Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS3 - Corona del Mar Vision 2004�S3 L - ,� Corona del Mar Vision 2004 Plan Presentation To The City Council August 12, 2003 (Slide 1 Blank); (Slide 2) It has been 26 months since the April 10, 2001 Corona del Mar BID presentation of the Vision 2004 Plan to the City Council. Since that presentation five of the current City Council members have been elected and thus have not seen the original presentation as a member of the City Council. The BID feels that with the passage of time and election of new City Council members an update is in order. (Slide 3) You will notice this presentation now refers to the plan as the Corona del Mar Vision Plan. The BID decided to rename the plan since it is now evident that despite all our efforts we will not achieve our goals by the end of 2004, the one - hundreth anniversary of Corona del Mar. We now refer to the plan as the "Corona del Mar Vision Plan ". In August of 1999 the BID hosted a weekend long design " Charrette" where professional Urban Designers met with business people and residents to explore what design changes could be brought about to improve the Corona del Mar business district and strengthen the "village' atmosphere of Corona del Mar. This was done in anticipation of developing a plan and constructing improvements by 2004. Using the results of the design charrette, the BID, in conjunction with the Corona del Mar Residents Association and the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, is preparing a plan for the Corona del Mar business district entitled "Corona del Mar Vision Plan ". (Slide 4) Included in the "Vision Plan" will be: • A design plan for the public improvements on Coast Highway 1 • Improvement of the alleys adjacent to the business district • Advisory design guidelines for the improvement of building facades • New sign regulations • A parking plan • Improved development standards for commercial properties. The principal conclusion of the charrette was that in order to make any significant changes through the business district the city needs to assume jurisdiction over Coast Highway because of Cal Trans design standards and procedures. Thus the first order of business was to begin the negotiation process with the state for the relinquishment of the highway by the state to the City of Newport Beach and the development of an Improvement Plan for Coast Highway. In February of 2000 the City Council authorized the BID to initiate negotiations with Cal Trans on the relinquishment of the Highway. (Slide 5) The goals of the Vision Plan is to create a safe and aetheticly pleasing pedestrian friendly environment without interfering with traffic flow and strengthen the "village" atmosphere of the Corona del Mar business district. Key to that is an Improvement Plan for Coast Highway that emphasizes the "village" atmosphere and creates a "pedestrian friendly" environment. In the spring of 2000 the Business Improvement District commenced the drafting of a concept plan for Coast Highway. Since then, the BID has consulted with the Corona del Mar Chamber Of Commerce and Residents Association representatives as well as other interested parties. Out of that a draft concept plan evolved and continues to evolve. (Slide 6) The plan before you, even though it looks like a final plan, is still a work in progress. As we make presentations such as the one today we will continue to seek input and make changes to the plan proposal as appropriate. Also, it is important to remember that this is a 2 concept plan and the visualizations are meant to portray the feel or atmosphere we are trying to create. There will be another step in which the final design details such as plant materials, colors, texture and so forth will be selected. Our plan envisions the creation of a pedestrian oriented environment along Coast Highway from Avocado Street to Seaward Drive unlike that which exists in any business district in Southern California. It builds upon the delightful walking environment of the surrounding residential areas with its tree lined streets, lush landscaping, and beautiful gardens. (Slide 7) The backbone of the plan is to create a strong landscaped median statement along the entire length. Any place it is possible, landscape medians will be installed in such a way as to not impede traffic flow or restrict turning movements. We are not proposing changing any turning movements except for the possibility of turning left on Larkspur going west on Coast Highway. This would not be done without further study. The new medians will be landscaped to a greater intensity and higher quality than the existing medians. Larger trees and shrubs with greater massing will be provided. The new medians will add to traffic and pedestrian safety by prohibiting turning movements across the existing painted medians. In addition, the existing medians will be upgraded to a quality commensurate with the new medians. All the medians will feature landscape lighting at night. (Slide 8) The landscaped medians will be further enhanced by the sidewalk landscaping. The density and size of the street trees will be increased, more than doubled, to help replace the feeling lost when our ficus trees were removed. It should be noted that the plan does not propose to remove any of the parking spaces on Coast Highway or the intersecting side streets. 