The agenda for the March 5 City Council meeting is only two items.

Item 11: The consideration of an appeal of a Planning Commission decision to approve a 185,000 plus sq.ft. warehouse at the SW corner of Acacia and Kimberly. The development company says it is designed to “blend well” with surrounding industrial buildings. One hopes not since the Sprouts warehouse across the street is a massive wall from Orangethorpe to Kimberly. It appears that this building may not be so huge or imposing.

Fullerton Heritage is appealing since this project will involve the removal of several existing buildings, including one at 801 S. Acacia, that they consider significant architecturally and culturally. That building was designed by well-regarded mid-century architects A. Quincy Jones and Federick Emmons. It was occupied by the Arcadia Metal Products company, whose sliding glass patio doors had a significant impact on southern California housing. The building has undergone changes over the years and is currently set behind a chain-link fence. You may have overlooked it (see picture above); it is currently occupied by Plasticolor. Fullerton Heritage says the consultant did not present the Planning Commission with all the relevant facts about the buildings significance. Staff counters that the facts were presented at the Commission hearing (by Fullerton Heritage) and so it was an informed decision. The Fullerton Heritage’s very detailed report on the history and significance of the building makes interesting reading and is in the agenda packet, which can be found here:https://fullerton.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Item 12: Acacia Ave Railroad Grade Crossing Quiet Zone Assessment Considers establishing a “quiet zone” where train engines do not sound their horn at grade crossings (otherwise, the requirement is that a horn be sounded 15-20 seconds before entering the intersection). This is easier said than done since a detailed study is required, and possibly “Supplementary Safety Measures” may have to be implemented. It is not clear why this is being brought up at this time (the agenda packet is silent on this), especially since the staff recommendation is to do nothing ( due to limited resources and competing demands) or bring back a proposed budget.