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Home My WebLink About7. PLN-16-00211 2015 Annual ReportSTAFF REPORT PLANNING DIVISION DATE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 TO: PLANNING COMMISSION SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVIEWED BY: WILLIAM E. DAVIS, CITY PLANNER PREPARED BY: KEVIN NGUYEN, ASSISTANT PLANNER SUBJECT: 2015 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (PLN-16-00211) LOCATION: CITY OF DOWNEY SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION The 2015 General Plan Annual Progress Report has been prepared in compliance with California Government Code Section 65400(a)(2), which mandates that the Planning Commission annually submit to the City Council, State Office of Planning and Research, and the Department of Housing and Community Development the status of the General Plan and the progress the City has made on implementing the goals and policies of the General Plan. The Annual Report summarizes the City’s progress with regards to implementation of the goals, policies and programs of the City’s General Plan. It also summarizes the activities of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Department from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. In 2015, the City experienced the continuing recovery of the national economy. As a result, counter activity in the Planning Division increased significantly from the previous year, as planners assisted 7,442 people at the public counter; whereas, the Planning staff assisted 6,608 people in 2014. During the year, the Planning Division accepted and processed 261 Planning applications including Administrative, Planning Commission, and legislative applications to the City Council. The Planning Commission conducted 21 meetings and considered 54 items in 2015. A majority of the items considered by the Planning Commission were Special Event and Conditional Use Permits. Some of the larger projects that the Planning Commission considered in 2015 include: •The Commons (former Downey Ford Automobile Dealership) •Downey Crossroads (former Downey Lincoln Mercury) •Centerpointe - KB Home Project (former Gallatin Medical Center) •Vallarta Market & Starbucks (former Beach’s Market) •Cielo Restaurant & Lounge (northeast corner of Second St and Downey Ave) PC Agenda Page 1 2015 General Plan Annual Report September 7, 2016 - Page 2 In 2015, the Building and Safety Division issued 2,782 permits for a total construction valuation of $98,381,322. This represents an increase in both permits issued and valuation of permits above 2014. These permits are for new construction, residential additions, and other minor improvements such as electrical, re-roof, plumbing, and window change-out, which do not require plan check review. A copy of the 2015 General Plan Annual Progress Report is attached hereto for the Planning Commission’s consideration. The report is broken into three major sections, an introduction, a review of the department activities, and a review of the General Plan policies that have been implemented in 2015. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Staff has reviewed the General Plan Annual Progress Report for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, staff determined that this request is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15306 (Class 6, Information Collection). Categorical Exemptions are projects, which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which have been exempted from the requirements of CEQA. Class 6 consists of projects which solely encompass information collecting and reporting, such as the annual report. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve and forward the 2015 General Plan Annual Progress Report to the City Council. H:\Community Development\Nguyen\GP Annual Report\2015 Annual Report\2015 Annual Report-Planning Commission Staff Report.docx PC Agenda Page 2 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA 2015 General Plan Annual Report Community Development Department 2 City of Downey 11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241 City Council (at the Ɵme of adopƟon) Alex Saab, Mayor District 5 Fernando Vasquez, Mayor Pro‐Tem District 4 Luis H. Marquez District 1 Sean Ashton District 2 Roger C. Brossmer District 3 Planning Commission (at the Ɵme of adopƟon) MaƟas Flores, Chairperson District 4 Jim Rodriguez Vice‐Chairperson District 5 Hector Lujan District 1 Patrick Owens District 2 Louis Morales District 3 3 City Staff City AdministraƟon Gilbert A. Livas City Manager John Oskoui Assistant City Manager Community Development Department Aldo E. Schindler Director of Community Development William E. Davis City Planner David Blumenthal Principal Planner / Building & Safety Supervisor Rik Hobbie Building Official Kevin Nguyen Assistant Planner 4 IntroducƟon Page 5 ExecuƟve Summary Background InformaƟon Report Acceptance Date Community Development Updates Page 7 Planning Division Building and Safety Division Code Enforcement