PCD:AS:JL: F:\CityPlanning\Share\PC\STRPT\05\PC Rpt  Alternatives (12 07 05).doc

Planning Commission Meeting:     December 7, 2005                      Santa Monica, California

 

 

TO:                  Honorable Planning Commission

                                          

FROM:            Planning Staff

 

SUBJECT:     Draft Alternatives, Common Elements, Performance Indicators and Measures to be Studied and Analyzed as part of the Land Use and Circulation Element Project, and Proposed Public Outreach Program

 

 

INTRODUCTION

This report recommends that the Planning Commission review proposed draft alternatives related to the Land Use and Circulation Element project and choose three concepts for further study.  Having completed initial public outreach, developed emerging themes and opportunities and challenges analyses, the next step in the Land Use and Circulation Element project is to conduct an analysis of land use alternatives that will assist the community in deciding upon a preferred land use and circulation plan.  Presented for Planning Commission review are: 1) proposed draft alternatives; 2) a set of common elements that will hold for all alternatives; 3) performance indicators and measures that will used to assess the alternatives; and, 4) a proposed approach to public outreach during this phase.

 

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this phase of the Land Use and Circulation Element process is to consider possible land use outcomes and the relationships and tradeoffs between the possibilities.  Four alternative land use distributions are the means to develop community understanding and are presented for purposes of study only – not as proposed policy.  Through analysis of the alternatives, the community will select the combination of land uses that is the preferred plan.

 

Draft Alternative Concepts

The project calls for an analysis of up to three alternatives that can be used to help identify a preferred plan. Four alternatives are being presented with the idea that one of the Alternatives will be eliminated and, therefore, not studied. Except as noted, these alternatives are further detailed in Attachment A. The draft alternatives are not complete and not fully refined. The descriptions represent a starting point to stimulate a focused discussion that will help identify a path to further develop these concepts that will ultimately be reviewed by the community. The Alternatives build upon the Emerging Themes and address the Policy Questions identified in the two milestone work products, the Emerging Themes and Opportunities and Challenges Reports. The Themes and Questions are reprinted as Attachments E and F, respectively, in this report.

 

Following the Planning Commission and Council’s discussion, which is tentatively scheduled for January 10, staff and consultant will direct efforts toward the preparation of an Alternatives Workbook. This workbook will clearly detail and analyze each of the alternatives. It will also include an analysis of a “no growth” scenario and explain how that policy position might affect the community, legally and culturally. This scenario is presented in response to comments expressed during the public outreach effort and at the Planning Commission’s request to better understand the implications of this policy perspective. This scenario analysis will not be as exhaustive as the alternatives study. A snapshot of the draft alternatives are presented below:

 

“Status Quo”. This alternative analyzes how the City’s land uses and circulation might evolve if no changes are made to existing policies and development activity continues at its current pace. Because this will not significantly change the existing environment compared to today, this alternative is not further detailed in Attachment A.

 

“Neighborhood Centers”. This alternative focuses small scale growth at strategic locations along the commercial boulevards that will serve existing residential and commercial neighborhoods; it also establishes a new mixed use neighborhood near Bergamot Station. Non-motorized transportation alternatives are explored as are parking strategies that support surrounding land uses and walkability. Light rail with stops Downtown and at Bergamot Station are planned for and incorporated within this alternative.

 

“Uptown / Downtown”. This alternative creates a new Uptown District centered around Bergamot Station. The mixed use district will provide live work studios, support cultural resources in the area and support opportunities to expand for medical-related uses in the area. While this district will be a high activity area, Downtown will remain the City’s focus. Light rail connections between these districts and the region are a key circulation priority under this alternative, as well as expanding parking districts Downtown.

 

“Grand Boulevards”. This alternative focuses development along the commercial boulevards to create a consistent scale and distinctive character that is unique to Santa Monica. Additional housing resources are planned around transit stops. Commercial corridor transit, improved pedestrian orientation, walkability and bicycle use will be the circulation focus; light rail opportunities will also be explored. 

 

Common Elements and Options

The Planning Commission previously reviewed a list of reoccurring ideas that have consistently been raised and supported by the community. These ideas are presented as “Common Elements” and have been updated to reflect the Commission’s earlier comments. The Common Elements, included with this report as Attachment B, will be a part of each Alternative and ultimately the preferred plan. This list is not static and can still be updated. In fact, it would be appropriate to review this list again to make sure it reflects the Commission’s perspective. The Common Elements are not specifically detailed in the discussion of the Alternatives (Attachment A).

