The Montrose Shopping Park Association and local preservation groups have formed the Montrose Preservation Coalition, which is proposing historic district status for the community.
Andi McClure, whose family owns Montrose Travel, said property owners were not informed about earlier meetings about the future of the shopping park, a point denied by the coalition. The owners who spoke said they liked Montrose the way it is and had no plans to change it.
John Drayman, MSPA president and a leader of the coalition, said he was delighted with the tone of the meeting.
"We're all in agreement," he said.
Councilman Bob Yousefian, a contractor by trade, said the kind of abusive development feared would be difficult in much of the community.
"Many of the buildings are built property line to property line and would lose space if changed," he said. "They would also face design review."
Mayor Dave Weaver, who asked for the city study, said he didn't believe there was a problem at present but said the city would continue to pay attention to the community.
He added when City Manager Jim Starbird was hired, Weaver took him to Montrose to show Starbird a unique spot in Glendale.
Because of the short council, with only four members present and one leaving mid meeting, no formal action was taken. Councilman Ara Najarian did not take part in the discussion, recusing himself because of a potential conflict of interest due to property ownership near the area in question.
Drayman told the Valley Sun the coalition will continue with efforts for historic designation of Montrose by the state.