4.1 Also, it is proposed that parkway landscaping be created beneath the trees. This landscaping will be designed and strategically placed so as to not interfere with the entering and exiting of cars from the curbside. All the sidewalks will be replaced with new paving material. Rather than using plain concrete it is proposed to use a high quality paving material that will provide texture and a feeling of quality and aesthetic uniformity. (Slide 9) The parking lanes are proposed to be treated with paving similar to the sidewalks rather than the traditional asphalt. This will provide the impression that the sidewalks are wider than they are as well as provide the impression that the street is narrower than it is by removing the 8' of asphalt parking lane on each side of the street and replacing it with the enhanced paving. To further create the impression of wider sidewalks and a narrower street additional trees will be strategically placed in the parking lanes so as to not interfere with traffic or parking maneuvers. This will contribute the feeling that you are passing through a "village" as you drive Coast Highway through the business district. (Slide 10) The 40 or so "cobra head" lighting poles will be replaced with a decorative "Heritage" lighting pole which will include a decorative base and lighting fixture. Each pole will have permanent brackets for hanging decorative banners as well as brackets for hanging baskets with plants and flowers. The existing poles are structurally deficient and are not even capable of supporting the decorative banners. The hanging baskets will further contribute to the park like or garden theme being created much as they do in Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada. The banners on the light poles will help create a festive atmosphere and will be rotated on a seasonal basis throughout the year. These lighting fixtures will be much more decorative and attractive than the standard poles and will still meet all safety and lighting requirements. E In between the replaced light poles will be placed pedestrian scale lighting fixtures. The bases will also be of a similar "Heritage" design as the replaced poles. They also will have provisions for hanging flower baskets and be of the same color as the replaced cobra head lights. It is also proposed that the traffic light pole and brackets be of the same color and design as the new street lighting fixtures. (Slide 11) A coordinated collection of street furniture in similar color and textures as the street lights will be selected to be placed in appropriate locations throughout the business district. This will include benches, trash containers, bicycle racks and drinking fountains. The possibility of similar designs for news racks, public telephones, public signing poles, and bus stops are being explored also. (Slide 12) Major accents are being proposed at key locations along the business district. (Slide 13) The intersection of Marguerite and Coast Highway, because of its width and location is considered the heart of the village and as such is being proposed for special treatment. (Slide 14) Since the medians are wider here it is possible to have more substantial landscaping than in other areas. Enhanced paving treatment is envisioned for this intersection to further set it apart. (Slide 15) Without the Vision Plan the intersection, although enhanced by the existing landscaped medians, needs further enhancement. (Slide 16) It is dramatically improved with the Vision Plan. (Slide 17) It is proposed that a "Village Green" be created at the parking area at Marguerite and Bayside Drive with the parking placed beneath it. This is possible due to the change in elevation from the Marguerite to the Larkspur intersection. This will be a location where the Farmers Market can continue as well as being a peaceful resting and meeting spot. (Slide 18) Without the Vision Plan the Village Green area is an asphalt parking lot. (Slide 19) The Vision Plan transforms it into a village center. It is also envisioned that the "village green" 5 contain a focal point structure such as a (Slide 20) clock tower with a community message board or similar element located near the Marguerite and Coast Highway intersection. Although the business district itself is a strip the surrounding Corona del Mar community is generally rectangular and this can truly become the "village center". (Slide 29) The eastern gateway to the business district is at Seaward Drive. (Slide 22) This will be defined by a landscaping treatment west of Seaward Drive that could include some seating areas with a view towards the ocean at the edge of Buck Gully. Also, a Village entry sign is proposed here as well as additional landscaped medians and enhanced paving. (Slide 23) Without the Vision Plan this intersection is wide and not pedestrian friendly. (Slide 24) With the Vision Plan the intersection becomes a pedestrian friendly entrance to our village. (Slide 25) The western gateway is at Avocado and Coast Highway. (Slide 26) This will be highlighted by additional median landscaping, enhanced paving in the intersection, increased landscaping around the gas station, and village entry signage. (Slide 27) From the west the major focal point will be the MacArthur and Coast Highway intersection. This intersection is now extremely wide and not pedestrian friendly. The plan proposes to move the three to two lane transition