Guiding Principles for a Walkable, Connected, and Sustainable Altadena
By David Hines
Because walkable communities improve public health, economic activity, and social cohesion
while reducing car dependency and emissions.
1. Mixed-Use Development – Encourage a mix of homes, businesses, and services in
close proximity to create vibrant, people-friendly streets and reduce car dependency.
2. Safe & Accessible Streets – Invest in wide sidewalks, well-marked crosswalks, and
pedestrian-friendly lighting to make walking safe and enjoyable.
3. Traffic Calming Measures – Implement speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and narrower
streets to slow cars and create safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Public Spaces & Placemaking – Design parks, plazas, and community spaces that
encourage gathering, social interaction, and a strong sense of place.
Sustainable & Fire-Resilient Development
Because building fire-resistant and climate-adaptive communities reduces the risk of future
disasters while ensuring long-term sustainability.
1. Wildfire-Resistant Building Materials – Use non-combustible materials like fiber
cement siding, metal roofs, and tempered glass to protect structures.
2. Defensible Space Zoning – Maintain buffer zones with native fire-resistant plants and
strategic landscaping to prevent wildfire spread.
3. Green Infrastructure – Implement rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales
to manage stormwater, reduce erosion, and mitigate heat islands.
4. Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy – Promote solar panels, green roofs, and
passive cooling strategies to lower energy costs and increase disaster resilience.
Connected & Multi-Modal Transportation
Because expanding mobility options reduces traffic congestion, improves air quality, and
makes transportation more accessible and equitable.
1. Complete Streets – Design roads that accommodate all users (pedestrians, cyclists,
transit riders, and drivers), ensuring safer and more efficient movement.
2. Improved Public Transit – Expand and enhance bus services and first/last-mile
connections to reduce reliance on cars.
3. Protected Bike Lanes & Multi-Use Paths – Develop safe, connected cycling routes
that encourage active transportation and healthy lifestyles.
4. EV & E-Bike Infrastructure – Install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and promote
e-bike-sharing programs to support sustainable transit.
Affordable & Inclusive Housing
Becuase creating equitable housing options prevents displacement, fosters economic
diversity, and strengthens community resilience.
1. Mixed-Income Development – Incorporate affordable housing units into new
developments to ensure economic inclusivity and prevent gentrification.
2. Adaptive Reuse of Buildings – Convert underutilized structures into housing or
community spaces to preserve resources and minimize sprawl.
Climate-Resilient Land Use Planning
1. Because smart land-use planning reduces wildfire risks, preserves biodiversity, and ensures
long-term sustainability.
2. Wildlife Corridors & Open Spaces – Protect and restore green spaces to maintain
biodiversity, improve air quality, and serve as natural firebreaks.
3. Urban Forestry – Plant native, drought-resistant trees to provide shade, reduce air
pollution, and lower urban heat island effects.
4. Water Conservation & Recycling – Implement greywater recycling and rainwater
harvesting systems to ensure sustainable water use in fire-prone regions.
Community-Led & Participatory Planning
Because e mpowering residents ensures that redevelopment reflects local needs, preserves
cultural identity, and strengthens community resilience.
1. Resident Engagement – Organize town halls, participatory design workshops, and local
planning committees to give residents a voice in redevelopment.
2. Local Economic Development – Support small businesses and cooperatives to create
a self-sustaining, resilient economy.
3. Cultural & Historical Preservation – Protect and integrate Altadena’s unique history
and landmarks into new developments to maintain a strong sense of place.
Next Steps for the People of Altadena
1. Host Community Planning Meetings – Bring together residents, urban planners, and
sustainability experts to discuss the community’s vision.
2. Advocate for Sustainable Zoning Laws – Work with local officials to implement zoning
policies that support mixed-use development and wildfire resilience.
3. Develop a Fire-Resilient Housing Plan – Ensure new homes are built with
fire-resistant materials and defensible spaces.
4. Expand Mobility Options – Work with transportation agencies to improve bike lanes,
sidewalks, and public transit access.
5. Prioritize Green & Open Spaces – Secure funding and policies to preserve parks,
forests, and green infrastructure.