Unit Housing Division Economic Development Division General Plan ImplementaƟon Status Page 16 Chapter 1: Land Use Chapter 2: CirculaƟon Chapter 3: Housing Chapter 4: ConservaƟon Chapter 5: Safety Chapter 6: Noise Chapter 7: Open Space Chapter 8: Design Chapter 9: Economic Development Table of Contents 5 ExecuƟve Summary The General Plan Annual Progress Report summarizes the City of Downey’s progress towards implemenƟng the goals, policies and programs of vision 2025, the City’s General Plan. It covers the period from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015. The report also reviews the acƟviƟes of the Community Development Department including the Planning, Building and Safety, Economic Development, and Housing divisions. This report is prepared in compliance with California Government Code SecƟon 65400(b) which mandates that all ciƟes and counƟes submit to the State Office of Planning and Research an Annual Report on the status and implementaƟon of the General Plan. Introduction 6 Background InformaƟon Downey is 12.8 square miles in area. Its topography is relaƟvely level. The City is located in the southeastern part of Los Angeles County, about 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is bounded by: the Rio Hondo River channel to the west; Telegraph Road to the north; the San Gabriel River channel to the east; and Gardendale Street and Foster Road to the south. CiƟes bordering Downey include Pico Rivers, Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, Bellﬂower, Paramount, South Gate, and Commerce. The City of Downey is provided regional access by four interstate highways: the I‐605 Freeway, the I‐5 Freeway, the I‐105 Freeway, and the I‐710 Freeway. These freeways provide access to major employment centers including downtown Los Angeles and employment centers in Orange County The City of Downey has matured from its farming roots from its founding in 1873 to become the premier city in the southeast area of Los Angeles County. Downey is one of the larger suburban ciƟes in the region with a populaƟon of over 113,082 residents (Source: ACS Demographic and Housing EsƟmates 2010‐ 2014). The issues addressed by General Plan Vision 2025 will work towards achieving this vision by adhering to the values providing excellent housing, educaƟon, employment, and recreaƟon opportuniƟes plus the mission of providing a safe, convenient, and aƩracƟve community for those that live, work, or visit Downey. Acceptance Date The 2015 General Plan Annual Progress Report was reviewed by the Planning Commission on September 7, 2016, and accepted by the City Council on September 13, 2016. 7 Community Development Department Updates 8 This secƟon outlines the acƟviƟes of the Planning Division from January 2015 through December 2015. The day‐to‐day planning acƟviƟes include: AdministraƟng the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Development Code) Answering public inquiries on the telephone and over the public counter Processing planning applicaƟons for the Planning Commission Reviewing and approving business license applicaƟons for zoning compliance Preparing reports for the City Council Reviewing development plans for compliance with City standards (Plan Checks). Counter AcƟvity Counter acƟvity represents the number of counter visits recorded in the Planning Division. Records of counter visits are kept and tracked on a monthly basis. In 2015, the total counter visits were 7,442. Historically, counter acƟvity has been greater during summer, while lower in the winter. However, in 2015, April was the busiest month of counter acƟvity with 736 visits. Planning Division 566 556 695 736 596 683 670 579 672 674 520 595 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Monthly Counter Activity 2015 9 10968 11397 9612 7996 7489 6881 6729 6662 6320 6608 7442 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 20052006200720082009201020112012201320142015 Counter Visits Year Yearly CounterActivity (2005‐2015) Planning ApplicaƟons Planning applicaƟons in 2015, including AdministraƟve, Planning Commission, and legislaƟve items to the City Council, totaled 261. In addiƟon to the above applicaƟons, Planning staff reviewed business licenses and conducted plan check review to ensure the proposed business, improvement and new construcƟon are in compliance to zoning code. Street Faire Community Development staff parƟcipated in the annual Street Faire on May 2, 2015. Planning, Building and Safety, Housing, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development staff members were on hand to provide informaƟon on City programs, policies and answer general quesƟons in regards to development in the City. Planning ApplicaƟons Temporary Signs 52 Sign Permits 49 CondiƟonal Use Permits 27 Sidewalk Sales 38 Fireworks Stands 18 Christmas tree Lots / Pumpkin Patches 5 Special Events 15 Minor ModiﬁcaƟons 5 TentaƟve Tract Maps 5 TentaƟve Parcel Maps 2 Second Unit Developments 1 NegaƟve DeclaraƟons 1 Planned Sign Programs 3 Zone Changes 3 General