PCD:AS:JL: F:\CityPlanning\Share\PC\STRPT\06\PC Goals & Objectives.doc

Planning Commission Meeting: June 7, 2006                                                        Santa Monica, California

 

 

TO:                  Honorable Planning Commission

                                          

FROM:            Planning Staff

 

SUBJECT:     Land Use and Circulation Elements Draft Goals and Objectives and Public Input

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

This report transmits Land Use and Circulation Element draft goals and objectives, and comments received in response to public outreach on this topic.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The City Council directed staff in January to draft Land Use and Circulation Element goals and to conduct additional public outreach. The goals and objectives developed from this process are included with this report as Attachment A. The attached Information Item (Attachment B) provides additional detail regarding Council’s direction and staff’s approach on this effort.  The Information Item also summarizes the project’s multi-faceted community outreach components and how the information gathered through this process formed the basis for key project work products.  An attachment included with the Information Item also explains and illustrates the role and relationship of goals, objectives and policies in a General Plan.

 

Notably, goals are broad statements that set a general direction, or express an ideal future end, and are rarely quantifiable or time-dependent. Objectives provide a greater level of specificity and serve as an intermediate step toward attaining a goal; objectives can be measured and achieved within a specific timeframe. Policies are specific action statements that guide the decision-making process and will be decided upon after a preferred plan is selected.

 

In addition to framing the goals, preliminary objectives language was established to further define and reinforce the intent of each goal.  The objectives also serve as measurement tools to evaluate the plan’s effectiveness in successfully accomplishing the specified goal. The phrases and language used to develop initial draft goals and objectives came from a variety of comments received from early public outreach efforts. Initial draft goals were also included in the referenced Information Item.

 

The public has had four opportunities to respond to the draft goal language, including, a public workshop held at Virginia Avenue Park, interactive display boards located in the lobby of the Main Library, at the Santa Monica Festival, and through an Internet feedback forum. The last of these efforts ended in late May. While the data collected from these opportunities is not statistically significant, the feedback received from those that participated at these events generally supports the goal language and project direction. The raw data from the public outreach effort is included with this report as Attachment C.

 

It is anticipated that the Planning Commission will review the public input and revised draft goal / objective language and offer suggestions to modify these statements in order to better articulate the public’s sentiment and refine the project’s direction. The Planning Commission may make a recommendation to the City Council to affirm, or not affirm, the draft goal language.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The initial draft goals have been revised based on public comments received through the outreach efforts. As a result, new goals were created, related concepts merged, and some goals were found to be applicable to both Land Use and Circulation. The revised goals and objectives are presented in this report as Attachment A.

 

Draft Goals and Objectives

Each goal has been reviewed in light of the public comments received. One draft goal proposed in the Circulation Element was added to the Land Use Element set of goals regarding environmental responsibility. Additionally, one new goal was drafted for each element that promotes the underlying theme of all goals, which is to care for and protect the quality of life in Santa Monica; this goal is entitled Community Care. Two other goals from each element related to the regional setting and design were merged into common goal language under the headings of Local Identity/Regional Context and Urban Design. While the elements share four goals that are similarly worded, the objectives used to achieve these goals are plan-specific. Having similar goal language in each element reinforces the interrelatedness of the documents.

 

The Planning Commission’s review of the draft goals and objectives should consider 1) whether the goals accurately reflect public sentiment; 2) whether the objective language begins to provide a greater understanding of the goals; and 3) whether additional language is appropriate at this time to measure future plan alternatives. The objectives associated with the draft goals represent a starting point. More objectives will be identified as the project continues; the Planning Commission can also recommend other objectives be added. At later project phases, policies will be considered to implement the goals and objectives.

 

The Planning Commission may also want to consider the similarity in goal language between the two elements. Should the goal language be more distinct to each element, or should an effort be made to match other related goals concepts?

 

Traffic Methodology

There has been recent discussion regarding the City’s traffic methodology and an expressed interest to establish new methodology criteria in advance of completing the Land Use and Circulation Element. While it has been envisioned that a new traffic methodology would be established after the Elements had been adopted, work has begun to advance this effort. Specifically, staff will lead a seminar on the current project evaluation methodology, collect some baseline data, and further identify and develop a means and method for evaluating transportation system performance beyond peak-hour delays.

 

Next Steps

Following the Planning Commission’s review, the draft goal and objective language along with the public input, will be forwarded to the City Council for its endorsement of the project’s direction. Once received, staff and consultant will continue efforts to develop a workbook that will analyze the goals to different plan alternatives. The workbook will illustrate trade offs between certain policy decisions and provide a forum for public dialogue that will begin to refine a community vision of Santa Monica. This effort will lead to the formation of a Preferred Plan. The plan will provide the framework for more formal goal, objective and policy language that will be used to create draft Land Use and Circulation Elements. A public process will be established to review the Alternatives Workbook, Preferred Plan and draft elements.

 

Included with the Information Item, in Attachment B, is a short and long term project schedule. Given recent Council-level discussions regarding state-wide initiatives and the potential need to conduct certain analysis and prepare necessary reports and ordinances, this schedule may shift.

 

Prepared by:              Land Use and Circulation Element Project Team

                                    Planning and Community Development Department

 

Attachments:

A.                 Draft Goals and Objectives

B.                 City Council Information Item, dated March 2006

C.                Public Input from Four Outreach Events (Arranged by Goal)


ATTACHMENT A - DRAFT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

Circulation Goals & Objectives

 

Effective Transportation System: A balance of transportation choices for residents, employees, and visitors to easily get around

  • Provide real transportation choices, so auto use is not a need.

 

  • Provide reliable alternatives to congestion delays.

 

  • Encourage better travel choices that are cleaner, more efficient, and healthier.

 

  • Ensure residents and businesses have reasonable access to needs and amenities.

 

  • Align land uses with appropriate transportation choices to have the amount and kind of transportation that is suitable to land use and intensity of use.

 

Universal Safety: A secure environment for pedestrians, cyclists, transit-riders and drivers

  • Promote safe and courteous use of the public roadway by all users.

 

  • Reduce injurious collisions in the community.

 

  • Make users feel safe and comfortable in the public right-of-way.

 

  • Improve safety of people and vehicles.

 

Urban Design: Places, spaces and activities that enhance the human experience

  • Improve pedestrian conditions and connections between new development and existing activity centers.

 

  • Encourage appropriate travel speeds and awareness of potential conflicts relative to neighborhood context.

 

  • Create streets that fill multiple needs: travel, recreation, social interaction, commerce, utilities and green space.

 

  • Develop effective relationships among buildings and their users, public rights of way and their functions, and adjoining public and private property so that all uses and functions work harmoniously, efficiently, and aesthetically.

 

  • Appropriately balance space allocated for bicycles, cars, pedestrians and transit.

 

  • Design public space to work well all the time, such as during emergencies, inclement weather and when it is dark outside.

 

Local Identity/Regional Context: A distinct local community that is regionally connected

  • Maintain mobility in Santa Monica, despite regional trends.

 

  • Provide good access to and from regional activity centers.

 

  • Promote an effective transportation system at a regional level.

