HomeMy WebLinkAboutGP Update-Vision StatementCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 4
March 6, 2003
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: Tamara J. Campbell, AICP, Senior Planner
(949) 644 -3238, tcampbell@city.newport-beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: General Plan Update — Vision Statement
DISCUSSION:
Background:
At its meeting on 2/24103, the General Plan Update Committee (GPUC) voted to send
the new General Plan Vision Statement to the Planning Commission to discuss and
make a recommendation on whether the Vision Statement be "adopted" or "endorsed"
by the Planning Commission and City Council to guide development of the General Plan
Update. One GPUC member indicated that adoption would be more official, but
endorsement would provide more flexibility.
The Vision Statement was crafted by a seven - member General Plan Advisory
Committee (GPAC) subcommittee who drew from information obtained through the
various Visioning process efforts. After conducting a series of discussions and
reviewing four drafts, the entire GPAC unanimously voted to approve the statement.
The statement is intended to be a retrospective view of our community by an observer
in the year 2025, to cite the City's achievements as a result of our current "vision." A
copy of the Vision Statement is attached.
The Planning Commission is requested to review the proposed Vision Statement and to
recommend to the City Council whether or not to adopt or endorse A.
Prepared by: Submitted by:
Tamara Campbell,%AICP, Senior Planner Patricia L. Temple, Pi finning Director
Attachment: Vision Statement
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
VISION STATEMENT
Community Character
We have preserved and enhanced our character as a beautiful, unique residential
community with diverse coastal and upland neighborhoods. We value our colorful past,
the high quality of life, and our community bonds. The successful balancing of the
needs of residents, businesses and visitors has been accomplished with the recognition
that Newport Beach is primarily a residential community.
Growth Strategy, Land Use and Development
We have a conservative growth strategy that emphasizes residents' quality of life —a
strategy that balances the needs of the various constituencies and that cherishes and
nurtures our estuaries, harbor, beaches, open spaces and natural resources.
Development and revitalization decisions are well conceived and beneficial to both the
economy and our character. There is a range of housing opportunities that allows.
people to live and work in the City.
Design principles emphasize characteristics that satisfy the community's desire for the
maintenance of its particular neighborhoods and villages. Public view areas are
protected. Trees and landscaping are enhanced and preserved.
A Healthy Natural Environment
Protection of environmental quality is a high priority. We preserve our open space
resources. We maintain access to and visibility of our beaches, parks, preserves,
harbor and estuaries. The ocean, bay and estuaries are flourishing ecosystems with
high water quality standards.
Efficient and Safe Circulation
Traffic flows smoothly throughout the community. The transportation and circulation
system is safe and convenient for automobiles and public transportation, and friendly to
pedestrians and bicycles. Public parking facilities are well planned for residents and
visitors.
Community Services
We provide parks, art and cultural facilities, libraries and educational programs directly
and through cooperation among diverse entities. The City facilitates or encourages
access to high quality healthcare and essential social services. Newport Beach is
noted for its excellent schools and is a premier location for hands on educational
experiences in the natural sciences.
Our streets are safe and clean. Public safety services are responsible and amongst the
best in the nation.
Recreation Opportunities
Newport Beach attracts visitors with its harbor, beaches, restaurants and shopping. We
are a residential and recreational seaside community willing and eager to share its
natural resources with visitors without diminishing these irreplaceable assets in order to
share them.
We have outdoor recreation space for active local and tourist populations that highlight
the City's environmental assets as well as indoor facilities for recreation and socializing.
Coastal facilities include pedestrian and aquatic opportunities.
Boating and Waterways
We are recognized as a premier recreational boating harbor. We have maintained a
hospitable, navigable pleasure boating harbor in the lower bay through careful, low
density, non- intrusive on -shore development by regularly dredging navigation and
berthing /mooring areas, and by providing adequate access to the water and vessel
related servicing facilities. The upper bay retains an unencumbered shoreline and its
waterways are maintained free of sediment and debris.
Airport
We remain united in our efforts to control and contain noise, air and traffic pollution
associated with operation of the Airport. Our City government vigorously and wisely
uses the political process to control the impact of the Airport on our community. This
has resulted in a level of Airport operation that preserves our unique character and land
values.
Responsive Government
Elected officials and City staff listen and respond to the interests of residents and the
business community.
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