 

Another list is also included in Attachment B. This represents concepts that have been mentioned during the project, but without the same level of consistency as the Common Elements. This list, called “Options”, identifies topics that need to be further studied and may or may not be incorporated into every alternative or even the preferred plan; if incorporated, the degree of implementation is uncertain. It is anticipated that more concepts will be added to this list as the project progresses. It is presented to the Commission to highlight an awareness of these issues, but no further action is required at this time.

 

Performance Indicators and Measures

While there is no comprehensive or definitive standard or criteria that can be used to evaluate the appropriateness or future success of any of the alternatives, staff and consultant have explored the idea of using indicators as one way to further explain and understand the alternatives. Using the Sustainable City Plan as a model, several indicators have been identified that may assist in understanding the implications of each alternative. The challenge using indicators is the availability of certain data and the subjectivity of the criteria. Many indicators are quantitative and can be mapped, while others rely on a qualitative analysis. An initial list of indicators is presented to the Commission in Attachment C. While the map based indicators can easily be measured, some of the other indicators may fall off the list if reasonable thresholds for evaluation cannot be established. Some of these indicators may in fact become performance measures that can be used to assess or analyze the adopted plan’s performance over time. Examples of performance measures that are beginning to be identified are presented in Attachment D. These measures, or goals, relate primarily to the Circulation Element and are presented to the Commission for its review and comment.

 

Proposed Public Outreach Effort

The public outreach component for this phase of the project will consist of a series of focused meetings or forums to familiarize the community with the alternative concepts. The public’s comments will be used to formulate a preferred plan that will be basis of future policy objectives and goals. Aspects of the outreach effort include:

 

·                    Focused meetings related to specific topics and/or geographic areas identified in the Alternatives Workbook

·                    Variable meeting formats may be used depending on needed feedback or meeting topic

·                    Participation that represents a cross section of the community will be sought

·                    A city-wide workshop will be held toward the end of this effort to present the information received and attempt to narrow or select a preferred alternative

·                    A booth at the Santa Monica Festival will be established to update the community and maintain project awareness

·                    A report summarizing the comments and recommending to the decision makers a preferred plan will be released following the city-wide workshop.

 

The Alternatives Workbook will be released in Winter 2006. Focused workshops will be initiated shortly thereafter and continue through Spring. The length of the outreach period necessitates holding no more than five community-wide meetings, rather than attending a large number of pre-existing community meetings. The report will be released and hearings held before the Planning Commission and City Council in Summer.

 

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

A notice of the City Council meeting was mailed to persons on the project mailing list, interested WIN subscribers, and published in the California Section of The Los Angeles Times.  A copy of the hearing notice is contained in Attachment G.

 

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the City Council review and comment upon the direction of the draft Alternatives, common themes, performance indicators and measures, and public outreach effort.            

 

 

Prepared by:              Andy Agle, Interim Director

                                    Ellen Gelbard, Assistant Director

                                    Gay Forbes, Development Services Officer

                                    Amanda Schachter, Planning Manager

                                    Lucy Dyke, Transportation Planning Manager

                                    Jonathan Lait, AICP, Principal Planner

                                    Beth Rolandson, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

                                    Liz Bar-El, AICP, Senior Planner

                                    Michelle Glickert, Transportation Planning Associate

                                    Tony Kim, Associate Planner

                                    Betsy Wheeler Kollgaard, Administrative Analyst

                                    Planning and Community Development Department

 

 

 

Attachments:

A.                 Draft Alternatives w/Conceptual Distribution Maps

B.                 Common Elements and Options

C.                Land Use and Circulation Element Draft Indicators

D.                Circulation Element Working Goals and On-Going Performance Measures

E.                 Emerging Themes (Excerpted from the Emerging Themes Report)

F.                 Policy Questions (Excerpted from the Opportunities & Challenges Report)

G.                Public Notice

ATTACHMENT   A

 

Draft Alternatives w/Conceptual Distribution Maps

 

Alternative A - Neighborhood Centers (see conceptual map)

Overall Concept

This alternative reinforces town-scaled neighborhood centers and enhances community members’ ability to access local services through non-motorized forms of transportation. The Neighborhood Centers are modest: supporting housing at upper levels and local serving, pedestrian-oriented commercial spaces at the first floor. Activity centers are spread throughout the city at specific nodes along some commercial boulevards, downtown and near Bergamot Station. Residential neighborhoods are preserved while opportunities for affordable housing, small grocery stores and improved linkages between neighborhoods are explored.

 

Objectives

Development activity is concentrated at strategic locations along commercial corridors to create mixed use Neighborhood Centers. Locations will be determined based on existing and surrounding land uses, previously identified opportunity sites, and the likelihood of success given the proximity to residential and commercial areas.

