West Covina : Corridor Plan on Agenda

The City Council Monday will discuss a controversial study to guide development along the San Bernardino Freeway corridor.

Last week, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the council receive and file the non-binding study but suggested some changes.

Most of the property along the freeway already is developed, but the study, prepared by the Arroyo Group of Pasadena, suggests additional development of areas that may be underused. Recommendations include construction of high-rise office buildings and hotels, expansion of the Fashion Plaza shopping center and the Auto Plaza, as well as building a community center and centers for the performing and visual arts.

City officials plan to use the study to determine appropriate land uses along the five-mile stretch of freeway. But some residents fear that their homes will be razed if the plan is implemented and that the increased development and traffic in the area will make their neighborhoods unsafe.