Whittier, California Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
Whittier City Council Approves Exterior Staircase for Historic Superintendent's Residence
The Whittier City Council reviewed and approved a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the installation of exterior stairs at the Superintendent's Residence (Building 7) at 7008 Walnut Grove Drive. The stairs are intended to provide a second exit from the second floor, enhancing safety and enabling greater economic feasibility for occupying the second floor. The Historic Resources Commission (HRC) had previously recommended approval of the COA, with two council members calling for a de novo hearing. The proposed stairs will be differentiated from the original building materials, as recommended by the Secretary of the Interior Standards, and will be painted a dark red to recede visually. The addition is considered a safety enhancement, providing a required second egress, and facilitates adaptive reuse of the historic building. The HRC voted 4-0 to approve the COA. Resolution number 2026-24 was adopted.
Whittier City Council Approves Alley Vacation for PIH Properties
The Whittier City Council considered and approved a resolution to vacate an alley located northwest of Washington Boulevard and west of Putnam Street. The alley is situated between two properties owned by PIH (Pioneer Health Services), which are being used for parking and a new building. Staff recommended vacating the alley to transfer liability and maintenance obligations for the alley to PIH, as it serves no public purpose and is entirely within PIH's property ownership. The decision was made without objections from neighboring property owners or utilities, and the value of the land was considered negligible from a public perspective due to its private ownership and lack of public utility. Councilmember Santana requested that future vacation requests include an assessment of the land's value.
Whittier City Council Adopts Protocols for Responding to Immigration Enforcement Activity
The Whittier City Council discussed and adopted administrative protocols for responding to immigration enforcement activity, including a "Standard Operating Procedure" (SOP) document. This action was prompted by community concerns and ICE activity observed near city facilities. The police chief clarified that Whittier PD does not cooperate with civil immigration enforcement, adhering to state law SB 54 (Values Act), and does not ask about immigration status. The fingerprinting process used for booking arrestees is a mandated procedure that shares data with the state and FBI, which may then be shared with federal agencies like ICE, but this sharing is outside the control of the Whittier PD. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the transparency efforts and the clarity provided on non-cooperation with ICE, while also acknowledging the ongoing complexities of federal immigration enforcement. Councilmember Santana requested a more user-friendly public version of the SOP and a discussion on commission structures. Councilmember Warner highlighted the importance of proactive measures and communication. Mayor Becerra acknowledged the national context and the local implications of such procedures. The council unanimously approved the SOP.
Whittier City Council Rejects Peregrine Software Contract Amid Privacy Concerns, Approves Drone Technology and Armored Vehicle Replacement
The Whittier City Council discussed and ultimately voted against approving a contract for Peregrine software, which is intended to integrate various police databases for faster information retrieval. Councilmembers expressed significant concerns regarding data privacy, potential for misuse of collected data by third parties, and the lack of competitive bidding. Despite assurances from the police chief about data security and the benefits of the technology for crime solving, a majority of the council voted no, citing privacy concerns and the potential for the technology to be misused or contribute to a surveillance state. A similar contract for Drone First Responder (DFR) technology from Skydio was approved, with discussions focusing on its use for de-escalation and public safety, alongside its non-military grade nature and data retention policies. The council also approved the replacement of an aging armored rescue vehicle, emphasizing its role in officer protection and de-escalation during critical incidents, funded through asset forfeiture.
Whittier City Council Approves Concept Design Agreement for Broadway Park Revitalization
The Whittier City Council approved an agreement with Hirsch and Associates for concept design services for the Broadway Park revitalization project. This is a step forward in the park's ongoing revitalization efforts, following community input and surveys. Hirsch and Associates was selected over another agency for their responsiveness and the quality of their design concepts. The ad hoc committee and staff were praised for moving this project forward quickly. The revitalization aims to address needed improvements in areas like bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, and to reimagine the park space to meet the needs of all generations, including seniors and youth. Councilmember Warner noted the unique challenge of a street running through the park, but expressed optimism about potential solutions. The approval also positions the city to seek funding, including a potential request from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez for open space dollars.
Get Weekly Development News of Whittier
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Whittier News archive
Planning Commission Meeting
City Council-WRSA-WUA Joint Meeting
Whittier union June Board Meeting 2026
Planning Commission Meeting
Special City Council Meeting
EWCSD Board of Education Meeting - Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whittier ,California Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Whittier, California | From $25/year