 

  • Integrate transportation systems for cyclists, walkers and transit riders.

 

 

Environmental Responsibility: A community in which human activity respects the environment and protects it for future generations

  • Minimize and where possible eliminate pollution and waste.

 

  • Minimize and where possible eliminate congestion.

 

  • Encourage muscle powered travel.

 

  • Reduce the amount and distance of vehicular trips people must make.

 

  • Create incentives for people to use more sustainable travel modes.

 

  • Provide transit services to allow people to move about without driving.

 

Community Care: A community that is responsive to the diverse interests and social needs of its residents, businesses and visitors

  • Encourage healthy lifestyles incorporating physically active travel.

 

  • Provide a range of transportation choices to meet the various needs of the community.

 

  • Encourage public participation in transportation policies and projects.

 

  • Create attractive and well maintained facilities for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders.

 

  • Provide access to information regarding travel choices.

 


 

Land Use Goals & Objectives

 

Balanced Growth: A diverse and inclusive community supported by balanced growth

 

  • Promote a balanced and diverse economy that serves all income levels and preserves and enhances the City’s economic well-being.

 

  • Provide a range of housing opportunities that support all income levels, age groups, household sizes and special needs.

 

  • Encourage the retention and creation of jobs that employ people with varied skill levels.

 

  • Provide for a range of land uses and activities that support the needs and desires of local residents, workers and visitors.

 

  • Encourage efficient use of land resources to accommodate future needs while maximizing open space, mobility and access to amenities.

 

  • Encourage new development that respects the character of the surrounding environment.

 

Enjoyment of Resources: The continued enjoyment of and access to natural and cultural assets

 

  • Facilitate development of resident and visitor-serving uses that are compatible with public enjoyment of the beach on properties near and along the coast.
  • Encourage creation of new parks and usable open spaces in connection with new development.
  • Encourage and facilitate the expanded viability of art, music, museums and other cultural amenities.
  • Encourage development of art, music, museums and other cultural amenities that are easily accessible to significant residential concentrations or other target audiences.
  • Promote the ability of artists to continue to live and work in the city.
  • Integrate historic preservation into land use and economic development strategies to preserve significant historic properties and structures.
  • Coordinate historic preservation and housing policies.
  • Consider preservation of existing structures as part of an overall policy to increase the community’s sustainability.
  • Protect and enhance the city’s urban forest and increase the tree canopy.
  • Preserve historic structures, districts and landscapes to maintain the community’s heritage, and contribute to a sense of place and identity

 

Connected Neighborhoods: A community of safe, secure, and connected neighborhoods with quality public spaces and amenities

 

  • Enhance and improve neighborhoods and their quality of life by building upon the neighborhoods’ historic development patterns while protecting and preserving the neighborhoods’ natural and built features.
  • Improve the neighborhood environment to increase personal safety, comfort, and pride.
  • Create a network of accessible and prominent spaces within the public realm with clear linkages between them.
  • Provide expanded opportunities for the enjoyment of open space within every Santa Monica neighborhood.
  • Encourage temporary as well as permanent uses and activities that facilitate human interaction.
  • Re-imagine boulevards as connectors rather than barriers between neighborhoods.

 

Urban Design Places, spaces and activities that enhance the human experience

 

  • Recognize the impact of urban design on the quality of people’s daily life
  • Develop effective relationships among buildings and their users, public rights of way and their functions, and adjoining public and private property so that all uses and functions work harmoniously, efficiently, and aesthetically.
  • Adopt urban design plans where appropriate to ensure the aesthetics and functioning of all aspects of land use, transportation, and economic development as the city evolves over time.
  • Integrate urban design principles into urban design guidelines and zoning regulations.
  • Ensure that new construction and alterations are well designed and respect and enhance the existing environment.
  • Provide opportunities for new and innovative ideas and concepts that shape the built environment.
  • Promote awareness and understanding of Santa Monica’s built environment and cultural heritage, and explore ways to preserve and improve them.
  • Encourage creative blending of public and private space to benefit public use and enjoyment.
  • Recognize streets and sidewalks as the community’s most widely used public space.

 

  • Enhance key gateways into the city.

 

  • Maintain and enhance functional linkages between nodes of activity.

 

  • Utilize urban design guidelines in historic areas to ensure that new development respects their historic integrity.

 

 

Local Identity / Regional Context: A distinct local community that is regionally connected

 

  • Preserve Santa Monica’s identity within the region.

 

  • Encourage a diverse range of necessary Santa Monica-based businesses serving local needs.

 

  • Encourage ventures that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Santa Monica and the surrounding region.

 

  • Recognize and build on the City’s contribution and relationship to the region.

 

  • Enhance connections with regional transit through compatible development.

 

  • Facilitate creation of housing to meet the City’s and region’s State-mandated share of new housing development.

 

 

Environmental Responsibility: A community in which human activity respects the environment and protects it for future generations

 

  • Ensure that new construction and alterations respect and enhance the surrounding environment.
  • Incorporate sustainable principles into standards for private development and public projects.
  • Expand awareness and use of environmentally friendly materials in new projects and remodels.
  • Encourage industries with inter-related products and raw materials to create local, sustainable economies.
  • Explore strategies that minimize negative impacts of human activity on the environment.

 

Community Care: A community that is responsive to the diverse interests and social needs of its residents, businesses and visitors

 

  • Encourage community members to participate in the city planning process to ensure realization of land use element goals.
  • Provide opportunities and incentives to develop services that meet all the community’s needs.
  • Encourage retail and service uses in areas with high concentrations of employees to serve their needs.
  • Provide opportunities and incentives for including childcare and pre-school facilities in new developments, adaptive reuses and near regional transit stations.
  • Encourage developments with multiple, compatible and flexible uses.
  • Promote the development and availability of varied housing types that are affordable to a wider cross-section of the community, and are near to or inclusive of beneficial services.
  • Provide opportunities to locate facilities that cater to lifelong learning activities.
  • Ensure that health care services are accessible to the entire community.

 

 

 


ATTACHMENT B - CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION ITEM, DATED MARCH 2006

 

INFORMATION ITEM

 

TO:                  Mayor and Councilmembers

FROM:            Andy Agle, Interim Director, Planning and Community Development

SUBJECT:     Land Use and Circulation Elements Project Update

 

INTRODUCTION

This report responds to the Council’s direction to establish goals to guide the Land Use and Circulation Elements (LUCE) project.  The report identifies draft goals, based on public input and policy direction on the project to date, and identifies a public process that will be used to refine and evaluate the draft goals.  Once refined and approved by the Planning Commission and Council, the goals will provide a framework for evaluation of project alternatives, trade-offs and implementation efforts.

