Town Council Wants to Save Tree on Foothill

A developer planning a new mixed-use commercial and office building on Foothill Boulevard has promised to work with the community to try to preserve a large tree near the property.

Saied Isaacson of Platinum Properties is proposing to build a 21,760-square-foot building near the intersection of Foothill and Rosemont Avenue. The two-story building is planned to include retail and office space, medical offices and a restaurant. The center will have 85 parking stalls, both at the surface and underground.

When Isaacson and architect Adham Refaat presented the plan to the Crescenta Valley Town Council, members expressed concern about a large ficus tree located 7 feet from the property line. The tree, in front of the offices of Re/Max Tri-City Realty, was identified by local historian Mike Lawler as a Moreton Bay Fig Ficus, probably a descendent of trees located across Foothill in front of the La Crescenta Hotel. The Silver Tree Inn, probably a restaurant in the hotel, was named for the trees, he said.

The concern is that construction of subterranean parking could damage the tree's root system, or pave over ground the tree uses to gather water.

Isaacson said he plans to work with an arborist to preserve the tree. The developer said a proposal to move the complex back on the property would not work under county guidelines. The underground parking will still extend to the front setback.

The council endorsed the project, which is now before the Regional Planning Commission, with the caution included about safeguarding the tree.

Water Alerts Return

Ernie Webber, a member of the Crescenta Valley Water District board, said the district will return to a water conservation alert program in June, with the start of hot weather. He said the local demand is moving closer to 5 million gallons a day, with local wells producing two-thirds of that amount. Webber said the district's wells are in good shape due to this year's rainfall. Rain for the season has been measured at 53.29 inches at the water district offices on Foothill Boulevard in La Crescenta.

Weber said the board has pledged $5,000 toward the project to install artificial turf at Crescenta Valley High School, expecting the project will save in water use for irrigation.

He also announced that work has been completed on a water main replacement caused by the collapse of the hill above the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station.