Plan Amendments 2 Code Amendments 2 Lot line Adjustments 2 Miscellaneous AcƟons 9 Minor Site Plans 1 Variances 5 Site Plan Review 10 Lot Mergers 2 Speciﬁc Plan Amendment 2 Final Tract Map 2 10 Planning Commission The Planning Commission conducts public hearings on most enƟtlements, including new buildings, condi‐ Ɵonally permiƩed uses, variances, etc. On legislaƟve items such as General Plan Amendments (GPA), Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, and Zoning Changes, the Planning Commission acts as an advisory body to the city council. In 2015, the Planning Commission conducted 21 meeƟngs during which they considered 54 items. Below is a list of some of the major projects that were approved by the City: The Commons (former Downey Ford Automobile Dealership) Downey Crossroads (former Downey Lincoln Mercury) Centerpointe—KB Home Project (former GallaƟn Medical Center) Starbucks (southeast corner of Bellﬂower Blvd and Imperial Hwy) Vallarta Market & Starbucks (former Beach’s Market) Imperial Townhomes (8545‐8603 Imperial Hwy) Cielo Restaurant & Lounge (northeast corner of Second St and Downey Ave) 11 The Economic Development Division oversees and is responsible for facilitaƟng the growth of the local economy in Downey. More importantly, the Division works with City staff, local business entrepreneurs, developers, contractors, and the Downey Chamber of Commerce, to aƩract and retain quality development projects in Downey. In 2015, the Economic Development Division staff facilitated several key projects in Downey. Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Downey Art Vibe To maintain the momentum of the branding roll‐out from the previous year, the City conƟnued to use Downey Art Vibe’s branding and markeƟng services for Phase II of the branding iniƟaƟve. The proposed scope of work and deliverables associated with Phase II of this iniƟaƟve included: creaƟon of a Discover Downey Video highlighƟng the main retail, commercial and city aƩracƟons; and various “On‐Call” services such as: strategic markeƟng for Discover Downey Events; Downtown Downey Branding; assistance with the design of the City’s website template to match new brand; and Discover Downey Social Media. Small Business Forgivable Loan Program In an effort to sƟmulate economic growth and create jobs within the City’s Downtown Downey Speciﬁc Plan (DDSP) area, a small business forgivable loan program was created in early 2015. The Program provides affordable, non‐convenƟonal ﬁnancing to eligible businesses and development projects. The Program has a maximum loan amount of $25,000 with a ﬁxed interest of rate of 3.5%. By providing a ﬁxed interest rate, the City can best provide loans under the program to suit the needs of different businesses in the DDSP area. Amendment to the Downtown Downey Speciﬁc Plan Allowing Off‐Site Parking Due to the unique nature of development standards within the downtown, implementaƟon of the DDSP relies on the use of public parking to accommodate the needs of businesses. The primary scope of this amendment was to allow off‐site parking agreements to be uƟlized to meet a business’ parking requirement. As approved, off‐site parking can now be located within ¼ mile (1,320 feet) of the business uƟlizing it. The amendment allowed the City to relax parking standards to encourage new development. Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Olson Company Staff successfully negoƟated a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Olson Company for the purchase of City‐owned land, for the development of a 28‐unit condominium complex on the southwest corner of Third St. and La Reina Ave. The agreement allowed the Olsen Company to purchase the parcel and combine it with an adjacent privately‐owned land, totaling approximately an acre. Economic Development Division 12 Professional Services Agreement with New City America New City America and City staff worked with the Downtown Property owners to determine the feasibility of forming a property assessment district in 2014, but required an extension on the exisƟng professional services agreement to complete: further outreach, Community Beneﬁt District (CDB) Steering CommiƩee work, develop a supportable management district work plan for the Downtown Downey CBD, determine the CBD Board/Governance model/structure, and conduct a campaign to achieve the minimum 30 percent weighted peƟƟon support in order to move forward with adopƟon under the CBD ordinance. OperaƟng Covenant Agreement for Downey Nissan In order to remain compeƟƟve and promote economic expansion, Downey Nissan and the City entered into OperaƟng Covenant Agreement (OCA) allowing Nissan to construct a new dealership and service facility on an under‐uƟlized property. The agreement provides for a sales tax sharing structure, with an esƟmated $9 million dollar gain to the General Fund for the 12‐ year duraƟon of the agreement. (This space left intentionally blank) 13 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) provides the