 

BACKGROUND

The proposed process to establish goals builds on the efforts completed in earlier phases of the project and supports and complements upcoming phases of the project.  The first phase, Initial Outreach and Analysis, is complete and the second phase, Alternatives and Trade-offs, will continue forward once initial goals have been approved.  Preliminary work has also begun toward the task of rewriting the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

 

The initial phase of updating the LUCE involved a comprehensive public outreach effort.  This community-engagement process generated a significant outpouring of visions and ideas for what Santa Monica could look and feel like in 20 years and how improvements could be made to the way people move around the city. This feedback was received from several Citywide workshops, dozens of community forums, telephone, internet and transportation surveys, and walking tour guidebooks that over 900 people who live and work in Santa Monica completed and mailed back to City Hall. This and other information was posted and remains available on the project websites (www.shapethefuture2025.net and http://motion.santa-monica.org).

 

The input from the initial outreach efforts was documented in the April 2005 Emerging Themes Report (http://www.shapethefuture2025.net/pdf/EmergingThemesReport.pdf). Following the initial outreach efforts, the Planning Commission and City Council accepted twelve Emerging Themes (Attachment A) as a reflection of public sentiment, understanding that ideas and concepts may be further refined as the planning process progresses.  These twelve themes are similar to goals in that they express the community’s vision for the future.

 

The July 2005 Opportunities and Challenges Report followed the release of the Emerging Themes Report and concluded the project’s first phase. Presenting and analyzing data and trends related to land use, transportation, and environmental conditions, the report establishes a framework for analysis and evaluation of community ideas and expectations in relation to data and other information about the City and region. For example, the report highlights the challenge of providing affordable work-force housing in a community with high property values. The report also identifies well established neighborhoods as an opportunity to maintain and further define Santa Monica’s uniqueness and create a stronger sense of community. The fifteen policy questions identified in the first chapter of the Opportunities and Challenges Report are intended to frame public discussion. The Opportunities and Challenges Report is available online (http://www.shapethefuture2025.net/pdf/oc_report_web.pdf); the policy questions are also included with this report as Attachment B.

 

The community outreach and data analysis presented in these reports set the stage for the second phase of the update process, consideration of Alternatives and Trade-offs.  During this project phase, policy issues and land use distribution concepts are analyzed to support public dialogue and debate about Santa Monica’s future, such as integrated transportation systems, housing diversity and sustainable economies, to name a few.

 

The second phase will be supported by an Alternatives Workbook, which is intended to assist the community and decision-makers in understanding the interrelationships, consequences and trade-offs of potential policy decisions.  Each planning alternative will be evaluated against the goals and objectives confirmed through the forthcoming outreach process, thereby providing a framework for assessing the merits of different concepts and approaches.

 

Questions regarding how much new growth the City will plan for, and where, will be illuminated through an active public discussion based on analysis, understanding of consequences and trade-offs, and innovative problem-solving. Understanding how changes in density or circulation policy can strengthen or weaken the community is a significant component of the debate, but not the only one. Also important is to understand how the plans can preserve places that contribute to the cultural fabric, how design and transportation solutions can reduce our dependence on limited resources, and how we can provide more usable open space for passive and active recreational use. These are just a few of the issues that will be explored in the workbook and illustrated by example with three distinct land-use alternatives, so that the impacts of certain policy decisions are better anticipated.

 

The Alternatives Workbook will be used in a series of public outreach events designed to stimulate this public discussion and to develop a consensus as to a preferred vision for Santa Monica’s future. This vision may take the form of one of the alternatives, but will more likely be some blend of the various conceptual plans and perhaps other ideas. The results of this effort will be communicated to and reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council, where it is anticipated a preferred conceptual plan will be identified and approved. The concepts will then be translated into language appropriate for a general plan, i.e., a series of forward-looking objectives and polices that will implement the community’s goals for the future. Approval of a preferred conceptual plan will also allow for the continued effort on the Zoning Ordinance, which will provide the implementing regulations to carry out that vision.

DISCUSSION

In many ways, project goals have been articulated through the initial outreach effort and expressed in part through the Emerging Themes. The list of twelve themes, however, is somewhat incomplete and duplicative, and combines elements of goals, objectives, policies and implementing programs. While it was originally envisioned that precise goals would emerge after the community’s consideration of alternatives and trade-offs, establishing preliminary goals at this stage is expected to help narrow the range of options to study and better focus the discussion; it will also help reduce some of the uncertainly about project direction.

 

The draft goals for the Land Use and Circulation Elements (included as Attachment D) reflect a staff effort to distill the community aspirations and policy direction expressed in the initial project effort into statements of what the community would like to achieve through its land use and circulation elements.  Three months have been programmed for the community to respond to and offer suggestions for modifying, eliminating or adding to the draft LUCE goals.  The proposed outreach effort includes a Citywide workshop, an interactive display to be set up at the Main Library and used at the Santa Monica Festival in May, and a feedback forum on the City’s web site.  Presentations will be made to the Planning Commission before and after the outreach process and to City Council after the outreach process.

 

In order to frame the discussion and support the continued development of the plan, the outreach program will include a discussion of the role of goals, objectives and policies within the context of a General Plan.  Attachment C explains and illustrates these roles.  The vast amount of public input received during the initial project phase addresses not only goals, but also objectives and policies.  To facilitate the establishment of goals, staff will not only present draft goals, but also objectives and policies that might derive from the goals.  By seeing the goals in this context, participants can better understand whether the goals support the kinds of objectives, policies and programs that are important for Santa Monica’s future.  These efforts will be illuminated by reference to draft Common Elements and Common Options (Attachment E).  The Common Elements list identifies objectives and policies that were commonly expressed during initial public outreach and policy direction.   The Common Options list identifies objectives and policies that have been expressed frequently, but do not appear to have yet gained consensus support.

 

Project Timeline

The LUCE project was originally intended to be a two-year effort which started in Fall 2004. Since project initiation, additional time has been added to expand the opportunity for public input on milestone work products, to create separate hearings for Planning Commission and City Council (rather than joint hearings), to accommodate heavy Commission and Council agendas, and to maximize public involvement. Most recently, the time period during which the consideration of Alternatives and Trade-offs was expected to occur is now being used for consideration of goals.  Individually, these changes to the timeline are relatively minor.  Collectively, however, they do effect the project’s completion date. Attached to this report are two revised schedules; a short-term schedule for goal-setting and consideration of alternatives and trade-offs (Attachment G), and an estimated long-range schedule with a revised completion timeframe (Attachment H).

 

 

 

Next Steps

In April, the Planning Commission will consider the specific elements of the outreach process for the LUCE goal-setting effort.  A goal-setting community workshop is expected to occur in late April, followed by the Library, Internet, and Santa Monica Festival feedback efforts.

 

Prepared by:              Andy Agle, Interim Director

                                    Ellen Gelbard, Deputy Director

                                    Gay Forbes, Development Services Officer

                                    Amanda Schachter, Planning Manager

                                    Jonathan Lait, AICP, Principal Planner

                                    Liz Bar-El, AICP, Senior Planner

                                    Tony Kim, Associate Planner

                                    Peter James, Assistant Planner

                                    Lucy Dyke, Transportation Planning Manager

                                    Beth Rolandson, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

                                    Michelle Glickert, Transportation Planning Associate

                                    Planning and Community Development Department

                                   

cc:  Planning Commission

Attachments:

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

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

C.                Role of Goals, Objectives and Policies in a General Plan

D.                Draft Goals: Land Use and Circulation Elements

E.                 Draft Common Elements and Common Options

F.                 Land Use and Circulation Elements: Process To Date

G.                Short Term Project Schedule (Through Phase 2 – Alternatives)

H.                 Long Range Project Schedule (Through Project Completion)

 


Attachment A

 

Emerging Themes

 

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, beachtown 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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).