 

The Neighborhood Centers will primarily serve and support surrounding land uses and encourage walkability through pedestrian-oriented design and parking strategies that support this objective. Each center will reflect the character of the area in which it is located, for example, allowing centers on Ocean Park and Wilshire Boulevards to reflect unique differences. Mixed use buildings will be encouraged allowing for small neighborhood-serving and locally owned businesses to occupy the first floor with housing opportunities above. The remainder of the commercial land area along the boulevards, outside of the centers, will continue to support local and regional serving uses with little change to the scale or intensity that exists today.

 

The eastern portion of the City’s light manufacturing and studio district will transition into a new mixed use neighborhood centered around the planned light rail stop at Bergamot Station. Parcel sizes in this area will be reduced and multi-modal streets created that reflect Santa Monica’s existing circulation grid. Its proximity to a light rail station supports new housing resources and reduces the demand for traditional parking, which will serve to reduce construction costs and improve opportunities to housing affordability. This neighborhood will also support recreational opportunities. Linkages between area parks and the Exposition bikeway planned along the MTA right of way will be established. Industrial uses will likely remain in the area east of the new mixed use neighborhood. The remainder of the industrial conservation district, west of 20th Street and east of Lincoln Boulevard will continue to support industrial uses and housing opportunities similar to today’s mix of land uses, except that around 17th Street and Olympic Boulevard a light rail platform will be planned for, allowing for increased transit access to Santa Monica College and the surrounding residential area.

 

Downtown will similarly be connected by the planned light rail station and will continue to serve as the community’s most vibrant and dense activity hub. The combination of the light rail, transit mall, excellent bus network, and parking districts supports existing and future housing opportunities comparable to existing densities. A complementary mixture of commercial retail, food serving uses, entertainment, hospitality, and office uses will continue to support local residents, regional and international visitors. Connections to the Civic Center will also be reinforced.

 

Specialty commercial areas such as Main and 26th Streets, and Montana Avenue will continue to support local needs, but also serve regional visitors much in the same way these areas function today. However, building heights and the intensity of land uses will be evaluated to ensure new development is consistent with the existing profile and pedestrian oriented character of these streets.

 

The Oceanfront district will be evaluated to ensure a continued mix of housing opportunities and land uses that support local residents, businesses and visitors.

 

The single and multi-family neighborhoods will remain largely unchanged except for possible design or development modifications that seek to preserve neighborhood character, promote good urban design and pedestrian orientation and preserve affordable housing.

 

Alternative B –Uptown/Downtown (Bergamot Station and Downtown District Plan) – (see conceptual map)

Overall Concept

This alternative focuses future growth and activity within two primary districts; Downtown, and a newly created Bergamot Station district. Bergamot Station will serve as a vibrant mixed use center with an eclectic mix of cultural and industrial land uses, local serving commercial uses and a variety of housing opportunities. Light rail connections between this activity center, the more intense downtown district and the regional transit system will be provided. Development on other commercial corridors and residential districts remain relatively unchanged except for the modest evolution and redevelopment of existing structures and land uses.

 

Objectives

A new mixed use neighborhood is established around the planned Bergamot Station light rail stop to support and balance galleries, offices, retailers, including grocery and discount retail stores, as well as other commercial uses, with artist live/work studios, affordable and market rate housing. The amount of activity and intensity of this area would be second only to Downtown. Building heights would taper down toward the edges of the district and be greatest near the rail station. The street grid in this area is extended reducing block size and creating a more pedestrian oriented environment with easy access to local goods and services and linkages to area parks, employment centers, existing residential areas, schools and the Exposition bike path. The addition of this new center will necessitate a reconsideration of the bus transit to this location including Big Blue Bus service and community transit. The proximity of housing to existing and future job opportunities will reduce some vehicle trips; ways to encourage work force housing will also be explored.

 

This new district will extend northwest toward St. John’s Hospital providing increased opportunities to support medical-related uses. Lower scale development will occur west of this district toward Memorial Park, where the feasibility of a 17th Street rail station will be studied along with supporting housing and commercial opportunities and connections to Santa Monica College. The remainder of the industrial core will permit light industry with limited residential development.

 

Downtown will continue to serve as the City’s focal point for housing, local and regional goods and services, visitor accommodations, recreation, entertainment and nightlife. Opportunities to expand the Downtown parking district will be explored to encourage more pedestrian orientation and better architectural design. This alternative will reinforce the linkages set forth in the Civic Center Specific Plan to establish greater connections and access to parks, institutional buildings, commercial uses and housing in this area. Downtown will continue to be served by the City’s bus network, a planned light rail station and potentially community transit. The Oceanfront district will be evaluated to ensure a continued mix of housing opportunities and land uses that support local residents, businesses and visitors.