City of Downey (“City”) with its annual enƟtlement of Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) and Home Investment Partnership (“HOME”) grants. These two federal grants are available to the City for a variety of community development acƟviƟes including affordable housing acƟviƟes, neighborhood improvement programs, economic development strategies, improvement of public faciliƟes, and support for needed public services. The CDBG and HOME grants can be used for a wide range of eligible acƟviƟes, which primarily beneﬁt low‐ and moderate‐income households. The Housing Division has completed updaƟng its Consolidated Plan (“ConPlan”) and prepared an Annual AcƟon Plan (AcƟon Plan). AddiƟonally, per HUD requirement every three years, the Housing Staff conducted and prepared a new Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (“A.I.”) Report to evaluate access to equal housing opportuniƟes. During ﬁscal year 2015‐16, the Housing Division offered a Home Improvement Rebate and Grant incenƟve which encouraged a higher leveraging of public funds with private investment. The Rebate Program was offered to households who fell within the 80 percent of the Annual Median Income (“AMI”) as deﬁned by HUD. The Grant Program was offered to households who fell within the 50 percent AMI as deﬁned by HUD. Both incenƟve programs were available to owner‐occupied single family residenƟal properƟes with the goal of processing between 20 and 30 projects during the ﬁscal year. In 2015, The Housing Division completed 18 home improvement projects. During the reporƟng period, the Housing Division co‐hosted two (2) CerƟﬁcate Management Training workshops with the Fair Housing FoundaƟon. The training was available to landlords, managers, property owners, aƩorneys, realtors, and management companies at Downey’s City Library in the Cormack room. The training was a cerƟﬁcate program that covered general guidelines, lead disclosure, rental process guidelines, people with disabiliƟes, modiﬁcaƟons and accommodaƟons, rules for tenants with minor children, occupancy standards, adverƟsing guidelines, prohibited pracƟces, and sexual harassment and hate crimes. In addiƟon, the Housing Division co‐hosted a Tenant Rights Workshop with the Fair Housing FoundaƟon to anyone interested in learning basic fair housing rights and responsibiliƟes, speciﬁc concerns, and obligaƟons and guidelines. Housing Division 14 The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing the Downey Municipal codes that relate to residenƟal and business property maintenance standards, including business licensing. Code Enforcement also enforces building, health and safety standards related to environmental protecƟon and neighborhood preservaƟon. The Division works in close cooperaƟon with all City departments and the City Prosecutor to educate the public and gain the willing compliance of violators. Code Enforcement acƟvity for the year of 2015 involved approximately 1,247 cases for various property violaƟons (i.e. commercial, residenƟal, public street, park and recreaƟonal). August had the highest number of code violaƟon acƟviƟes with 133 cases. In addiƟon to conduct property violaƟon inspecƟons, Code Enforcement Officers conducted inspecƟons on yard sale permits and were proacƟve in issuing administraƟve and parking citaƟons. Code Enforcement Unit 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Nu m b e r of Ca s e s Month Code Cases by month for 2015 15 The Building and Safety Division is responsible for a variety of tasks that include issuing permits, processing plan check submiƩals, and inspecƟons. The Building and Safety Division reviews all plans and permits for compliance with the 2013 California Building Code. New building construcƟon and a majority of tenant improvements require plan check review for Zoning and Building Code compliance. The total number of building applicaƟons accepted and permits issued by the Building and Safety Division in 2015 was 2,782. These applicaƟons include all construcƟon related projects and installaƟon of mechanical and uƟlity equipment. There were a total of seven new single‐ family dwellings constructed in 2015. In addiƟon, the Building & Safety Inspectors have conducted 11,281 inspecƟons. In addiƟon, the Building and Safety Inspectors conducted 395 business license inspecƟons for commercial and industrial businesses. Below is a list of some of the major projects that were inspected in 2015: The Promenade at Downey McDonald’s Restaurant at 9250 Lakewood Blvd In & Out Restaurant parking lot expansion at 8767 Firestone Blvd Nine Townhomes at 7634 Stewart & Gray Road Building and Safety Division 31693171 2756 2179 2204 1976 2131 1932 1994 1901 2782 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 20052006200720082009201020112012201320142015 Perm it Issued Year Building Permits Issued (2005‐2015) 16 General Plan Implementation Status This secƟon outlines the progress the City has made from January 2015, through December 