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 B

 

Policy Questions

 

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 C

 

Role of Goals, Objectives and Implementation Policies in a General Plan

 

 

Understanding the roles of and differences between goals, objectives and implementation policies is critical to shaping a general plan.  While all are components of a general plan document, each has a different purpose.

 

Goals:   Goals are broad statements which set general direction. They express an ideal for the future, rather than a specific action, and are rarely quantifiable or time- dependent.

 

Objectives: Objectives represent a finer level of specificity and serve as an intermediate step toward attaining a goal. Objectives can be measured and achieved within a specific timeframe. Because an objective seeks to bridge a goal’s broader meaning into real action, several objectives are generally identified for each goal.

 

Policies:  Policies are specific action statements, which guide the decision-making process once the plan is adopted.

 

The following example illustrates the relationship between goals, objectives and policies. At this stage we are establishing draft goals. Objectives and policies can be contemplated, but are not the focus of this part of the process; these more action-oriented statements can be more fully realized following the consideration of alternatives and trade-offs.

Example Illustrating the Relationship Between Goals, Objectives and Policies:

Draft Goal

Sample Objectives

Key Policy Considerations

A diverse and inclusive community supported by balanced growth

·      Promote a balanced and diverse economy that serves all income levels and preserves and enhances the City’s economic well-being.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·      Provide affordable housing opportunities that support all income levels, age groups, household size and special needs

 

 

 

·      Encourage the retention and creation of quality jobs for people with varied skills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·      Provide for a range of land uses and activities that support the needs and desires of local residents, workers and visitors

 

 

·    Affordable retail

·    Sustainable economies

·    Local availability of goods and services (keep dollars w/in city)

·    Retain small business

·    Enterprise / Incubator industries or Districts

·    Clean industry

·    Tourism

·    Entertainment

·    Dining

·    Auto dealers

 

 

·    Affordable housing: workforce housing

·    Household size/type: Family, senior, mixed use, single family homes, multi-family buildings

·    Needs: Transitional, homeless, senior, assisted living

 

 

 

·    Jobs that support a variety of housing opportunities

·    Skilled and unskilled job opportunities

·    Preserve and support small businesses (enterprise and incubator sites)

·    Professional jobs in retail, service, office, industry, visitor accommodations, technology, research and development, etc.)

·    Require workforce housing for large developments

·    Job training and advancement opportunities

·    Incentives to higher local residents

 

 

·      Housing typologies

·      Commercial typologies (retail, service, entertainment, office, technology)

·      Industrial typologies (manufacturing, distribution, storage, building supplies, etc.)

·      Institutional typologies (medical, education, government, research)

·      Open space and parks typologies

·      Social service typologies (child care, elderly care)

 


Attachment D

 

Draft Goals: Land Use and Circulation Elements

 

 

Draft Land Use Element Goals

 

·                    Balanced Growth: A diverse and inclusive community supported by balanced             growth

 

·                    Local Identity / Regional Context: A distinct local identity within the regional             context

 

·                    Enjoyment of Resources: The continued enjoyment of and access to natural             and cultural assets

 

·                    Great Design: Sustainable and innovative buildings and places with quality urban design

 

·                    Connected Neighborhoods: A community of safe, secure, and connected             neighborhoods with quality public spaces and amenities

 

 

Draft Circulation Element Goals

 

·                    Effective System: A balance of transportation choices for residents,             employees, and visitors to easily get around

 

·                    Universal Safety: A secure environment for pedestrians, cyclists, transit-            riders and drivers

 

·                    Great Public Spaces: Well-designed public spaces that support travel,             recreation and social interaction

 

·                    Regional Integration: A local transportation system that is integrated within             the regional context

 

·                    Environmental Responsibility: A transportation system that minimizes             pollution and motor vehicle congestion and preserves the natural environment

 

 


Attachment E

 

Draft Common Elements and Common 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

·        Transportation impact fee

 
Attachment F

 

 Process to Date Flow Chart

 


Attachment G

Short Term Project Schedule


Attachment H

Long Range Project Schedule


ATTACHMENT C - PUBLIC INPUT FROM FOUR OUTREACH EVENTS

(ARRANGED BY GOAL)

 

Balanced Growth – Land Use Element

A diverse and inclusive community supported by balanced growth

Library Comments

SM needs more affordable housing. At present, it is slanted toward more affluent people. You should have balanced growth.  Instead, City Hall is going crazy buying properties & spending money needlessly. Just look at this library - so much space - shelves without books.  This building is a white elephant.  City hires a City manager who was kicked out of San Diego.  His salary was $220,000 with a city of a million & 1/2 people and SM hired him @$245,000 and we have a population of 90,000 + 8 1/2 miles of city - stupid.  Downtown is a grid lock and the city keeps building.  Where is the balance?  This city stinks.

Solar Power.  Las Vegas has constructed 2 of the largest solar panel systems.  Clearly observable downtown to offset electrical expense.

Green Buildings

Stop selling us off to developers.  Lots of SM's are losing their sense of ownership as the City becomes glossier & more commercialized ad sold out to commerce & tourism.  I know several families as well as myself that are likely to move away, rent control or not, because "our" city no longer feels like home.

SM is already overgrown.  Parking is nearly impossible, yet you continue to permit overbuilding.  Balanced growth is an oxymoron - unlimited growth is the philosophy of the cancer cell-as Paul Ehrlich said, "Don't permit multi-unit town homes on single-family lots.  Accept that there are limits already exceeded."

Many people would like to live by the sea, but can't.  Why should there be any government subsidies in this city?  Are middle class people subsidized?  I think not.

Need to update our law library at court house. Also need more room in the filing office (Small Claims)

Make a vote to create a law making mandatory use of recyclables by every business.

"Balanced Growth" is a euphemism the goal of which is to destroy the people's place nibbling at the edges until the whole cake is gone!  Yes, this is an outrageous statement in US, but just apply it to Firenze and make your own conclusion.

Homeowners are not exactly the people you want deciding growth issues-they oppose every sq. ft. of it.  Try reaching out to those who can't afford the SM experience because of no growth.  Keep some open space & not get so BIG we can't move.

20th street exit/entrance to the 10 freeway from either direction on the freeway.  Will help with congestion on Cloverfield.

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments

Encourage pocket parks along foot commuter routes especially near fast food

Above all preserve buildings of character & structural merit

Focus on economic diversity above all other goals to preserve that ideal.

More affordable housing

“Balance” should be based on community needs

Limit demolitions of smaller homes & encourage their re-use by smaller families w/ smaller needs

Encourage local hiring

More efficient less expensive project approval processes for home owners, small business, historic restoration more affordability!!

Encourage incentives creation of workforce by large employers

Provide incentives for retailers of higher quality to be present on Pico Blvd

Create another city-owned mobile home park like Mountain View

Maintain affordable visitor accommodations

We need a moratorium on growth to keep our current balance of tourism / industry.

