Hey, Rocco, there is another, very different viewpoint to that Monrovia Nursery project. Some people have lived in that area for many years because it was quiet and more rural, with larger lots, little traffic and sweeping valley views. When they proposed the Rosedale plan a few years ago,it was not welcomed by all and vehemently opposed by many, specifically many Glendora residents. I know, I was one of those feisty Glendorans who did not welcome the proposed community and it was actually one of the reasons we that we decided to make the move from Glendora when we did, since we realized we had control over what Azusa would ultimately decide to do with their part of the MN parcel. More homes (some on as little as 4000 sqft lots), higher population density, loss of palm drives and sierra trees, more traffic, constant construction, more development extending up into the foothills, interrupted views and the loss of Sierra Madre as a commute-time alternative to the freeway (and the resulting longer commutes) does not excite everyone in the area.

I find the difference between the Azusa impact reports and the Glendora impact reports extreme (and yes, I read them both). This may raise Azusa property values, but it will have an adverse effect on adjoining Glendora prpoerties, even with the new and improved density proposals. I agree that Azusa needs to work on it's revival, but selling your soul isn't always the wisest way to acheive results.

I still need an explanation on the part about how building McMansions in the foothills and increasing property values is supposed to keep young Azusans from moving out of town for home purchases.

heretodaygone2maui,

Don't you find it a little odd that Glendorans should want to control the actions of Azusans, yet do not hesitate to use the streets of Azusa as a freeway, taking Sierra Madre-Todd-Foothill-Irwindale-210 Freeway?

Azusans must shape their own future and not be influenced with voices from outside the city.

Right now, it does no benefit at all to the City of Azusa, when the few well-to-do residents that are here must go to Glendora to shop at a quality supermarket, eat at quality restaurants (for example, Petrillo's Pizza or for great fast food, The Hat), and go to a decent church (Cornerstone Church, for example).

With the new development will likely also come new quality retailers to capitalize on the quickly changing face of Azusa. As things now stand, Azusa will be getting a Blockbuster Video (no big deal, but at least an alternative to going to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video in Glendora) as well as a Top's Burgers (currently with a couple Pasadena locations where many of the residents of Mountain Cove moved from), which is equal or better than The Hat.

Glendora residents are free to continue using their own streets for commute purposes. I will be thrilled if this new development, recently named Montarra, makes Glendora take action to find an alternative to their traffic problems than for the current plan of sending them through north Azusa.

Why should my own commute be delayed due to Glendora residents coming through my city? Hopefully once there are a couple thousand new Azusa residents taking this new route, Glendorans will no longer find it an attractive option to go through the streets of Azusa.

Regarding how what you have labeled "McMansions" are going to keep young affluent people from moving out of the area, my answer is this. There are NO young and affluent Azusa residents! 90% of my neighbors have come from places like Pasadena, Monrovia, Glendora, and further beyond from places as far away as Studio City and West Hollywood (this is a very progressive gay-friendly community while also being very good for families) for the opportunity to live in such a beautiful community. My neighbor, for example, owns a business in Irwindale, and rather than commute back to his home in Orange County each day, he spends a couple nights a week at his Mountain Cove home as if it were a vacation home! What he originally bought for $400,000 just 2.5 years ago is now likely worth about $700,000.

It is all a case of gentrification with Mountain Cove as it will be with Montarra.

I, myself, am a lifelong resident of the San Gabriel Valley, having lived mostly in Pasadena but also spending a part of my childhood in North San Gabriel and my college days in Alhambra and South Pasadena.

The incident that finally prompted the move was that I was stupid enough to have gone into escrow for over $500,000 for an 1,800 sq. ft. house that I had been leasing. While it was a new house, and a detached house, there were three other identical houses on the lot, we all shared a common driveway, and we were located right behind Big Lots, on the first street east of Lake Avenue. Fortunately, my wife and I were able to spot a new development in Azusa in the Los Angeles Times and after dropping everything to go look at the Mountain Cove development, we put our deposit down the same day, and the rest is history.

Bottom line, Glendora needs to do what is best for Glendora and Azusa needs to do what is best for Azusa. I am not going to lose a moment of sleep because the streets of Azusa will be a little less convenient for Glendora motorists.

And in general response to this thread, I would never give up what I have here, surrounded by mountains, and with a river flowing not more than 300' in front of my 2,700 sq. ft. house with unobstructed views of the mountains, for a 1,200 sq. ft. house near the beach. Just as attractive to many as the beach, my area features mountain trails that are accessible by foot right from home. Just this morning I took two of my dogs to a nearby waterfall. It took us no more than 20 minutes in each direction and they loved it.

Anyway, hope this clarifies my position on the changes taking place in Azusa.

Just an update on our situation.

After only five days on the market we have an accepted offer on our home in Wisconsin. The offer provides for a closing in May. This should work out well for us. Now I will have to start work in LA on April 1st, staying with my folks in Yorba Linda. Lynn will stay in Wisconsin while I will have several weeks to look for a place.

rocco,
I will check out your area in Azusa, all the local issues notwithstanding.

We have an inspection contingency on our house that will hopefully be removed this week. This will be especially sweet because we leave for our trip to France on Friday.

Our adventure begins!!!

JoeG

JoeG,

Also, there is a home in the gated community where I live for lease for $2,950 per month, which is not a bad deal, in my opinion, for what is likely a home valued upwards of $750,000.

I don't have the website handy but I saw it somewhere. I will try to find it later.

I totally agree with you about the majority of Azusa, but if you are looking for a tranquil place, where you can spread out in a larger home, in a place with a real sense of community, Mountain Cove in Azusa would be an excellent option.

I mean it is a joy to be able to go on a nice long walk around the development (there is a 1.25 mile paved walking trail that loops the community) and not come across another soul half of the time.

The homes here, had they been located even three miles west, would be valued at 50% more.

Also, if you are looking to buy, there are about 6 houses on the market up here (out of about 325 total, so only 2% which is not at all unusual) ranging in price from $729,000 - $899,000 if that is in your range.

Here is an update for those that have been so helpful and encouraging.

Despite MBnancy's persuasive lobbying for Manhattan Beach area, we ended up renting a house up in the foothills of Sierra Madre. I think that all along we hoped to find something in that area, but needed to consider alternatives, since options were limited. We have a nicely remodeled older house with great views, many patios and a couple of fireplaces. We are very excited.

Lynn is back in Wisconsin until June 1 when we close on our home there. In the meantime, I have started working in LA while staying with my 80 something parents. This is rapidly becoming a much bigger challenge than my new job or moving. TV's are turned up so loud it makes the walls shake. Mealtime is 12:00 and 6:00 Sharp. Saturday I took mom shopping. We started at 9:30AM at Henry's for produce, except not tomatoes "too expensive." Then we had to go back home before going to Starbuck's (mild grande with ice cubes) for 1-1/2 hours. This was actually enjoyable. Then back home to go to the bathroom. I asked, "can't we use the restrooms at Starbucks?" Apparently not.

Then we headed for the remainder of the day to the big three: Albertson's - groceries/deli/meat, Long's Drug - eggs, and Von's - bread. Apparently Long's - a drugstore, has "the best deal" and "freshest" eggs. The only thing we forgot was chocholate I asked , "where do go for that, the bank? the gas station?

The best part was that we got to (had to) park in the handicapped parking spots. My mother waves her handicapped parking sign like a gold medal. this may have saved us several hours.

We returned home around 4:30PM and I was ready for a nap or a martini. I opted for the martini. Good choice!

Anyway, thanks again for all who helped. We are really looking forward to our new adventure.

JoeG