A councilmember reported from the League of California Cities convention, where a resolution seeking a constitutional amendment to restore local control over land use was rewritten into a working group that also focuses on affordable housing, and passed. A councilmember reported on a visit with two councilmembers and the city manager to Denver's Union Station, as a model for reconnecting the neighborhoods around the 710 stub.
The council adopted the Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan, which sets what can be built, and how, around North Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard, and named the stretch of North Fair Oaks from Washington Boulevard to the city's northern edge the Black Legacy District. Among the Planning Commission changes it includes, the allowed density at the southeast corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Washington Boulevard rises from 32 to 48 homes per acre (agenda). The motion adds work to find money for banners, decorative crosswalks, and utility box wraps; sends proposed street medians back for transportation review; moves a placemaking program and a business improvement district up to the near term; and asks staff to look into waiving permit fees for small-scale industrial businesses in the plan area. Victor Gordo (Mayor) recused, citing a home near the plan area, and the vote was 7 to 0.
A motion to close the public hearing was made and seconded. Result: passed.
Tyron Hampton (Councilmember, District 1) moved the staff recommendation, including the Planning Commission's recommendations and the Black Legacy District, with directions to find funding for banners, decorative crosswalks, and utility box wraps, to refer street medians for transportation review, and to work with the North Fair Oaks Empowerment Group; Justin Jones (Councilmember, District 3) seconded. Friendly amendments from a councilmember moved the placemaking action and a business improvement district to the near term and asked staff to look into waiving minor conditional use permit fees in the plan area. Result: passed, 7-0. Recused: Victor Gordo (Mayor).