 

Community Workshop Comments

Help the homeless not be homeless

Returning some 'land uses' to their natural state  so people can understand the history of SM's land

Encourage housing for Santa Monica workers, not just entertainment industry executive types

Jobs/housing balance

School/employer partnerships

Affordable retail & services

Put a choke hold on the developers

Don't allow high rises

Opportunity for teachers to buy homes in Santa Monica- subsidized

Attractive covered shelters for homeless

Beautiful natural environment- more palm trees, cleaner beaches.

Targeted land use (i.e. gardens) that make up for what the economically disadvantaged residents do not have

Interested in vacant properties useful to move dislocated workers currently living on streets in Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Promote civics workshops that encourage basic community caring

Promote lifelong learning development

Decrease and control traffic

Allow only sustainable development

Maintain zero population growth

Reduce traffic congestion

Require that all new building be low density

Stop exempting large mixed use building from public review

 


Connected Neighborhoods – Land Use Element

A community of safe, secure, and connected neighborhoods with quality public spaces and amenities

Library Comments 

Improve the Pico corridor so that people in that neighborhood don't feel so disconnected. 

More mixed use buildings.

More mixed use development.

More park & green areas.  Scottsdale, AZA has a beautiful, functional, integral & highly popular civic center with extensive parks and gardens-and parking!

Palisades Park!  And a playground.  No place for them to play!

Keep as much historical relics as possible-build around what’s already there harmoniously-keep historic buildings and prevent new high skyscrapers-limit the height of construction.

Dial a ride-more funding-extend hours & trips to events. Trams/Jitney service. Drinks-coffee/tea=more access to "safe" bathrooms.  "Pico" buses always overcrowded due to SMC students-more service during college peak hours.  Miss the sandcastle building inside of SM mall.  That was so special-ongoing work & finished product.

Problems to be addressed: 1. Noise in 7th St. & Downtown area due to fire sirens-horrible! Noise pollution. 2. Large amount of building that is going on creates dust in apartments & noise & disruption of TV reception - Ch 2 = FUZZ. 3. Rents jumping $200. - 4. Housing-more affordable units required! 5. It is becoming 2 cities-BMW-JAG-Mercedes clogging streets& low income or fixed income (have nots). 6. Homelessness is a disgraceful in the midst of wealth!!!

You need dip warning signs on your streets!

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments

Neighborhood shops to walk to

trams or shuttles

bike or ped paths w green strips

Increase 'sense of community' through community-building activities so people will build trust

Safely get residents to walk to activities even at night (we need more lights!)

fund community centers

maintain neighborhood scale

protect from traffic/parking impacts

I know this is a contentious issue, but something must be done about the homeless people who take over every public space.  Personal safety, comfort and pride cannot coexist with homelessness!

Clean and repair sidewalks

Penalize careless pet owners

put parking lots in back, not front of parks, businesses, schools, etc

congestion- make SMC build lots more parking underground

First consider the desire of the particular community, neighborhood. What do they want?

Creating network ... sounds like public transportation system. can it get any better, maybe?  sm really does quite well on the open spaces department and obviously considers it very important

please help me to realize a solution to move displaced workers from the streets of SM and LA. I am currently seeking funding and would like a partnership with each city to move forward

more parks and public spaces

banish graffiti 'artists' and taggers from the city

do not build islands in thoroughfares as you did on Pico Boulevard

A permit process that makes it easier for neighborhood parties

 

Community Workshop Comments

Waiving the cost of parking at community events

Provide a reasonable period of free parking for the public libraries

Some of the dog parks need to be more people friendly

Enlist the homeless to help pick-up trash – I’ll tip someone who needs it if I see a good job

It is the main reason I live here – my child is safer in my view – add green space WITHIN school system, more security there

ELIMINATE speed bumps EVERYWHERE Oh, & D. ps too – so you can get from 1 neighborhood to the next

Parks to have built – in centrifuge like water features

Encourage & facilitate construction & retrofitting of front porches

Encourage people to clean up the yards – mainly picking up trash & keeping bushes trimmed back from sidewalks

Enlist trash collectors, meter readers, mail carriers, dog walkers, etc. to identify problems – graffiti, overgrown bushes & trees, buckling sidewalks, potholes

Identify & work within willing property owners to develop more pocket parks & green space

More outdoor cafes on Main Street Ocean Ave

Eliminate dark 24-hour slum bars along Pico

Preserve existing neighborhood scale. Minimize more density.

 


Great Design – Land Use Element

Sustainable and innovative buildings and places with quality urban design

Library Comments 

Business should be at the sidewalk - no more strip malls.  This also encourages walking.  All commercial development should be of sustainable design & include solar panels. 

Tax incentives for converting old, poorly designed commercial areas (i.e. strip malls into multiuse structures).

Continue emphasis on good visual design/archit.

Buildings should conform to the environment in Santa Monica.  SM is SM.  Don't make it into another New York, BH, and Brentwood.  We are unique.  We need less narrowing of streets.  Such is evident in SM-SM Blvd to San Vicente to the Sea.  Such a big waste of money.

Low density (bldgs) solar design, change codes for new construction.  No househeums?? In Rizone.

Make recycling bins available around the city, like Palos Verdes.

Recycling stations bigger.

The city should not dictate the design of build-up. Standards can be set, but individuals should make final design.

Do not overbuild.  No more than 3 story residential, 4 story business!

No high rise buildings. 

Free wireless internet. 

Great drought tolerant landscaping.

Don't make everything the same

I like the way the city is developing - the human scale of it.  Not a giant wind tunnel of impersonal bldgs.

Consider transfer of development rights to retain historic buildings/older building areas that everyone likes (like Main Street)

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments 

Strong preservation incentives

Streetscape improvements

Particularly preserve Spanish-style buildings

Welcoming entry at SM-Centinela

Clean streets and alleys

No graffiti

No more malls

Encourage walk-to neighborhoods like Ocean Park Blvd

Put more green into everything - solar, recycling everything possible, reusing, rejecting gasoline and other particulates deemed harmful to environment.  is underground living feasible, possible, and doable or will it become necessary? maybe we can get ready by advancing the possibilities. can we cut down on contributing to sick buildings, sick people by at least thinking about building products we use to create the buildings

Do not exceed current height limits

Put a stop to monster mansions

Do not add more housing to an already crowded city

Get city staff out of the design process.  Let the public judge and ARB and Commission hearings.  If developers choose to propose eye sours they deserve to have them rejected.

If the zoning code only allows for low density buildings developer focus on quality, rather than mass, to make their money.

Return to the review process of the 1980s in which developer that chose to propose beautiful buildings were able to go quickly to public hearings so their projects could be quick approved. Have only firms with proven track record of sustainability

 

Community Workshop Comments 

Encourage re-use of smaller “starter” homes

Analyze residential & commercial design standards

Human scale buildings with outdoor space for activities

Outdoor spaces conducive to people enjoying these recreational facilities to eat, sit, read. *Central Library downtown LA * Bryant Park in New York City of Santa Monica

Limit growth of single family homes into mansions: massive condos

Art & Cultural Center @ Civic Center

Encourage diversity within a generalized design standards; change with the future

More green friendly buildings (new construction, renovations)

ADAPTIVE REUSE

MAINTAIN MODERATE SCALE

Preserve Architectural Heritage e.g. craftsman’s, bungalows, etc. To allow for “growth” place old structures on roofs of new buildings.

