Suit Seeks to Block Slow-Growth Law

A high-powered coalition of Pasadena community leaders and organizations, including the Urban League and the Chamber of Commerce, has filed suit to block a slow-growth initiative passed by voters in March.

The suit, filed Thursday in Pasadena Superior Court, charges that the ordinance would restrict the housing supply, preventing low-income buyers from finding homes. The initiative violates federal fair-housing laws, impedes interstate commerce and conflicts with state legislation, charged attorney Carolyn Carlburg.

Buoyed by a rising tide of slow-growth sentiment, Proposition 2 won approval from 57.2% of the voters in an election that had a 10.9% turnout. Coalition members said Tuesday that the new law excludes minorities and the poor from the Pasadena housing market.