TITLE
Recommendation to adopt the North Pine Avenue Community Vision and Action Plan. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
The North Pine Avenue Community Vision and Action Plan (Plan) was launched by the City of Long Beach (City) in July of 2021. This planning process was initiated to build on the momentum gained through previous meetings between the City and the North Pine Avenue community, complement the strategic planning and retail strategies recently developed for the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA), and support the corridor’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Plan is intended to create a comprehensive vision, priorities, and actions that will guide activation efforts, improvements, and investments along the historic North Pine Avenue corridor through ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and over the next 10 years. The Plan establishes specific actions that City departments and other civic partners may take to assist the community in achieving the outlined vision and metrics for measuring the success of the Plan recommendations.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City initiated the Long Beach Open Streets Initiative in June of 2020, which had a significant positive impact on the North Pine Avenue corridor. This program allowed businesses to have temporary parklets, outdoor dining spaces, and Outdoor Activity Permits (OAP) to support pandemic recovery for residents and businesses. This program concluded in summer 2022. The Plan is intended build on the momentum generated by the organization and collaboration of business owners and residents along the corridor, to capitalize on the successes realized during the Long Beach Open Streets Initiative, and to support the corridor’s ongoing economic recovery. The Plan also identifies and provides strategies to implement key community priorities, including providing support for existing and prospective businesses located in storefronts along North Pine Avenue, adding more landscaping and exploring opportunities for additional green public space, and ensuring the corridor is safe, clean, and welcoming to all.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on August 30, 2023 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on September 13, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 3, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT
This item has no fiscal impact. If adopted, the North Pine Community Vision and Action Plan (Plan) is intended to identify priorities and actions that will guide activation efforts, improvements, and investments along the historic North Pine Avenue corridor over the next 10 years. Funding for implementation has not been identified and projects listed will need to be developed with specific cost estimates. New funding for these initiatives will need to balanced with other needs in the City and on other corridors, who also have specific needs. Upon adoption, it is recommended that partner organizations identified in the Plan work together to pursue funding sources and define lead and support roles for implementation of the Plan actions. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BO MARTINEZ
DIRECTOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER