Councilman Rafi Manoukian said. "We're always dealing with it. [The
vehicle license fee money] is there, then it's not there. It seems
like a ghost budget."
The city has several other projects in the works. If city staff
can reach a deal with employee unions, City Hall will remain open
five days each week, instead of closing on alternating Fridays. City
Council members said they would continue to push for joint-use
projects with the Glendale Unified School District, designed to
increase park space.
But the Town Center and the budget are the focus.
"Other than that, it's the same old things, traffic and everything
else," Weaver said.
