Looking Back at 2019 in Monrovia’s Rear-View Mirror

BySusan Motander

As the year draws to a close, we often look backat the year that just passed. For many Monrovians, this year began onMyrtle Avenue with the annual New Year’s Party, a street party and generalcommunity gathering. In the typical, unique Monrovia style, a ball doesnot drop it rises.

The biggest life altering activity of 2019 was the continuation of Monrovia Renewal, the revival of the city’s infrastructure. The project, started in 2016, is working to address the aging water and sewer pipes, the water facilities, streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters. The center of the city has been done for quite some time and the northwest sector is now also complete. The focus now is on the northernmost portion of the city with completion of that now in sight. The northeast and southernmost portions of the city are yet to come. All the work should be completed in the coming year (at least that is the plan). This is a campaign promise of Mayor Tom Adams that is being fulfilled with the help of the rest of the council. For up to date information on the program, go to the city’s website at cityofmonrovia.org/your-government/monrovia-renewal.

But there were other big things happening in the community as well: the development of additional housing. While there are several residential developments in the works, only one has already opened, MODA — the large apartment complex next to Station Square. Another project has been approved just south of the Gold Line Station and at least three others are planned for the area. And these are not the only projects underway. For information on the progress of all the development projects, again go to the city’s website at cityofmonrovia.org/your-government/community-development/planning/development-spotlight. Here you will find complete information on all the projects in the pipeline.

This year the carnival came back in full force,even stronger than in 2018. It made for an even more festive Monrovia Daycelebration in May. There was also the traditional Monrovia Day Parade onSaturday morning, this year done in cooperation with the Monrovia UnifiedSchool District to again highlight the achievements of the community’s youth.

The summer saw not just the return of theconcerts in Library Park but also those at Station Square Park; there wassomething for everyone. There were also the Monrovia Area Partnershipmovies in the city’s parks. The highlight of every summer is perhaps thefestivities around the Library on the 4th of July, culminating in thefireworks display off the roof of the Library.

The summer saw another revival: the return ofsoapbox style racing on Myrtle Avenue. This time, rather than in conjunctionwith Monrovia Day as was done in the past, the racing occurred on the dayStreet Rods Forever held its annual car show. Racing went well and fundswere raised to assist the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills. Plans areunderway for a standalone event next year.

The end of summer also saw another ending, thedeparture of Oliver Chi as city manager after five years. He departed forHuntington Beach and a larger job. His forethought and insight will bemissed. Perhaps what will be missed most is his unforgettable laugh.

With all endings there are alsobeginnings. By November, new City Manager Dylan Feik had already hit theground running and had moved his young family to Monrovia from his NorthernCalifornia home. He has quickly adapted to “The Monrovia Way” and isputting his own stamp on the city.

That brings us back to New Year’s Eve.Monrovians again gathered on Myrtle Avenue for the evening communityparty. Younger Monrovians again were able to celebrate the New Year, but abit earlier in the day with Noon Year’ Eve in the park. Andround and round we go…