 

Activity on commercial corridors, including those supported by the enhanced bus line, will remain largely unchanged from today. Along Main Street and Montana Avenue building heights and the intensity of land uses will be evaluated to ensure new development is consistent with the existing profile and pedestrian oriented character of these streets.

 

The single and multi-family neighborhoods will remain largely unchanged except for possible design or development modifications that seek to preserve neighborhood character, promote good urban design and pedestrian orientation, and preservation of affordable housing.

 

Alternative C – Grand Boulevards (see conceptual map)

Overall Concept

This alternative builds upon Santa Monica’s existing commercial boulevards focusing future activity in these areas while protecting adjacent residential neighborhoods. Boulevards that support enhanced bus lines will have greater intensity allowing for a variety of land uses that support local residents and businesses and promote housing near transit. To encourage a pedestrian environment along the corridors, some travel lanes may be narrowed to accommodate transit and broader sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities. The remainder of the community will reflect existing conditions.

 

Objectives

Using design standards and capital improvements, the well traveled commercial boulevards will serve as distinct entries into the City to further reinforce Santa Monica’s uniqueness. The boulevards will continue to provide for local residents and businesses while supporting housing needs. Unlike Alternative A, development will be concentrated along the entire corridor rather than clustered at strategic locations. Improving pedestrian safety will be a priority along the boulevards. Allowing better, more functional use of the public right-of-way with integrated design and useable outdoor land area will further enhance the pedestrian environment along these streets. Parking strategies will be explored to accommodate workers and visitors with emphases toward transit, bicycling and walking.

 

Protecting residential neighborhoods near the corridors is a necessary component of this alternative. Transitions that connect and do not isolate adjacent neighborhoods will be explored. To achieve this protection landscape buffers, building design solutions, noise mitigation, and loading activities will be examined. Parking will be evaluated to respect adjacent neighborhoods with consideration of establishing parking districts.

 

Wilshire, Santa Monica, Pico, and Lincoln Boulevards will see the greatest degree activity and support transit use. Bicycles will be a transportation priority on streets parallel to the boulevards and better north / south cross town bicycle routes will be considered.

 

Main and Twenty Sixth Streets, Ocean Park Boulevard, and Montana Avenue will continue to support local needs, but also serve regional visitors much in the same way these areas function today. However, building heights and the intensity of land uses will be evaluated to ensure new development is consistent with the existing profile and pedestrian oriented character of these streets.

 

The industrial area east of Twentieth Street will continue to serve light industrial, production and artist studios; residential housing will not be established as a permitted use. However, housing will continue to be allowed in the Industrial Conservation area west of Twentieth Street as well as light industrial uses.

 

Downtown will continue to serve as the City’s focal point for housing, local and regional goods and services, visitor accommodations, recreation, entertainment and nightlife. Opportunities to expand the Downtown parking district will be explored to encourage more pedestrian orientation and better architectural design. This alternative will respect the linkages set forth in the Civic Center Specific Plan to establish greater connections and access to parks, institutional buildings, commercial uses and housing in this area. Downtown will continue to be served by the City’s excellent bus network, a planned light rail station and shuttles. The Oceanfront district will be evaluated to ensure a continued mix of housing opportunities and land uses that support local residents, businesses and visitors.

 

 

Alternative D – Status Quo (no map illustration)

This alternative is explained in the Council Staff Report, page 2.

 

ATTACHMENT   B

 

Common Elements and Options

           

 

 

Common Elements: Elements that will be included in the preferred alternative regardless of elements chosen from alternative choices

 

·         Integrated Land Use and Transportation: including connections between existing activities

·         Historic Preservation: integrate the community’s historic qualities to maintain its scale and character; seek to preserve structures and neighborhoods that contribute and honor Santa Monica past, and structures that have significant architectural, historic and cultural significance

·         Sustainability: incorporate land use and transportation policy that promotes environmental and economic sustainability

·         Building Reuse: maximize opportunities to reuse existing structures

·         Housing: preserve existing housing while pursuing objectives for diversity

·         Neighborhoods: Preserve the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods

·         Education: support educational opportunities for all Santa Monicans including the needs of schools and students

·         Open Space: support goals of the Open Space element, including the concept of all public property as open space opportunities

·         Public Safety: reinforce sense of community through neighborhood safety

·         Childcare: continue to prioritize quality early education for children and their families

·         Active Living: promote healthy communities through design and programs

·         Arts and Culture: including support for a growing creative community

·         Economic Vitality: including opportunities for local and community retail

·         Partnerships: meet community goals through strong relationships with organizations, including medical and educational institutions

·         Existing Plans: accommodate Santa Monica plans for a provision of city services, such as fire stations, libraries, solid waste, etc.