Green Space: roof top gardens / yards (think hanging gardens)

 


Local Identity/Regional Context – Land Use Element

A distinct local identity within the regional context

Library Comments 

Begin to limit chain businesses per block, so that certain family run, unique businesses continue to distinguish SM's unique character.  Possibly create laws that limit rent charged for buildings of non-corporate/chain businesses.

I'm so happy & proud to see SM progressing towards becoming a greener community.  I'd like to see more bike laws & sideway car parking (to reduce traffic).  32 year old female…

Keep blue & white police cars unique to our city.  Stop all this building & density increase.  Don't need more high priced stores.  Stores & businesses are needed that residents can use.  Stop control of city by special & outside interests.   Give us back our SM beach town.

Life may not be measured by money (as per American practice), but by human values.  In fact, I know of no other society that measures life by its financial costs.  Policies should be implemented that foster locally owned business.  In particular, no existing mom-and-pa restaurant/store/business should be displaced to make room for a big corporation.  I think we will always be unique!

Open air, clean public spaces oriented toward park & ocean.  Business space along these areas beneath (and most of all, we do) we would be renowned for this.

Keep the Olympic rail out of Santa Monica.

No high rise buildings!

Work with schools and SMC to develop unique city/'hood trams

Supporting local mom & pop shops so SM has it's own unique character & isn't  like every other 'American City'

Support areas with many independent businesses, like Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments 

Affordable  homeownership

Expo LRT and Wilshire subway

New ventures do NOT include caving to the developers for the money.

Develop and subsidize local theatre

Encourage artists to stay , live & work here

Encourage athletes of all kinds to be prominent in the community

Provide support systems for displaced workers in acquired housing shared by veterans, physically disabled, mentally impaired...

Developing more ways to tap civic responsibility of each citizen

Encouraging input from all citizens across spectrum from environmental issues to education

Emphasize Santa Monica's unique character

Support local schools to the maximum extent possible

Do not allow other cities to dump their homeless upon us

Return Santa Monica to a low density community; follow the pictures diagrams and descriptions in the 1984 General Plan.

Put the resident's needs for drivable streets over city staff's desire for more sales and property taxes.

Subject mixed use building to discretionary control so residence can have a meaningful say in the quality of life in Santa Monica.

 

Community Workshop Comments 

SM is one of the few great pedestrian areas in L.A. Development that has a large parking lot along the street hurts this pedestrian experience. It’s better when shops line the streets.

We should be a leader/example for other communities - & that would be distinct.

Preserving our uniqueness means we can’t afford to increase our density of people, visitors, workforce, etc.

This is only “Important” because we’re doing pretty well in this area.

By the beach structures need to be preserved – Coastal lifestyle supported

Keep an open mind about how diverse businesses support SM & greater community

If this is about housing in the region its “very important”

MORE Multi-Family Housing this reduces traffic

Keep up with the times, change with the future, follow the demand of the market population

Santa Monica should not be an island! We have to help address regional concerns; sprawl, lack of housing

Cultural Center at Civic Center

 


Valued Resources – Land Use Element

The continued enjoyment of and access to natural and cultural assets

Library Comments 

Commercial rent control.  It's so sad to see treasured businesses forced out of the promenade replaced w/national chains, especially since taxpayers’ funds created the promenade.  Make it feasible for artists & arts to exist in this city.  Right now, they're as vulnerable as any business.

Definitely more parks and natural recreation space.  More trees throughout the city.

Integrate info into local schools & educational programs.

It's this quality of life that IS Santa Monica

I understand why The Lobster restaurant was built, and I enjoy the restaurant, but I wish you could see more of the ocean from PCH.  Ocean park view is great.  Going N on PCH is just wall-to-wall bldg

Again, returning some spaces to their more original natural state to help educate regarding SM's history (didn't SM used to be wetlands?)

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments 

Increase access to the beach and public parks

Enable access to school's open space for all residents, not just youth

Preservation incentives

Arts facilities

Try to keep the public spaces cleaner & free of trash

Keep streets and alleys clean

Trees on S.M. Blvd (26th-Centinela)

Limit growth

Partner parks with schools, senior centers & hospitals

Partner business with poorer schools

Are doggie bathrooms feasible

Introduce concept of shared use properties as percentage of the year instead of bunching homeless up in a spot for certain periods only.  at least open up the places used for sleeping only to allow for use of computers, visual or audio art creation, one on one meetings with social workers, mental health workers on a regular basis

Put a moratorium on all new development

Give highest priority to the recommendations of the Santa Monica Conservancy

Do not build any more housing, low income or otherwise

Making Santa Monica a desire place to live should be the city's primary concern.  Everything else should be a distant second.

The city should put its focus on how to make better use of existing buildings and infrastructure rather than tearing down and replacing existing buildings and infrastructure.

Stop allowing city parks for being used to feed the homeless.  The stench and panhandling, caused by homeless loitering in the parks, keeps the residents away.

 

Community Workshop Comments 

Cultural center at Civic Center

I think this is important only to the extent that the environment is not negatively affected.

New parks & open spaces in lieu of more development

Youth outreach programs to encourage art, music, etc. & discourage gangs

This is only “Important” because we’re doing ok in this area

Teach K-12 students more history of City Planning & Development re: influence of Douglas Aircraft

 

Effective System – Circulation Element

A balance of transportation choices for residents, employees and visitors to get around easily

Library Comments 

Yes.  More buses.  Fewer vehicles.

Get more people walking & provide shuttle services for nearby shopping.

More bicycle racks (parking).  Special allowance for electric cars (free parking/free charging).

Convert parking on street to bike lanes.

Convert parking on street to bike lanes & ped paths.

Encourage the MTA to bring Phase II of their proposed expo line to Santa Monica.

Make bus transfers for ANY SM bus, incoming or outgoing, rather than only in the direction

Introduce timed light systems to cut down on stop & go traffic and wasted fuel.

Promote affordable housing in most city areas.  Encourage the retention of jobs for people

Traffic is getting impossible. -we need a better way of getting around.

Expand bus service, bus lanes, etc. (hybrid buses & reasonable fares).

Bike paths in city.

Needs a train system like blue lines that travel from SM to Torrance where people can park & lock their cars and travel the train to work.

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments 

Friendly fun neighborhood trams

Greenscaped ped/bike paths

Neighborhood shops

Blue bus at $.50 is a great deal and can get you to most places easily.

If the objective is to reduce auto use and congestion, along with providing choices as listed above, could institute pricing as is being done in London, where non-residents pay city-entering fee

City shuttle for students & seniors

Bike priority routes & incentives

School carpool & walk programs

The ONLY thing I would copy from downtown Los Angeles is the DASH.  There are several routes for a van to travel, where people can hop on and off the DASH and not have to use a car.  It is cheap and goes everywhere around the downtown area.  It is much easier than relocating a car.  Get the cars out of the downtown Santa Monica area. 

