-Visioning Program For 2020-
Chapter 3
B. Issues and Opportunities Identified by the Community

MY NEIGHBORHOOD: WHERE WE LIVE

People are proud of their neighborhoods. It is the feature that most defines West Covina today and what the residents of the city most want in the future. In the face of changes that may occur in the city and the region at large, they want most of all to retain those residential qualities that drew them to West Covina in the first place - quiet neighborhoods, with beautiful, single-family homes in park like settings. It is a place where people know their neighbors, the schools are the best, and everyone feels safe and secure. Accessing nearby shops, services, and parks is fast and easy. Even the streets and sidewalks are always clean. All and all, a perfect place to raise a family. Although this is what they most value about West Covina, some feel these qualities are slowly disappearing because of too much growth, increased traffic, noise, and other changes they see around them.

Growth and Neighborhoods
Many are concerned that increasing population will lead to overcrowding, increased traffic and a loss of open space. Although new residents to the city are welcomed, it is hoped that the overall population does not increase much beyond its current size. Economic development is seen as essential, but many want to be sure that the new businesses attracted to the city are compatible with neighborhood life and do not bring with them excessive traffic or other problems often associated with growth.

Affordable Housing
Rising housing prices are making it difficult for many middle and low-income families to afford homes in West Covina. Many people who work here would like to live here but cannot afford to do so. There is also concern that seniors who have been long time residents of West Covina can no longer afford to stay in the city as the cost of housing exceeds their limited incomes. The lack of affordable housing has also led to a perceived increase in the number of single-family residences shared by two or more families. Although a need for more affordable housing is recognized, most do not want to see more apartment buildings built. These are not seen as compatible with existing neighborhoods or the image of West Covina as a city of single-family homes.

Pride of home ownership is seen as a foundation for quality neighborhoods and a strong community. Rather than build more apartments the city should sponsor programs to help people purchase their own homes. Multi-family housing might be acceptable if limited to the I-10 corridor or other locations away from existing single-family neighborhoods.

Appearance
Residents of West Covina have long taken special pride in the appearance of their homes and neighborhoods. So, when some no longer seem able or willing to take adequate care to maintain the appearance of their homes and property, it is seen as a threat to the overall quality of life in the city. In addition to seeing an increase in the number of rundown homes and unkept yards, they also report seeing too many cars parked on neighborhood streets and even on front yards. Trashcans and shopping carts left out on the street are viewed with disdain. They think it extremely important that all residents and property owners be encouraged to make their homes more attractive and maintain their appearance. This includes a call for much stronger building and zoning code enforcement in both residential and commercial areas.

Design Guidelines
Maintaining the appearance of neighborhoods also extends to design plans for nearby retail and other commercial developments. The architectural style of new buildings - public or private - should be compatible with the look of surrounding neighborhoods. Some expressed concern that the city had not always taken this into consideration when approving new projects.

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