·         Regional Context: acknowledge influence on housing market, economy and travel demand and participate in greater regional solutions

·         Quality Design: enhance streetscapes, commercial and residential areas through quality urban design, including private property design standards

 

 

 

Options: Options that must be resolved regardless of Common Elements or Plan Alternative

 

·         Incentives for sustainable business practices

·         Incentives for preservation of residential neighborhoods

·         Incentives for preservation of rent-controlled housing

·         Incentives to support preservation of historic resources

·         Incentives to support preservation and expansion of open space

·         Incentives for preservation and expansion of childhood education facilities

·         Incentives for preservation and expansion of local and local-serving businesses

·         Incubator districts for sustainable industry and/or small business

·         Incentives for adaptive reuse of existing buildings

·         Degree of integration to strengthen other General Plan policies and city goals / objectives

·         Annual growth caps

·         Local shuttle system

·         Shared parking districts

·         Feasibility of an additional Exposition light rail stop near 14th or 17th Streets

·         Transition of areas around proposed light stops/stations prior to the construction of light rail

·         Conversion of existing rights-of-way to bike lanes, widened sidewalks, transit lanes

·         Woonerf style mixed-use streets

·         Parking pricing strategies to maximize parking efficiency and encourage alternatives

·         Parking requirement modifications to reflect use and encourage alternatives

·         Second dwelling units in R1 zones

·         Transfer of Development Rights to preserve historic or existing buildings

·         Rate and type of change of units in multifamily districts

·         Diversity of housing

·         Accommodations for single-occupancy vehicles

·         Small neighborhood markets in multi-family residential districts

 

ATTACHMENT   C

 

Land Use and Circulation Element Draft Indicators

Alternatives Indicators:

The alternatives workbook will analyze both how the different locations and intensity of proposed land uses will meet sustainability, economic and quality of life goals and affect travel demand, and how effectively travel demand might be met by different travel modes.

 

Issue Area

Analytic Approach 

Diversity of Jobs

Consider whether the anticipated mix of land uses will provide the type of jobs residents will want and qualify for

·            Compare the estimated number of jobs to the estimated number of households

·            Estimate the categories of jobs and compare their typical pay rates to housing costs

·            Estimate how well the jobs may complement the skills of the existing and anticipated population

Housing Adequacy

Consider whether there is an appropriate number of housing units, and whether they are well-placed to meet needs

·            Estimate the number of housing units

·            Compare the number of housing units to regional housing needs, housing element production goals and state production requirements

·            Estimate how many units would be in locations and types suitable to provide units for groups with the greatest needs, such as seniors, people with low and moderate incomes, workers, families

Economic Vitality

Consider the extent to which each alternative could allow for the continued vitality of key employers or industries

·            Estimate whether employee pool within reasonable commuting range is enhanced or reduced

·            Estimate whether proposed commercial centers have increased or reduced customer pool within walking distance

·            Consider whether there will be spaces suitable for providing goods and services residents and businesses need

·            Consider whether there will be space for the full range of activities and uses needed to support the people who live, work or visit

Consider location and types of enhanced visitor services

·            Consider whether the use mix and intensity proposed will either balance or transition, in scale and character, so that commercial and residential activities can co-exist

Education & Child Care

Consider how well each alternative might support local schools

·            Estimate housing units in walking distance to schools

·            Estimate whether school age population is expected to be stable, and balance school capacity

·            Estimate capacity for regional transit access to SMC relative to student population

·            Estimate the potential for serving residents and employees with well placed and scaled child care facilities

Historic Preservation

Estimate the redevelopment pressure on  historic and cultural resource properties

·            Compare difference between development intensity of existing resources and development potential generally proposed on the resource properties

Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing

Estimate the redevelopment pressure on existing affordable rental units

·            Compare difference between development intensity of existing affordable housing properties and development potential proposed

Community Amenities:

Arts and Culture, Recreation, Open Space

 

 

Consider the extent to which new development will be able to provide support for arts and culture, open space and other community amenities

·            Estimate opportunities to attract projects that can provide on-site amenities

 

Sustainability

 

 

 

Consider aspects of sustainability such as:

·            Reducing fossil fuels

·            Efficient use of community resources

·            Efficient reuse of existing buildings

·            Mixed use development

·            Redevelopment with improved energy efficiency

Overall Peak Hour Travel Demand

Compare overall intensity of travel demand by estimating trips using  Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) data

 

Mode Split Overall & By Focus Area

Anticipate mode share in the City overall and by subarea by reviewing actual travel behavior by people in comparable areas