Try to come up with a better bus map for the Big Blue Bus.  I'd love to use this more, but cannot make out the bus schedule online.

Subsidized taxis for elderly

Clean and repair sidewalks

Enforce ped safety laws

Speed bumps--stop crazy drivers

Prioritize Santa Monica becoming an official Bicycle Friendly Community

When one thing fails (bus lanes), have the courage to drop it!

Drop off places at public facilities, malls, etc that is safe to drop off older children and seniors. You can get more carpooling if drop off is an option

Incentivize non-polluting transportation choices and punish polluting choices (better pedestrian & amenities, free or cheap shuttles/buses & make anti-social gas-guzzlers pay $50+ to park/drive in SM!

In san francisco/oakland bay area original intent was to take public transportation to Bart lines, no parking at stations or on streets. it's still a good idea

There are far too many cars moving through the city. more expansive people moving capabilities?

Auto use is not now currently a great need, it is a desire. can we come up with anything else?

Bring light rail to Santa Monica

Enforce speed limits on all streets

Control Santa Monica College traffic

Reduce visitor traffic on city streets.  Price the beach lots so people use them at night.  Building a major downtown parking structure right off the freeway.

Stopping encouraging much downtown congestion by adding too many downtown parking spaces.

Promote bicycle rider safety by reducing development which increases traffic.

Provide kiosks to dispense day passes or week passes for the Blue Bus – tourists and residents will love 'em.  Improve interconnections between bus routes so that cross-town trips are more readily accomplished in less time.  From 20th & Ocean Park or 11th & Santa Monica Blvd

 

Community Workshop Comments 

Varied skill and wage needs.

This is supremely important to me as the environment is in crisis. Free public transport or credits to use it.

DIGNIFIED PLACES to wait for THE BUS

POLICY – Transit / Walking amenities such as ashtrays / garbage cans near by

AMENITIES – Laundromat[s] and grocery stores are needed in central [Pico nbrhd] S.M.

TOUGHEST OF ALL ISSUES/ carpool lanes

Share a ride incentive [for Srs & those of limited mobility] DIAL-A-RIDE past 6:00 p.m. and extra for special events

Don’t worry so much about traffic by changing land use. Live closer to work/shop

Policy: buses should be smaller

The orange line shows the expected wait time until the next bus arrival – this would be very helpful if it was reliable & used GPS. People would realize the wait time was not as long as they thought

Reliability of buses – sometimes a bus is skipped due to drivers not showing up or breaks down.

BUS-ONLY LANES ON LINCOLN / WILSHIRE!

More frequent Transit Service

More visitor friendly transportation [i.e. trolleys] & better publicity of these services

Smaller buses for less-occupied routes running on alternative fuel & more frequently

Use smaller buses – most run part empty

 


Environmental Responsibility – Circulation Element

A transportation system that minimizes, and where possible eliminates, pollution and motor vehicle congestion

Library Comments

We really, really need new public transportation systems (i.e. above ground subway on freeway).

Have a city sponsored Flex Program with hybrid vehicles & buses.

Alternative fuel vehicles (biodiesel school buses, more biodiesel fuel stations, credit

Eliminate internal combustion driven vehicles!

Get people to walk more and make SM more pedestrian friendly.  At present it is not friendly to walkers.

Make a vote to create a law making more mandatory use of recyclable materials by all businesses.

The city already does a better job at this than LA City & County.  Though this is encouraging, one ought to be aware of the negative influence of the larger LA on the city of SM to be on guard against pressure to undue the correct environmental positions adopted by SM.

After peak hours, do not run large capacity buses!  The smallest passenger buses will do, untailing the gas and smog problem.  Rationale: you do not have as many passengers to fill large buses after hours.  Makes sense.

Provide transit service to allow people to move about without driving.

Lessen the socially destructive effects of corporate tourism in SM by ending the Olympic rail proposal at the 405.  Make SM a "bike first" city and make Olympic rail passenger board electric blue buses for any trips west of the 405.  Make car owners pay & carbon tax to pay for their roads in SM, CA.

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments

We really, really need new public transportation systems (i.e. above ground subway on freeway).

Have a city sponsored Flex Program with hybrid vehicles & buses.

Alternative fuel vehicles (biodiesel school buses, more biodiesel fuel stations, credit

Eliminate internal combustion driven vehicles!

Get people to walk more and make SM more pedestrian friendly.  At present it is not friendly to walkers.

Make a vote to create a law making more mandatory use of recyclable materials by all businesses.

The city already does a better job at this than LA City & County.  Though this is encouraging, one ought to be aware of the negative influence of the larger LA on the city of SM to be on guard against pressure to undue the correct environmental positions adopted by SM.

After peak hours, do not run large capacity buses!  The smallest passenger buses will do, untailing the gas and smog problem.  Rationale: you do not have as many passengers to fill large buses after hours.  Makes sense.

Provide transit service to allow people to move about without driving.

Lessen the socially destructive effects of corporate tourism in SM by ending the Olympic rail proposal at the 405.  Make SM a "bike first" city and make Olympic rail passenger board electric blue buses for any trips west of the 405.  Make car owners pay & carbon tax to pay for their roads in SM, CA.

Transit lines.

Don't make it hard to drive!!!!

Incentive for mini-town-cars

Develop open air trams

Can't you build an additional parking garage over the top of Grisby's Auto Repair on 4th

Again, stopping at every traffic signal wastes time and energy. Fix it!

Vertical street parking near the Promenade

Easy ped access to all stores

Mid-cross-town bus or shuttle for north-south access

It may be time for development of infrastructure that supports green transportation more fully

Promote hybrids in every way possible

Encourage walking by getting rid of aggressive transients and panhandlers

Improve the flow of traffic.  The worst pollution comes from cars that are stalled in traffic.

Having convenient and affordable parking directly off the Coast Highway and the 10 Freeway will reduce traffic on city streets.

 

Community Workshop Comments

TOD & Mixed use helps get people out of their cars

Less dependence on gasoline important. Hopefully all vehicles [buses/shuttles] will be less noisy

Create centers where people can do more things at once

Public transit extremely important to connect all County systems

Bring EXPOLR up 3rd St. Promenade to Wilshire to encourage use

Have the car industry no the City carry only non polluter cars

Get Willie Nelson Biodiesel vehicles – so its clean

Rezoning. Make it easier to grocery shop & bank close to where people live, esp. on S. Monica, Pico, and OP Blvd.

Electric Rail – incentivize car pooling

Make transit fun trolleys – inexpensive – smaller vehicles

Use smaller buses, electric powered “jitneys’ with short routes

Partner with institutions to encourage carpooling, cycling, working, transit

Encourage TOD: built in users – co-locate transportation & housing

Increase # of stops (don’t decrease)

Free public transport, or credits for using it

Subsidize / make less expensive/ give credit for riding transit

More Rapid lines – longer, going to more points?

