The Latest from Robbyn Battles

Dear Reader,

A special visit; Sometimes the best memories come from carousels, train rides, and pink-tipped hair. My three-year-old great-niece came from North Carolina for a two-night sleepover, and I got to be “Auntie Robby.” We spent a morning at Griffith Park riding the little train and then discovered the new carousel at the LA Zoo, both big hits. A sweet milestone followed, her very first haircut, done by her “Tay Tay” (my daughter, Taylor), complete with pink highlights on the tips. Between the rides, the laughs, and the haircut, it was a visit I’ll always treasure.

Glendale Overlay, not rezoning but what has eveloved in the past few days is even more telling no only is iy a powerful tool the city can use with developers it is also the first step of three crucial steps to rezone the areas in the overlay, learn more from from the Q & A. Glendale is updating its General Plan, and a big part of the debate is the proposed overlay on city-owned properties, especially public parking lots like those behind Montrose Shopping Park and at Glendale College. The city insists this isn’t rezoning, and technically that’s true, but here’s the reality: if the overlay is approved, this gives Glendale the ability to partner with a developer and build a density housing project. Currently, public parking lots cannot be developed. Many residents have voiced concerns that a joint project between the city and a developer is a matter of when, not if. “I’ve shared a clip on my YouTube channel @RobbynBattles (Shorts tab) where the planner explains overlays and joint projects during a public meeting.” The deadline for public comments is August 29^th via [email protected]. This additional post may be very helpful in understanding what Glendale City officials are saying broken down into everyday language instead of what I like to call City talk. I’ve talke four quotes from a recent article and broken them each down so you can unserstand what the City is saying or not saying.

Did you know that Seniors are our fastest-growing population, and the most overlooked? Read the latest population numbers. I work with many boomers and seniors, and the truth is, they rarely want to leave their homes. Glendale, under state mandates, must add over 13,000 housing units by 2029, yet only a fraction has been built. At the same time, California’s population of 65+ is projected to grow 59% between 2020 and 2040, making up 22% of the state, while the under-20 population is expected to decline by 24%. A $2,500-a-month rental isn’t the answer for most seniors who want to stay near friends, churches, and doctors. What’s missing are real, for-sale housing options that let them downsize without leaving the community. We need a better mix, rental units for some, but ownership opportunities for seniors. If you’ve ever wondered how to even begin the downsizing process, I just wrote a blog, “Decluttering with Care,” with simple tips to help start those family conversations.

A few closing notables. La Crescenta (91214), Tujunga (91042), and Sunland (91040). This blog looks at rolling 12-month data and the most recent 3-month window. La Crescenta sneak peek at my latest one-level, 4-bedroom, 2-bath listing, move-in ready, at $1.498M. Welcome back to school routines, stay safe, enjoy the last stretch of summer.

Looking forward to talking to you throughout the months. I’ll be in your mail or inbox in September.

Take care,
Robbyn Battles