·            City Census data

·            City Census data by subarea

·            Census data for comparable areas

·            City employer trip reduction plans

·            Big Blue Bus Ridership

·            MTA Ridership

·            Other travel surveys

Peak Period Auto Congestion

For each alternative, estimate extent of peak-period auto congestion by projecting added volumes and identifying future bottlenecks

·            Estimate which intersections are to be expected to operate poorly (LOS E or F) during peak periods

·            Estimate increase in arterial and freeway trips if auto demand is proportional to development

Transit Effectiveness

For each alternative, estimate effectiveness of transit in meeting anticipated travel demand by identifying whether location and density of development can be well served by existing and proposed transit systems

·            Identify percentage of Santa Monica jobs in areas with high transit ridership

·            Identify percentage of Santa Monica housing units in areas with high transit ridership

·            Project transit share for Santa Monica workers/residents

·            Estimate population or housing units  within a 30 minute transit trip to downtown Santa Monica and other proposed activity centers

·            Identify percentage of Santa Monica housing units within 2 blocks of a transit stop

·            Estimate percentage of jobs in areas with high transit ridership

·            Estimate improvement in transit share if system improvements are made by comparing level of transit ridership in areas with comparable development and transit system quality

 Walking  Effectiveness

For each alternative, estimate the effectiveness of walking in meeting anticipated travel demand by  looking at how many people are in walking distance of jobs, services and amenities

·            Identify number of housing units within walking distance of activity centers

·            Estimate increase in walking   share if system improvements are made by identifying level of walking in areas with comparable development and walkability

Bicycling  Effectiveness

For each alternative, estimate the effectiveness of bicycling in meeting anticipated travel demand by looking at how many people live close to high-quality bicycle facilities that lead to activity centers

·            Identify percentage of jobs in areas with high bicycle mode split

·            Estimate number of Santa Monica housing units within one block of bike lane or path

·            Estimate percentage of jobs within one block of bike lane or path

·            Estimate increase in bicycling share if system improvements are made by identifying  bicycling share in areas with comparable development and bicycle system quality

Parking  Adequacy

Estimate whether parking facilities will be adequate to meet future needs

·            Estimate number of new parking spaces that would be required under current code

·            Identify areas that would have shared parking potential and estimate the  number of parking spaces that could be required with shared parking

·            Identify local streets that might need regulation to avoid over parking

·            Estimate share of commercial activity in areas with potential for shared parking districts

Neighborhood Traffic Intrusion

Identify local streets that will experience increased use by peak-hour autos and consider impacts of protecting them

·            Map local blocks with increased spillover pressure

·            Identify number or percentage of local blocks adjacent to areas with targeted growth

·            Estimate auto trips volumes diverted to arterials if local streets are protected

Recreational Opportunities on Streets

Consider value of developing some streets as corridors suitable for recreation and fitness

·            Identify number of miles potential of fitness/recreational corridors

·            Estimate percentage of housing units within 2 blocks of a fitness/recreational corridor

·            Estimate percentage of jobs within 2 blocks of a fitness/recreational corridor

 

ATTACHMENT   D

 

Circulation Element Working Goals and On-Going Performance Measures

 

This is also an appropriate time to consider indicators that may be evaluated across time after the circulation element is adopted. These type of measures can help focus the energy of the community on the goals adopted in the Circulation Element. Many of these measures would include new data gathering processes.

 

Possible New Circulation Element Goal

Possible On-Going Performance Measure

Provide transit access that is superior to freeway access to and from most of the region, during peak travel periods

·      Peak period travel time by bus and auto from regional centers (downtown LA, UCLA, LAX, Van Nuys Civic Center/Warner Center) to downtown Santa Monica, office district, Santa Monica College and Beach

·      Quality of transit service from regional centers

·      Cost of transit service compared to private auto trips from regional centers to Santa Monica

·      Average-vehicle-ridereship (AVR)/mode split for large employers

Provide local transit service to allow residents, visitors, workers and students to move about the City without driving

·      Percentage of housing units close to a transit stop

·      Percentage of residents who use transit regularly

·      Ridership on community transit and Big Blue Bus

Manage travel speeds on local streets so that they are not time-saving cut through routes and people can play in the yards adjacent to them

·      Percentage of local blocks with average speeds lower than 25 mph

 

Develop a system of streets where cyclists are safe and comfortable, and can cross the City as quickly as motorists during peak travel periods

·      Quality of service on bike network

·      Number of cyclists at peak hours

·      Mode share for cycling for employees, students and residents

·      Travel time to cross town on bicycle versus auto

Allow development of neighborhood clusters that have enough people within walking distance to support quality neighborhood serving uses

