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Recommendation to receive and file the supporting documentation; and request City Manager to: (1) prepare a Downtown Specific Plan and associated environmental document, and (2) continue to work with the Downtown Visioning Committee and the community in the creation of the Downtown Specific Plan, once funds in the amount of $290,000 are identified. (Districts 1,2)
DISCUSSION
In November 2006, the Councilmembers of the First and Second District appointed a committee to prepare a vision for the Downtown. The 12 person committee represents downtown residents, business owners and local organizations and institutions. Since December 2006, the committee has met regularly to craft their collective vision statement.
On May 29,2007, the vision statement was presented in video format to the public at a noticed community meeting. The committee has since presented the vision to the Planning Commission and RDA Board for review and comment. The RDA Board and Planning Commission comments are attached (Attachment A). The recommendations contained in the presentation have been widely supported.
The vision statement is the overarching concept of what the Downtown could become. It sets out a vision for the future. In order for this vision to become reality, staff recommends that a more detailed planning implementation document, a Specific Plan, is necessary.
Over the decades, numerous studies have looked at planning the Downtown comprehensively or by subject matter. From the Downtown parking or public arts program, to an assortment of zoning studies, land use plans, and strategic plans, the Downtown has been the most studied and considered part of the City of Long Beach because of the significant role it plays in transforming Long Beach into a world renowned city. The increase in development interest and activity in the Downtown has highlighted the need to revisit and establish a new vision for the next 10-15 years.
A Specific Plan for Downtown could provide detailed l...
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