Whittier : Measure on Proposed Landmarks Rejected

The City Council has rejected a measure to give special protection to 72 proposed landmarks, including homes, churches, gas stations and a tree, while a city committee studies their historic significance.

The Historic Resources Commission had requested the interim protection based on concerns that proposed landmarks might be destroyed or changed before the group completes its study.

But the council “felt that some (buildings) are marginal, and the adoption of a temporary ordinance would impact property owners’ rights,” City Manager Tom Mauk said. “Given that, we would rather hurry with a permanent ordinance.” No deadline was set for the commission to complete its study.

Among the sites listed were Whittier High School, built in 1910; the First Baptist Church, built in 1917; the 1852 Pio Pico Mansion, and many 1880s-era residences. Also included were Tony’s Muffler car repair shop and a special hybrid walnut tree on Whittier Boulevard dating from the turn of the century.