The Compton Station Transit-Oriented Development Plan; Where It Stands, and What Comes Next
- Citizens Coalition Admin
- Dec 24, 2025
- 5 min read
The Compton Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan is one of the most consequential land-use initiatives proposed for the City of Compton in recent years. Centered around the Metro A Line Compton Station near Willowbrook Avenue and Compton Boulevard, the plan envisions a long-term transformation of the station area into a denser, mixed-use, transit-focused district.
While the project is often spoken about as if it were imminent, a closer look at the timeline and current status reveals a more measured — and still incomplete — planning process that residents should understand clearly.
When the Plan Was Announced
The Compton Station TOD plan was formally launched on September 24, 2021, when the City of Compton issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The NOP is a critical milestone: it is the first official public declaration that the City intends to prepare a planning document and accompanying Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
This announcement marked the beginning of the formal planning and environmental review process, not construction, not zoning changes, and not developer selection. In short, it was the start of analysis, not implementation.
Following the NOP:
A Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) was released for public review in May 2022.
A Notice of Determination (NOD) was filed in November 2022, indicating completion of the environmental review phase for the planning framework.
It is important to note that environmental clearance alone does not authorize construction. It merely clears the way for future policy decisions.
Current Status of the Project
As of now, the Compton Station TOD remains in the planning and community engagement phase.
Key elements of the current status include:
Preparation and review of an Existing Conditions Report by the City’s planning consultant.
Ongoing community outreach efforts to gather public input on goals, land-use concepts, and development priorities.
Circulation of conceptual materials and alternatives through City presentations and the project’s public-facing planning website.
What is notably not happening yet:
No final Specific Plan adoption
No finalized zoning amendments
No approved development agreements
No active construction
Despite projections often cited in planning documents — including thousands of potential residential units, commercial space, and hotel rooms — these figures represent capacity assumptions, not approved projects.
Why This Matters for Compton Residents
Transit-oriented development can bring benefits when done correctly: improved walkability, increased housing options, and better use of public transit infrastructure. However, TOD can also introduce risks if not carefully governed — including displacement, speculative land practices, and decisions made without meaningful community consent.
Because this project centers on a major transit hub and could reshape the physical and economic character of the surrounding area for decades, public vigilance and transparency are essential.
What to Expect Next: The Critical Follow-Up Stage
The next major phase of the Compton Station TOD process will determine whether this plan remains theoretical or becomes reality. Residents should expect — and actively monitor — the following upcoming steps:
Formal Adoption of the Specific Plan
City Council action will be required to adopt the Compton Station Specific Plan. This is a pivotal moment when policies, land-use rules, and development standards become binding.
Zoning and Code Amendments
Adoption will likely be followed by zoning changes that allow increased density, height, or mixed-use development near the station.
Developer Solicitation and Project Proposals
Only after adoption will developers begin submitting concrete project proposals. This is when community impacts become tangible.
Site-Specific Approvals and Public Hearings
Individual projects will still require approvals, offering additional — though narrower — opportunities for public input.
Concluding Analysis
The Compton Station TOD plan has been in motion since 2021, yet it remains unfinished and undecided in its most consequential aspects. This creates both opportunity and responsibility.
Opportunity — because residents still have time to shape outcomes.
Responsibility — because once adoption occurs, many decisions will already be locked in.
For community organizations like the Citizens’ Coalition for Change, the task ahead is clear: track City actions closely, demand clarity on timelines and impacts, and ensure that redevelopment around Compton Station serves existing residents first — not just future projections or outside interests.
The planning phase is where influence matters most. Once construction begins, the conversation is largely over.
Who to Contact Regarding Information on the "Compton Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan"
If you want to ask questions, request documents, or provide input on the Compton Station Transit-Oriented Development Specific Plan, the following City of Compton offices and staff are the most relevant contacts:
Community Development / Planning Division
205 S. Willowbrook Ave., Compton, CA 90220
Phone: (310) 605-5532
Planning Counter Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (City Hall closed Fridays)
Key Staff (Planning / TOD Specific Plan):
Robert Delgadillo, Senior Planner (Compton Station TOD contact) — rdelgadillo@comptoncity.org | (310) 605-5532
Cecil Flournoy, Director, Community Development — cflournoy@comptoncity.org
Jessica Larkin, Senior Planner — jlarkin@comptoncity.org
Other Helpful City Offices
City Manager’s Office
205 S. Willowbrook Ave., Compton, CA 90220
Phone: (310) 605-5585 (also Public Concerns Line : (310) 605-5685)
City Clerk’s Office
Phone: (310) 605-5530 (e.g., for City Council meeting inquiries and public record requests)
Planning & Zoning General Contact (Alternate):
Phone: (310) 605-5532
Email: contactplan@comptoncity.org (via CitizenServe directory) citizenserve.com
📍 In Person / Mail
Most documents, including environmental reports, planning studies, and community engagement materials for the TOD plan, can be accessed or requested at the Planning Division counter at City Hall during business hours.
Key Planning Documents & Where to Find Them
Below are direct links and descriptions of official documents related to the Compton Station Specific Plan — essential for residents who want to review the planning process, environmental analysis, and background studies:
Official Project Page for the Compton Station Specific Plan
Project Page Includes overview, project description, and links to key files. :
• Compton Station Existing Conditions Report
• City Council Project Alternatives Presentation
• Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Notice of Preparation
• Contact info for the project planner
Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR)
Official Draft PEIR for the Compton Station TOD, which analyzes potential environmental impacts and possible mitigation.🔗 https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2021090474/2 Ceqanet
Notice of Determination (NOD)
Final environmental determination for the Specific Plan under CEQA.🔗 https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2021090474/3 Ceqanet
NextStopCompton.org Project Portal
A dedicated site with additional existing-conditions reports, concept alternatives, and materials from public workshops.
General Plan & Broader City Planning Resources
Compton 2045 General Plan Update documents (including draft EIRs and related studies) are available here for context on the City’s wider planning efforts — some of which interface with the TOD area.
https://www.compton2045.org/documents
Notes on Access & Use
Many of these documents (especially the Draft PEIR) are large PDF files intended for detailed review by residents, planning professionals, and agencies.
Some documents are available via the state CEQAnet database, which hosts environmental review documents for public access.
Physical copies or request assistance can typically be obtained through the Community Development Department at Compton City Hall during regular business hours.
Helpful Tips for Navigating the Documents
Existing Conditions Report — sets the baseline for how the area currently functions (transportation, land use, infrastructure, etc.).
Draft PEIR — includes technical analyses (air quality, traffic, land use, noise, housing, etc.) and is your best resource for understanding potential impacts and planning alternatives.
Notice of Preparation (NOP) — outlines the scope of what the City considered at the very beginning of the CEQA process.
Next Stop Compton materials — often include workshop summaries, concept images, and FAQ content aimed at community understanding.
How to Comment or Participate
Written comments on the Draft PEIR or other plans are typically submitted to the Community Development Department.
Public workshops and hearings are announced on the city’s website and often via the Next Stop Compton portal prior to scheduled meetings.
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