2015, to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan. The Land Use chapter establishes the policies for determining where certain land uses, such as residenƟal, commercial, industrial, are most desirable. The Land Use chapter deﬁnes the physical areas in the City serving the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Updates: ConƟnue the revitalizaƟon of commercial and industrial corridors (Program 9.1.1.5.). With the addiƟon of the Commons and Crossroads projects (under construcƟon), the southwest and southeast corners of Lakewood Boulevard and GallaƟn Road signify new retail acƟvity in this commercial corridor. In addiƟon, the Promenade at Downey commercial project will be a major addiƟon that revitalizes the area north of Steve Horn Way, between Lakewood Boulevard and Bellﬂower Boulevard. Promote Downtown Downey as a desƟnaƟon draw for entertainment and dining uses (Program 1.1.5.2.). ConstrucƟon of the View Housing project and the recently completed Joseph’s Bar & Grill project will promote Downtown Downey as a desƟnaƟon. AddiƟonally, the recently approved Cielo Restaurant & Lounge at the northeast corner of Second St and Downey Ave has paved the way for another upscale restaurant & lounge along Downey Ave. Convert paper‐based informaƟon to digital‐based formats to facilitate integraƟon into interdepartmental informaƟon networks (Program 9.4.2.4.) Staff conƟnues to scan all permits and approved enƟtlements into Laserﬁche digital system formats. The technology allows various City Departments (City Clerk, Finance, Engineering, Fire and Community Development) easy access to archived City documents. Expand the use of the City Website for public informaƟon (Program 9.4.2.5.) Staff conƟnues to monitor and update the Community Development Department’s webpage to provide new and important documents to the public. In addiƟon, staff provides PDF versions of Planning Commission minutes, agendas, and staff reports on the City webpage (www.downeyca.org). This allows public access to informaƟon on various projects in the City. A link to the Department’s documents can be found on the Community Department’s webpage. Chapter 1 Land Use Element 17 18 The safe and efficient movement of people and goods through ciƟes is provided by a circulaƟon system ranging from sidewalks to roadways. As populaƟon and economic growth conƟnue, ciƟes have the challenge of improving the circulaƟon system to deal with increased demands. PopulaƟon and economic growth also impact the infrastructure needed to provide uƟliƟes and other services for those who live, work, and visit Downey. Updates: Traffic CongesƟon Maintain intersecƟons and street segments at acceptable service levels and not worsen those intersecƟons and street segments currently operaƟng at unacceptable levels (Program 2.1.1.1.). The Bellﬂower Boulevard at Imperial Highway IntersecƟon improvement Project is sƟll under construcƟon. The project involves widening each of the four approaches of the intersecƟon to construct addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in the southbound and northbound direcƟons and exclusive right‐turn lanes in the eastbound, southbound and northbound direcƟons to maintain an acceptable level‐of‐service at this intersecƟon during peak hours into the future. The Paramount Boulevard at Firestone Boulevard IntersecƟon Improvement Project was completed in May 2015. It involved widening each of the four approaches of the intersecƟon to facilitate construcƟon of addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes in each of the four direcƟons and an exclusive right‐turn lane and addiƟonal through lane in the eastbound direcƟon to maintain an acceptable level‐of‐service at this intersecƟon into the future. Develop a signal system master plan to promote state‐of‐the‐art intelligent transportaƟon system (ITS) improvements to beƩer service on‐going traffic condiƟons. (Program 2.1.1.3.). The City conƟnued to expand the traffic signal control system. The Traffic Management Center (TMC) was implemented at City Hall and the ﬁrst ﬁber‐opƟc traffic signal communicaƟons systems were installed along the Lakewood Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard corridors. AddiƟonal systems have since been implemented along Florence Avenue, Paramount Boulevard, Bellﬂower Boulevard and Telegraph Road and the City is currently in the process of upgrading the system soŌware and other elements of the TMC to maintain pace with technology and replace obsolete hardware and soŌware. The Paramount Blvd. Traffic Signal CommunicaƟon System Project‐Phase 2 involved the expansion of the City’s traffic signal communicaƟon system on Paramount Blvd. between Lubec St. and Gardendale St. This project was completed in June 2015. Chapter 2 CirculaƟon Element 19 Encourage appropriate turn lanes and other operaƟonal improvements at major arterial intersecƟons idenƟﬁed as congested (Program 2.1.1.6.). Major capacity improvements were added to the following intersecƟons: The Paramount Blvd. and Firestone