·      Number of people walking in mixed use and commercial areas

·      Economic vitality and parking demand in mixed use and commercial areas

Minimize delay and congestion associated with auto use

·      Number and location of intersections with poor peak period level of service (LOS)

·      LOS at intersection with poor peak period level of service

·      Number of hours of ‘peak’ periods with poor service

Develop street design standards that result in low auto speeds and recreational quality walking experiences

·      Average or 85th percentile speeds on streets

·      Number of people walking

·      Percentage of streets with quality walking experiences

Develop some corridors active cyclists and joggers can use for fitness as well as regional bike access (San Vicente, Olympic, beach bike path)

·      Number of people using fitness/recreational corridors

·      Number of miles of fitness/recreational corridors

·      Percentage of residents living close to fitness/recreational corridors

Develop mechanisms to allow use of market incentives (pricing, regulations) to balance transportation system use when capacity is constrained

·      Number of unbundled parking spaces

·      Price and occupancy of on and off-street parking

·      Relative cost of travel/parking by modes

 

 

 

ATTACHMENT   E

 

Emerging Themes (Excerpted from the Emerging Themes Report)

 

 

1.   A unique city with a strong sense of community. Santa Monica of the future should build on characteristics that endow its uniqueness and a sense of place: a small, beach town ambience, walkability, diversity, and innovation. Santa Monica of the future should be an interconnected town where people can get to know their neighbors, with citizen involvement and ownership in the future of the city. The city’s neighborhoods should be vital, with tree-lined streets, and common places where people come together to share in cultural pursuit, celebration, and leisure.

 

2.   A city rich in amenities, within walking distance to shops and services from neighborhoods. While in its outlook and character Santa Monica should be a small town, it should offer a sophisticated array of amenities, including stores, restaurants, transit, arts, and culture. Most critically, Santa Monica should be a walkable town, with neighborhood shopping, cafes, local and public services, and parks and open spaces, within easy reach of every neighborhood.

 

3.   A diverse and inclusive city. Santa Monica should be a diverse place, both socially and physically, and with opportunity for all. Santa Monica should be affordable to households of diverse incomes, and home to a variety of small and large businesses. The city should provide workforce, middle income, and senior housing, artist and live/work residences, as well as places for families and children. In terms of its physical character, Santa Monica should support a mix of design styles and creative architecture while remaining cognizant of its history through conservation and preservation of historic buildings and neighborhoods. This will also help foster an experientially rich setting.

 

4.   A community built at an appropriate town-scale. Reinforcing the theme of a small and unique town, the height and scale of new buildings should complement the existing fabric of neighborhoods and commercial areas. Existing height limits should be maintained, and high rise buildings are not appropriate in any part of Santa Monica. Smaller-scale, locally owned stores will further the city’s character and Santa Monica’s pursuit of its vision as a small and unique town.

 

5.   A city of strong neighborhoods, protected from commercial and industrial uses. Neighborhoods should be protected from encroachment of commercial and industrial uses, and have slow and safe traffic. New development should be in keeping with the existing scale of neighborhoods.

 

6.   A pedestrian and bicycle-friendly place. Streets and connections between various activity areas shall be improved to create comfortable and safe environments for pedestrians. Development should be friendly and engaging to pedestrians. Santa Monica should have a comprehensive bikeway network connecting neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas, and the beach. Popular bike routes should be redesigned to offer more safety and convenience for cyclists, including supporting facilities such as additional bike parking/storage and transit connections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.   A city rich in its array of transit offerings. The need to support transit enjoys overwhelming community support. Santa Monicans want to see high-quality regional transit services, such as light-rail and rapid bus, at a level that offers advantages over private autos for regional trips, as well as local services that are safe and fast and convenient enough to compete with autos for local trips. Santa Monicans especially support environmentally-friendly transit vehicles and continue to express specific support for light rail (with a terminus in downtown and a route along Exposition).

 

8.   A city where traffic and parking work. Automobile traffic should flow smoothly, without disrupting neighborhood living. Park and ride lots, shuttles, and free or permitted parking by residents should be explored to facilitate easy movement. Transportation and land use patterns should be designed to work synergistically.

 

9.   A city of balanced growth. Santa Monica’s growth should be modest, with new development keeping with existing scale and character, and moderate increases in intensity in selected appropriate locations where reuse opportunities are present, where infrastructure can serve growth, and in places where transit is present or planned to foster transit-oriented development patterns. Many opposed growth that would lead to, expand, or worsen auto congestion in the City, particularly in residential neighborhoods.