of the eastbound lanes to the west of MacArthur Blvd. This will allow the southerly curb to be moved closer to the north thereby reducing the curb to curb distance across this intersection. (Slide 28) Without the Vision Plan the MacArthur and Coast Highway intersection discourages pedestrian usage. (Slide 29) With The Vision Plan this intersection joins Corona del Mar Plaza to Old Corona del Mar and encourages pedestrian traffic between these new and old section of our village. It allows the opportunity to create (Slide 30) a "Garden Walk" and have more landscaping and a meandering sidewalk from Dahlia to Begonia on the south side of Coast Highway. We call this area A "Restaurant Row" on the plan due to the number of restaurants here. It also presents the opportunity for restaurants in this vicinity to have increased opportunities for (Slide 39) outdoor dining in the large area being created in front of the buildings. A village entry sign will also be located on MacArthur Blvd at the approach to this intersection. (Slide 32) One of the major constraints to a pedestrian friendly environment is the bisection of the business district by Coast Highway. Although Coast Highway is and will remain a major traffic arterial, the plan envisions the creation of additional pedestrian crossings. (Slide 33) The Orchid Intersection is proposed to be fully signalized and the existing pedestrian crossing enhanced. (Slide 34) A traffic signal at Dahlia is not feasible due to its proximity to MacArthur Blvd so it is being proposed that it be provided with a pedestrian activated warning light system whereby lights, similar in shape to the round dots marking traffic lanes, are placed in the painted crosswalk bands and flash when activated by the pedestrian. The same treatment is proposed for Iris. (Slide 35) Without the Vision Plan, Coast Highway through the Iris Intersection is devoid of landscaping and pedestrian amenities. (Slide 36) With the Vision Plan this stretch of Coast Highway becomes safe and pedestrian friendly. Also, the Seaward and Coast Highway intersection is proposed for a full traffic signal which will include a pedestrian crossing. (Slide 37) Discussions have taken place with Corona del Mar Plaza and they are interested in upgrading and enhancing their pedestrian entrance at the MacArthur and Coast Highway intersection to take advantage of the more pedestrian friendly environment being created in the business district. 7 (Slide 38) The plan was developed with input from the very beginning by the Corona del Mar Chamber Of Commerce and Residents Association. From October 2000 to date this presentation has been given to in excess of 3000 residents from groups as large 200 to as small as 2 or 3. It has been given to large organized groups as well as small groups of individual residents and businessmen. The outreach program resulted in modifications to plan proposals to satisfy concerns expressed during this process. (Slide 39) As a result of the community outreach program we have received endorsements from the following: • Corona del Mar Residents Association • Numerous Corona del Mar Homeowners Associations such as Harbor View Hills, Corona Highlands and Shorecliffs. • Speak Up Newport • Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce • Newport Harbor Chamber Of Commerce • Numerous Corona del Mar businesses and property owners (Slide 40) Additionally the Plan has been endorsed by the following boards and commissions: • Planning Commission • Parks Commission • Economic Development Committee • Citizens Environmental Quality Affairs Committee (Slide 41) What's been done Since April 2001? • The State Legislature passed a bill authorizing relinquishment of the highway from Newport Coast Drive to Jamboree. • Cal Trans prepared a Draft Agreement. • Cal Trans Initiated and completed a PSSR. • BID and the City installed additional trees. • BID and the City installed benches and trash receptacles. • BID and the City installed bus shelters. • BID and the City budgeted for median improvements and lighted crosswalks. (Slide 42) These photographs are examples of the benches, trash receptacles and bus shelters. (Slide 43) The BID initially adopted a dual track implementation program. Track One is to construct improvements that can be done with or without Cal Trans relinquishment. Track Two is to pursue the relinquishment and funds to construct the ultimate plan. To accomplish this the BID has pursued a five year plan to implement Track One. (Slide 44) If and when the relinquishment is accomplished the Track One Five Year Plan will be incorporated into a Track Two Implementation Program. The Overall plan and the Track One and Track Two implementation plans have been designed so that construction can be phased to meet the funding level achieved. (Slide 45) Track One Five Year Construction program: • 2002 -03 $261K Medians; $71K Crosswalks Total $332K • 2003 -04 $300K Medians; $20K Centennial; Total $320K • 2004 -05 $335K Light Poles; $10K Centennial; Sidewalk Resurfacing TBD; Total $345K • 2005 -06 $335K Light Poles; Sidewalk Resurfacing TBD 9 2006 -07 $45,000 Entry Monuments; $50,000 Street Furniture; Sidewalk Resurfacing TBD; Total $95,000 2007 -08 $50,000 Street Furniture; Sidewalk Resurfacing TBD (Slide 46) Track Two Funding. • The total cost to construct the plan is $12m as of February 2001. If the Highway is relinquished to the city