2026-10-20 Linda Vista Next Step
October 20, 2026
PUSD Board of Education Considers Next Step for Former Linda Vista School Site
October 20, 2026
PASADENA, CA – At its meeting on October 22, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education will consider approving an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with InSite Realty Advisors for the former Linda Vista Elementary School site at 1259 Linda Vista Avenue. In June, the Board authorized staff to negotiate the ENA with the selected developer for a residential development project. This negotiation is now complete.
An ENA is a process step, not a project approval. It would set up an exclusive negotiating period in which the District and the developer work together to study the site, gather community input, refine the project concept, check feasibility and financing, and negotiate possible future agreements. It does not approve a final project, ground lease, construction, final site plans, City entitlements, or environmental review conclusions.
The existing park will stay where it is today, at its current size and footprint, as the ENA requires and as the Board directed. The site has been closed as a school for many years, and part of the property serves as a park and open space for the neighborhood under a joint-use arrangement with the City of Pasadena. Joint occupancy would let PUSD keep ownership of the land while exploring a long-term lease or development partnership that could generate revenue to support students and District priorities on a portion of the site, while maintaining the community’s use of the park.
“Our commitment to this community hasn’t changed since June,” said PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco. “The park will remain in its current location and at its current size, and we continue to take the question of overall density seriously. This agreement is an early step, not a final project. Before anything comes back to the Board for a public vote, families and neighbors will have continued opportunities to ask questions, share their priorities, and help shape what comes next.”
Next steps
If the Board approves the ENA, the process is expected to continue in these stages. Community input stays part of each one.
ENA approval: The Board considers the ENA on October 22, 2026.
Due diligence and community engagement: The developer studies the site and reaches out to the community under a District-approved outreach plan.
Project refinement: PUSD and the developer update the site concept based on community input, due diligence findings, and City requirements.
City review and entitlements: The developer pursues the required City planning, entitlement, and environmental review.
Ground lease negotiation: If the project is still feasible, PUSD and the developer negotiate a possible ground lease and project agreements.
Future Board approval: Any final agreement comes back to the Board for a separate public vote.
Community Questions and Answers
What is the Board being asked to approve?
An Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the selected developer. It would start an exclusive negotiating period for due diligence, community engagement, concept refinement, feasibility review, and negotiation of possible future agreements. It does not approve a final project, ground lease, construction, or City entitlements.
What is being considered for the Linda Vista site?
The site is being considered for residential development.
Will the existing park be removed or relocated?
No. The park and recreational space will stay in its current location, size, and footprint, as the Board directed.
Will the community have input?
Yes. Community engagement is expected throughout the ENA period. The developer would reach out to community stakeholders under a District-approved outreach plan. This input, along with due diligence findings and City requirements, will help shape how the project is refined.
Does the ENA approve construction or a ground lease?
No. Any final ground lease or project agreement would come back to the Board for separate consideration and approval.
How can I follow along or share my views?
You can review Board agendas at www.pusd.us/about/board-of-education/agendas-minutes-video, send written comments to publiccomment@pusd.us, or speak during public comment at the meeting. More background is also available at www.pusd.us/amp.
