The problem with Arcadia, which Mr. Helms contributed to, is its antiquated residential zoning code. In contrast to most cities in the San Gabriel Valley, Arcadia’s code does not include a FAR or floor-area-ratio for determining limits on home sizes.
For decades Arcadia’s antiquated code was not a major liability. Most homeowners added onto their existing homes and new homes were built with respect for the existing neighborhoods. New homes increased in size to reflect modern desires, but did so at 30%, 50% or sometimes 100% increase in square footage.
What has changed is the speculator-driven practice of building new homes that are 200%, 300% or even larger than the existing homes in a neighborhood. This is all about profit and greed amongst the development and real estate professionals and the investors who fund them. It has little to do with neighborhoods, residents or community.
Speculator-driven building practices have seized upon “loopholes” in Arcadia’s residential zoning code, where there is no FAR, basements are not counted, garages are not counted, etc. The new practice is to build to the absolute limits the code allows and then seek variances whenever possible to build even bigger. In many cases the new homes exceed 65% on a FAR basis. Neighboring cities have FARs limited to 35% to 40%.
Because speculators have caused building practices to change, especially in the past five to 10 years, Arcadia’s residential zoning code needs to change. This has already occurred in nearly every other city in the area.
Why not Arcadia?
One reason, but surely not the only reason, is that several of Arcadia’s former mayors like Mr. Helms, Mr. Harbicht, Mr. Wuo and Mr. Chandler seem to care much more about the desires of speculators, investors, developers and realtors, than they do about residents. The inaction by many of Arcadia’s former mayors and two current councilmen to address this issue head on, shows where their allegiance lies. They are motivated by personal profit and avarice, and the campaign contributions from the speculators that keep them in office.
This is not about the Arcadia of yesteryear or dreams of an “Old Arcadia”. This is greed and politics. Where a proud community of homes once stood, a new “community of investment properties” has arisen. And it has permanently altered Arcadia.
James Whitehall
Arcadia Weekly