whatever portion of the relinquished funds the city allocates will be used to construct the improvements. • The balance of the construction funds would besought from other state and federal programs. It is possible to use the funds allocated to the plan from the relinquishment funds as a match where appropriate. • The plan can be phased to match available funds. (Slide 47) So what are the benefits of pursuing relinquishment of Coast Highway? Even if none of the Vision Plan is constructed there are substantial benefits to obtaining jurisdiction over Coast Highway. This would be very unlikely, however. If the Vision Plan were not fully implemented, modest improvements such as median landscaping and other Track One 5 Year Plan items would most assuredly occur. Benefits of the relinquishment without the Vision Plan being fully implemented would be: Merchants and property owners would have one governmental authority to deal with. Modest Improvements can be made to city standards versus Cal Trans standards. • The community can get needed pedestrian crossing and traffic signals (Slide 48) Both Corona del Mar and the city at large benefit greatly if the Vision Plan is implemented. Benefits to Corona del Mar include: 10 • Shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities for residents is vastly improved by having a pedestrian friendly and safe business district that is more conducive to walking. • Merchants will have an improved physical environment which will translate into an improved business environment. • An improved physical environment in the public right of way will encourage merchants and property owners to improve and upgrade their buildings (Slide 49) Benefits Citywide include: • The city will have greater sales and property tax revenues from a healthy business district • The highway Improvements will contribute to higher property values for Corona del Mar residential areas which will generate higher property tax revenues for the city • The beauty and uniqueness of the Corona del Mar business district will be able to be enjoyed by all residents of the city (Slide 50) This is a unique opportunity to take one of the few functioning traditional business districts left in Southern California and invest in its future. Urban planners and community builders are trying in new planned communities to re create the environment we already have in Corona del Mar. New communities such as Disney's Centennial and Seaside in Florida are trying to capture the special feeling that we are already blessed with in Corona del Mar through their "New Urbanism" designs. This is an opportunity to replace and upgrade the aging public infrastructure of the business district. It will help insure that Corona del Mar retains its position as second only to Fashion Island in generating business revenue, exclusive of auto dealers, for the city. It is an insurance policy to provide for the long term health and vitality of the Corona del Mar 11 This plan is called The Vision Plan because it is a "Vision ". It is a vision that started with the BID and is now shared by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce and the Corona del Mar Residents Association. It is a Vision that is being increasingly shared by residents, business owners and property owners in Corona del Mar as the plan is increasingly exposed to more and more people for their comments and input. (Slide 51) It is a vision that is put forth by those who want to improve the environment of Corona del Mar and who are willing and able to put in the time and effort to make a difference in their community. It is a vision that is put forth by those who did not wait for the city to do something but took it upon them selves to develop a plan for and with their community. The BID has many members and volunteers who are working diligently to bring this plan to fruition. The plan as it is developed to this point is the results of 48 months of hard work. We have a lot of challenges and work ahead of us but we believe we can make this Vision a reality. The heart of this vision the relinquishment of the highway. If the city does not accept the relinquished highway many, but not all, of the concepts in this plan can be implemented but at much reduced quality and scale and with a much higher level of difficulty. The money offered by Cal Trans to date to accompany the relinquishment Is not up to our expectations. However we feel strongly that this is about more than the money offered. The Corona del Mar business district is unique in Newport Beach and all of Orange County. It is the only community shopping district bisected by Coast Highway. All the others are tourist or Highway related commercial districts. The fact that he highway bisects the district is a physical reality that cannot be changed. However, the authority administering the highway can be changed from a beauracratic state agency with little concern for community needs to a city council that responds to its 12 resident and business community needs. Although as stewards of our city finances you must pursue relinquishment in a prudent fiscal manner please keep in mind that there are many reasons to assume jurisdiction of this highway that cannot be evaluated dollar for dollar against what Cal Trans my ultimately offer. Please keep this in mind as you consider this issue in the coming months. 13 Refer to File 68 for PowerPoint Presentation