Public hearing followed by discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding Resolution No. 2280.  A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Luis approving the San Luis Downtown Redevelopment Plan and making certain findings relating thereto. (Jenny Torres, Assistant City Manager) 

A. Open Public Hearing
    1. Staff Presentation
    2. Call to the public on this item
B. Close Public Hearing
C. Action on Resolution No. 2280

The Economic Development Department is working on revitalizing the downtown area, to this end, the City of San Luis contracted with J2 Design and Matrix Design Group to develop a Redevelopment Plan Area for Downtown.

A Redevelopment Area Plan is an economic development tool to promote reinvestment in a focused area of the community. The purpose of a Redevelopment Area Plan is to identify goals and objectives for a specific community area, which culminate in the development of a unified strategy for promoting the long-term prosperity, health, and welfare of an area within the community. A Redevelopment Area Plan provides a community with greater flexibility in encouraging desirable projects with incentives and assistance while promoting and facilitating investment and the appropriate development in the area. 

The area of focus was between Urtuzuastegui Street (“U” Street) and Cesar Chavez Boulevard along Main Street and from Archibald Street to 4th Avenue for side-street evaluation. The Downtown Redevelopment Plan has six major goals:  

• accomplish Mayor and City Council Strategic Plan goals; 
• enhance and revitalize downtown; 
• increase property values; 
• attract new infill development; 
• encourage reinvestment; and
• improve quality of life for residents and visitors. 

The scope of the project included evaluation and conceptualization of streetscape enhancements, pedestrian amenities, bike lane evaluation, on-street parking concepts, shade systems, signage and gateway monumentation, street tree system, roadway and pedestrian lighting, hardscapes and aesthetics, open space planning, cost estimates, an implementation strategy, and public outreach.

The recommendations outlined in this report include concepts for a revitalized urban core that will continue to serve as a downtown destination environment for the city and region for decades to come. 

GENERAL PLAN:
As the City has grown and expanded, much of the new development has been focused in the newer growth areas, whereas Downtown has experienced little redevelopment over time. Reinvigorating Downtown San Luis through community revitalization and redevelopment efforts is a key component to enhancing the City’s economy.

Downtown San Luis has the potential to be revitalized and redeveloped as the City’s cultural and commercial gathering place for residents and visitors alike. There are several federal and state tools available for revitalization efforts, including federal Opportunity Zones, state redevelopment area designations, and various grants and funding opportunities. This plan provides guidance for the development of a Downtown Master Plan that incorporates targeted funding and redevelopment strategies for implementation.

The overall growth objective for this area is to support revitalization and redevelopment of the area and infill development in a manner that advances the land use, economic development, and growth policies of this plan. This area is intended to be enhanced as a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use community hub, attracting people for shopping, work, recreation, and socializing. 

The Downtown Growth Area is intended to accommodate higher density/intensity land uses and be comprised of a complementary balance and mixture of uses contributing to a complete community focal area. The Downtown Growth Area is intended to be a unique blend of housing, shopping, entertainment, employment, civic and open space uses serving as the cultural center of the city.

The adoption of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan supports the objective and intention of the Downtown Growth Area and the overall General Plan, specifically the following goals and policies:

• Goal G-1 The community is well-served by commerce and employment, providing goods, services, and quality jobs for residents.
  • Policy G-1.2 Encourage land uses that would contribute to the revitalization and redevelopment of the downtown area.
• Goal E-10 Downtown San Luis is a thriving community center for the City and its visitors.
  • Policy E-10.1 Explore opportunities to establish a redevelopment area within the downtown.
  • Policy E-10.2 Develop a Downtown Master Plan that provides a vision for downtown redevelopment. The Downtown Master Plan should:
    • Conduct a development suitability assessment for the downtown area.
    • Identify target areas for redevelopment.
    • Prioritize infrastructure improvements that facilitate development.
    • Provide strategies for redevelopment.
    • Identify funding mechanisms to implement the Master Plan.
  • Policy E-10.3 Ensure downtown San Luis is a focus area in future planning initiatives, including the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Transportation Master Plan, and Active Transportation Master Plan.
  • Policy E-10.4 Establish a Downtown Reinvestment District to help fund future infrastructure and beautification projects.
  • Policy E-10.6 Foster strong relationships and partnerships with community organizations in revitalizing downtown.
• Goal E-8 San Luis is a vibrant, attractive community for current and future residents and businesses.
  • Policy E-8.1 Facilitate incentive programs for infill development in residential and commercial areas, including the downtown.
  • Policy E-8.3 Prioritize opportunities to redevelop properties that are blighted.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
As per State Statute 36-1479.D, prior to the approval of a redevelopment plan, the local governing body shall submit a redevelopment plan to the planning commission of the municipality for review and recommendations as to its conformity with the general plan for the development of the municipality as a whole.

Jeff Velazquez, PLA, ASLA, from J2 Design presented this item to the Commission during their regular meeting on May 9, 2023, this gave the Commission time to review the document and provide any comments or questions prior to making a recommendation to City Council for plan adoption. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval and adoption of the San Luis Downtown Redevelopment Plan during a special meeting held on June 20, 2023. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The adoption of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan supports the objective and intention of the San Luis 2040 General Plan. Staff recommends approval and adoption of Resolution No. 2280 approving the San Luis Downtown Redevelopment Plan.