Cerritos Redevelopment Update, Group Home Draws Concerns

Last Thursday, the Cerritos City Council approved two ordinances that will implement the city and the redevelopment agency’s participation in the Alternative Voluntary Redevelopment Program after much heavy debate by the council members.

According to Torrey Contreras, the city’s Community Development Director, due to legislation adopted on June 29, funding for redevelopment agencies has been eliminated. Assembly Bill 26 specifically dissolved redevelopment agencies across California, while Assembly Bill 27 allows cities to voluntarily participate in a program to preserve their agency’s status. It has been stressed by many members of council and staff that the Cerritos Redevelopment Agency plays a large part in the city’s projects.

“Cities are, however, required to pay a substantial one-time payment (approximately $9,300,000) and subsequent annual payments (approximately $2,200,000) to the state to avoid dissolution,” Contreras said.

The benefits for Cerritos opting into the program include preserving the functions of the agency, allowing for agreements that were entered into by the city and the agency in March to remain valid and maintaining local control of redevelopment decisions. 

Due to Assembly Bill 26, effective October 1, agencies will no longer be permitted to incur debt, enter into contracts, amend existing agreements, renew or extend leases or dispose of any agency assets. Successor agencies--comprised of school board members and county appointees (not held accountable for the residents of Cerritos)--will be formed and granted control of the former agency. Contreras said not opting into a voluntary program would be devastating to Cerritos.

“No resources would be available to fund future redevelopment activities in the city, and more importantly, all the agencies assets would be transferred to the successor agency,” Contreras said.

Councilman Bruce Barrows wanted a study session on the commitment of funds being paid to the state, so the council can weigh in on it instead of reacting to a list presented to them.

“There’s another thing coming, and I think it’s very critical our inputs are involved in it--not just react to a list,” Barrows said.

City Manager Art Gallucci recommended carrying out the study, but to wait until issues with the court have been taken into account-- including whether or not the state has the right to take the money. This is due to the recently accepted lawsuit, backed by the League of California Cities and Cerritos, against the state for the elimination of redevelopment agencies being unsettled.

Mayor Carol Chen recommended, although there is consensus for a study session, the staff can inform council of a timeline for the study and what exactly needs to be studied. Despite this, Barrows did not want to wait for a timeline.

“I don’t want to do that,” Barrows exclaimed. “I don’t want to wait until after the court takes action. I think it’s inappropriate, and it’s bad planning ... it’s very bad planning.”

At the end of the item’s discussion, Councilmember Mark Pulido motioned to pass the ordinances, and thus were approved with no members opposed.

Residents Express Concerns About Napa Circle Group Home

A group of Cerritos residents living in the Napa Circle cul-de-sac, appeared at the meeting concerned about a neighboring house (17319 Napa Cir.) that is being converted into a group home. The residents were displeased due to the lack of notification and consultation on the conversion and what type of disability it’s for. Visibly upset resident Pat Washer said the house has been gutted and completely remodeled. One of Washer’s concerns is that the house is now a corporation-owned commercial building in a single-family residential area.

“Me and my neighbors are concerned about the traffic this is going to create on our street,” Washer said. “It’s a small cul-de-sac.  We are less than a block from a school.”

Washer added her neighbors are also concerned about how the facility would affect their property value as well as the close proximity of another group home -- Winter Palms on Artesia Boulevard.

“I think this sets a terrible precedent,” Washer said. “What is not to prevent another commercial facility from going on our street? And that’s not what we’re zoned for. And that isn’t why we bought in this area.”

Chen retorted that the city has no jurisdiction over the group homes as Los Angeles County is responsible for home placement, but staff will follow up on the issue. According to Cerritos City Attorney, Mark Steres, a large number of cities in and around Los Angeles have been impacted due to different types of homes – a community in Newport Beach being very vocal. Washer also had concerns on the safety aspect of the group home.

“We need to know what level of group home it’s going to be,” Washer said. “Because if it’s a Level 14 (highest level of care) group home, I’m going to be down here again yelling and screaming like you wouldn’t believe! I’ve worked with Level 14 kids, and I know that they’re dangerous.”

The next Cerritos City Council meeting will be held on August 25.