 


Regional Awareness – Circulation Element

Local system integrated with regional context

Library Comments

Establish more fixed and visible locations for educating the public about our effect on the beach, the sea, and sea creatures & birds.  Make the educational messages brief, engaging, memorable and change them frequently to keep the passers-by engaged & learning.

Incentives for Media Corps. To give incentives to employees to RIDE to WORK by BICYCLE.  c.f. Car Pool incentives of '70's and 80's.  Warner Bros., Sony, etc. have many local employees who could bicycle to work.  Give them some INCENTIVE.

Traffic is a mess in the LA area-we need to work together w/other local cities.

Wouldn't street congestion be better with better access to the freeway at 20 & 4th

Provide incentives to use alternative modes of transportation such as walking, biking, public transit

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments

Better transit to LAX, dntn, region

Safe shuttle for school kids

It needs to be more appealing to step on to a quick transportation system than to be in a car.  This would not replace the Big Blue Bus, which is great.  It would provide a good reason to leave the car and still be able to get around.  The DASH is a quarter.  Better to spend a quarter than choke the streets with cars.

Make the city more cyclist-friendly!  Right now you risk your life riding on most city streets!

Direct SM buses to the Getty

Enforce speed limits in alleys

Speed bumps on Arizona bt 26th & Centinela

Pedestrian rights enforced

Safe bike lanes

Cut-n curbs for busses

Make current parking structures safer and more inviting

Give preferential parking to all residents

Do not remove left turn lanes from major boulevards

We have no shortage of regional visitors.  We should be doing nothing to encourage more regional people to visit.

 

Community Workshop Comments

Support local downtown Santa Monica easy access (trolleys)

Routine accommodation of bicycles in all transportation projects

Light Rail! Make bus system carry less class division

Bike only routes paralleling major roads & connecting with routes to/from neighboring communities

Develop a tram system throughout City which connects a bus outside of City parking

Support regional transit solutions like extension of red line to the ocean

 


Universal Safety – Circulation Element

A secure environment for all pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers

Library Comments

I love the "Big Blue Bus" signs.  Thank you for leaving your car at home it helps everyone (air pollution, etc.)  Sign "Thank You for not blocking the intersection."

Move the transients and pan handlers out of city-even to a community of their own.  Like to a desert community.

Stop the no-growths and owner residents from shutting our renters and those that rent to buy in SM.  Where will children of home-owners live? - Not in SM?

Your process is poorly designed.  The question is "What's More Important".  Without comparisons, people will claim anything is important - witness your results?

More bicycle paths - favor low-speed electrics.

At present SM is pedestrian unfriendly.  Drivers here are terrible.  They need to be educated on safe driving.

More designated bike lanes.

Secure environment.

Driver training with big diesel cars.

Flashing crosswalks.

Fire police who give petty tickets for infringements on empty streets - they should be eliminating the reckless, aggressive drivers who speed through crosswalks or red lights at high speeds with utter carelessness.  I paid nearly $200 for a traffic ticket infringement on an empty street that injured no one, while in the same week countless speeders caused danger to many and went free.

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments

More one way streets maybe?

No bikes on busy streets

Seems pretty good now that 1-way streets are gone

Safe routes to schools program

Bike safety school programs

Protect residential streets

Frustration levels and travel times should be reduced by coordinating signal timing and reducing 'traffic calming' measures. I hate to travel in this city, I dread driving in this city more than any other. Enforce cell phone laws while driving.  Drivers are not focused on driving.  City is too focused on demands that speeds be reduced. Stopping at every signal wastes time and energy.

Bicycle paths

Put hospital and school sites as top priority for traffic and parking mitigation, especially schools near the college!

I think education is a great idea always

Install pedestrian-operated stop signals at all problematic crosswalks

Enforce speed limit laws on Ocean Park Boulevard and other thoroughfares

Promote flexible work hours for all businesses

Reduce development.  Too much development causes too much traffic, which reduces the safety of pedestrians and bicycle riders.

The traffic circle on 26th & Washington is a huge improvement of the 4 stop sign intersections.

It's not safe to ride a bike on the streets-I avoid it and only ride @the beach.

Make it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving a car.  Being a pedestrian in this town is scary,

 

Community Workshop Comments

Tickets for cars that do not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Continue traffic calming.

Continue traffic calming efforts city-wide

Driver training in High School [w/ biodiesel cars]

Reduce traffic by slowing / ceasing the continued development

Additional signage

“Complete Streets” all modes provided for

Night hours for Dial-A-Ride, safer for seniors & those w/ limited mobility

Traffic riding skills, training for cyclists is crucial

In districts designated historic, eliminate traffic to allow enjoyment of same

More streets for pedestrians only

Tickets for people jumping right hand turns which is very common now

Create “BICYCLE BOULEVARDS” [with forced turn-offs for motor vehicles – every 4-6 blocks]

Increase public transport – TRAMS

 


Well Designed Spaces – Circulation Element

Quality designed public spaces for travel, recreation and social interaction

Library Comments 

Village - like architectural spaces - automobile limited roadways-automobile -less roadways.

The lights at intersections stay too long red - it should be setup to move traffic & pedestrians better.

More natural spaces - parks, trees, etc.

Enforce existing traffic laws - speed, stop signs, and traffic lights.

Light!  Street lights.  California Ave. no lights, ugly, need new.

Need to sort out the homeless problem.  It is a stain on Santa Monica.

More places to walk & bike safely.

SM has beautiful public areas, but they are overrun with homeless people who not only are visually unappealing, but also smell bad & scare pedestrians.

More speed bumps.  Keep parking for residents, not business/visitors.

More public art-sculptures, fountains, murals, tile work.

 

Internet Feedback Forum Comments

Change the most congested intersections to north/south traffic, then east/west traffic, then All Walk.  No cars and all pedestrians can move in any direction across the street.   This would eliminate all the drivers who constantly encroach on the intersection while people are in crosswalks.  This should be STRICTLY enforced.  100's of times a day, cars are threatening pedestrians.

Places to sit in public spaces that are not commercial, i.e. promenade

More public info posted for influx of tourists yearly that make traffic so unsafe

Better entrance , more accessible to college and most schools, and pier

Traffic calming does not work. when in doubt add stop signs, not speed bumps

Time signals better to facilitate traffic flow

Stop reducing and narrowing lanes.  They do not reduce traffic or slow speeds.  The just make street for congested and dangerous.

Single family neighborhoods and one and two story retail districts encourage pedestrian use (they are pleasant places to walk).  The best way to encourage pedestrian traffic is to down zone.

 

Community Workshop Comments 

Create a cultural center to be proud of

Get the best Santa Monica architects to design

More pedestrian-friendly Pier access

Above all, show GREEN – go for a Palm Beach PL look

“Complete Streets” – peds, bikes, transit, cars

Olympic/Stewart bike lanes

More bike lanes, wide sidewalks where the are a lot of pedestrians

Better walking at beach – not mixed w/ bikes. Bike paths – no bikes on sidewalks


Santa Monica Festival Activity (Goal) Boards

Dots at upper portions indicate support, lower dots – less support

 

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