South Pasadena : City Keeps Easement Rights to Alley

The City Council on Wednesday refused to give up its easement rights to a privately owned stretch of Pacific Alley between Fair Oaks Avenue and Raymond Lane, dousing the hopes of a property owner who wanted to sell the alley and adjacent property for development.

In a 3-2 vote, the council decided to retain the narrow passageway as a connector between Fair Oaks Avenue and Raymond Lane.

One of the factors in the council’s verdict was a report by the Fire Department, which said closing that stretch of the alley would restrict emergency access. However, Mayor Evelyn Fierro said the council would reconsider the issue if presented with an acceptable proposal for the development of the alley and adjacent property.