 

10. A city with attractive boulevards. The city’s major boulevards should be improved with increased landscaping, enhanced sidewalks, and additional parking. Mixed-use centers combining shopping and new housing replacing aging uses along the city’s major corridors may help meet multiple objectives, including promoting neighborhood accessibility to shops and services, housing affordability, aesthetic renewal, and jobs and homes in proximity to transit. Residents would like to see the boulevards in walking distance from their homes developed with the kinds of shops and restaurants they like to frequent.

 

11. A safe and secure community. The city’s neighborhoods should be secure; people, including children, should be safe walking or bicycling to schools or work. The City should address homeless issues so that public areas, including, parks, streets, and transit vehicles can be pleasantly enjoyed.

 

12. An environmentally sustainable place. Santa Monica should continue to emphasize “green” development, recycling, development patterns that encourage walking and cycling, clean air and water, and reuse of older buildings.

 

ATTACHMENT   F

 

Policy Questions (Excerpted from the Opportunities & Challenges Report)

 

1.   How can Santa Monica plan for the regional aspects of its economy, medical and education institutions, and locational draw to create balanced growth and enhance the quality of life for residents?

 

2.   What role can visitor-servers play in Santa Monica’s future?

 

3.   How much new housing should Santa Monica plan for to maintain inclusive and opportunities for affordable housing and yet retain an “appropriate town scale”?

 

4.   What types of new development could fulfill the City’s diversity and quality of life objectives?

 

5.   How best can the existing industrial areas meet Santa Monica’s needs?

 

6.   How best can the character and quality of Santa Monica’s residential neighborhoods be preserved while promoting neighborhood-serving amenities on adjacent commercial streets?

 

7.   What is the appropriate scale and mix of uses for boulevard commercial corridors?

 

8.   What is the appropriate scale and character of specialty commercial corridors?

 

9.   How can the City maintain its economic vitality and protect economic advantages?

 

10. How can the City foster small businesses and establishments to maintain its uniqueness?

 

11. How can facilities that support a properly balanced transportation system be created?

 

12. How much parking is the appropriate amount for the community and what is the City’s role in facilitating its availability?

 

13. How best can transit-oriented development be promoted?

 

14. What is the appropriate scale, intensity and character of new development, particularly in areas that are likely to experience change over the coming 20 years, such as the industrial areas, along corridors, and public spaces?

 

15. Other than policies directing new development, what resources are available to the City to implement the Community’s vision? Which strategies are the most important? Are there resources that might be overlooked by a traditional land use and circulation plan?

 

16. How best can Santa Monica promote greater connections between different parts of the city? How could the priorities of the Circulation Element integrate and support the city’s land use and how can urban design be best used as a tool in this integration?

ATTACHMENT   G

 

Public Notice

 

UPCOMING PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL HEARINGS:

 

DEFINING ALTERNATIVES FOR THE SHAPE THE FUTURE 2025 AND MOTION BY THE OCEAN PROJECTS (LAND USE AND CIRCULATION ELEMENTS)

 

 

Based on community input received in the Emerging Themes Report, research compiled for the Opportunities and Challenges Report and other information provided by community members and City decision-makers, the Planning and Community Development Department is preparing Alternative scenarios for the community’s consideration in formulating draft Land Use and Circulation Elements.  You are invited to attend the following meetings to hear and comment on the formation of these alternatives.

 

DATES/        PLANNING COMMISSION: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2005

TIMES:        AT 7:00 PM

 

                     CITY COUNCIL: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2005, AT 6:45 PM

 


LOCATION:    City Council Chambers, Second Floor, Santa Monica City Hall

                        1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, California 90401

 

                                               

MORE INFORMATION

An agenda and staff report will be available 72 hours prior to each meeting at City Hall, 1685 Main Street, or on-line at www.santa-monica.org.  Current information on the City’s effort to update the Land Use Element is available online at www.shapethefuture2025.net and, for the Circulation Element, http://motion.santa-monica.org. If you want more information about this meeting, please contact Jonathan Lait, AICP, Principal Planner at (310) 458-8341, or by e-mail at jon.lait@smgov.net.

 

The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. For disability-related accommodations, please contact Carmen Gutierrez at (310) 458-8341 or (310) 458-8696 TTY at least 72 hours in advance. All written materials are available in alternate format upon request. Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Lines numbered 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 serve City Hall.

 

ESPAÑOL

Esto es una notificación al público solicitando sus comentarios sobre los proyectos Shape the Future 2025 y Motion by the Ocean, los cuales crearan pólizas para guiar futuros edificios y actividades de transportación durante los proximos 20 años en la Ciudad de Santa Monica.  Para mas información, visite nuestro sitio de Internet:  www.shapethefuture2025.net y http://motion.santa-monica.org o llame a Carmen Gutierrez en el departamento de planificación al numero (310) 458-8341.