REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on confirmation of the boundary of the Downtown Precise Plan planning area
Report
BACKGROUND
From October 2015 to November 2017 the City conducted a series of Downtown Revitalization Committee community workshops focused on establishing a vision for the redevelopment of the City’s traditional Downtown core area. Following completion of that process, the City Council directed staff to begin preparation of a Precise Plan to further advance the community’s vision.
On October 2, 2018 the City Council held a study session to review the Downtown Precise Plan process and to identify community members to participate in a Downtown Community Task Force (DCTF). The staff presentation at the study session included a depiction of the anticipated boundary area for the Downtown Precise Plan consistent with the area that had been extensively discussed at the prior Downtown Revitalization Committee workshops.
As a next step staff will be conducting a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to engage a consultant team to support the preparation of the Precise Plan. An initial DCTF meeting was held on December 20, 2018 to receive input from the DCTF on the scope for the RFP. The City is scheduled to issue the RFP in early February to advance the Downtown planning process.
DISCUSSION
City staff has recently become aware of a development interest in properties located just on the west side of Monroe Street between Homestead Road and Franklin Street, just west of the Downtown Precise Plan area presented at the October 2, 2018 Council study session, and directly across from the Downtown Gateway (Silicon Sage Builders) project that is currently under construction.
This area is immediately adjacent to the proposed Downtown Precise Plan boundary. Given this proximity, any development within this area should be aligned with the efforts made in the Downtown Precise Plan to guide new development. Accordingly the RFP has been drafted to identify the Precise Plan area to include the two blocks on the west side of Monroe Street between Benton Street and Franklin Street, which will add a total of 4.1 acres to the previously identified planning area (see attached Downtown Precise Plan Boundary Map).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is an informational report that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City beyond what has been anticipated and budgeted as part of the Downtown Precise Plan process.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and file the change to the Downtown Precise Plan planning area boundary.
Staff
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Community Development Director
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Downtown Precise Plan Boundary Map