Blvd. IntersecƟon Improvement Project added addiƟonal leŌ‐turn lanes on each of the four approaches at the intersecƟon as well as an addiƟonal through lane and an exclusive right‐turn lane in the eastbound direcƟon. The City has implemented operaƟonal improvements at several intersecƟons involving traffic signal upgrades, including upgrades at two intersecƟons and upgrades to the detecƟon systems at six addiƟonal intersecƟons through the installaƟon of video detecƟon cameras, along Paramount Blvd. between Lubec St. and Gardendale St. The City also received funding through the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) (Cycle 5) to upgrade and implement operaƟonal improvements to the exisƟng traffic signals at six (6) addiƟonal intersecƟons. The City also received HSIP funding (Cycle 6) to upgrade and implement operaƟonal improvements to the exisƟng traffic signals at three (3) addiƟonal intersecƟons. The traffic signal upgrades at these intersecƟons were completed in November 2015. Ensure the miƟgaƟon of off‐site traffic impacts by development projects to the maximum extent feasible, including the installaƟon or upgrade of traffic signals at intersecƟons and/or contribuƟon of its fair‐share towards miƟgaƟng impacts (Program 2.1.2.2.). Land development projects were reviewed on a case‐by‐case basis for potenƟal traffic generaƟon. Traffic studies were completed for proposed retail developments at the northeast corners of Firestone Boulevard at Pangborn Avenue and the southwest corner of Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard. It was determined that trip generaƟon thresholds in accordance with the LA County CongesƟon Management Program of 50 vehicle trips during either AM or PM peak hour were exceeded, a traffic impact analysis study was conducted to determine miƟgaƟon measures necessary to offset the impacts created by the development on a designated CMP faciliƟes or the amount of development fee to be collected. Promote site designs, street paƩerns, and street signalizaƟon that discourage the use of local streets as through routes (Program 2.1.2.4.). The added traffic signal communicaƟon system projects menƟoned in Program 2.1.1.3 will improve mobility along the Paramount Blvd and Imperial Hwy corridors which minimize intrusion through residenƟal neighborhoods. The City’s traffic Calming Program provides a framework for discouraging through traffic on local streets through a series of traffic calming measures which are applied to local residenƟal streets as appropriate in response to requests submiƩed by residents. 20 Truck Traffic Co‐ordinate with local, regional, and state agencies involved in miƟgaƟng truck traffic impacts in the region (Program 2.3.1.2.). The Public Works Department conƟnued to issue overload permits to ensure that the correct haul routes are uƟlized through the City and that proper arrangements have been made in advance. In addiƟon, the City is partnering with the City of Pico Rivera for the implementaƟon of truck circulaƟon improvements at the Lakewood Boulevard/Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersecƟon (Lakewood Boulevard Improvement Project Phase 3D), currently under construcƟon. Widen street right‐of‐way to accommodate truck turning movements (Program 2.3.1.3.). The intersecƟon improvement projects referenced in Programs 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.6 allowed the reconstrucƟon of the curb returns at each of the four corners of the two intersecƟons to provide larger turn radii (between 40’‐50’) in order to accommodate truck turning movements at the Paramount Boulevard at Firestone Boulevard, Bellﬂower Boulevard at Imperial Highway and Lakewood Boulevard/Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersecƟons. Discourage truck parking on public streets (Program 2.3.2.1.). The Public Works Traffic Division has implemented parking prohibiƟons of large commercial vehicles on public streets where transient parking of these vehicles has been observed. Downey Municipal Code SecƟon 3185 (b) prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles exceeding 6,000 lbs. manufacturer’s unladed weight or 84 inches in height or width on all public streets with the excepƟon of those streets located within areas zoned industrial, the vehicle is involved with the servicing of the adjacent property or for a period not to exceed eight hours if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or is disabled. Maintain landscape islands on and/or adjacent to truck routes with mature specimen fully grown landscape screens to minimize noise, dust, and visual impacts (Program 2.3.2.2.). The Firestone Blvd. (East) Improvement Project included the replacement of the exisƟng landscaping material and irrigaƟon within the exisƟng median islands between Brookshire Avenue and Paramount Boulevard. Also, new median islands were installed between on Lakewood Boulevard between Florence Avenue and GallaƟn Road. 21 Regional Traffic Coordinate with CalTrans, MTA, SCAG, Gateway CiƟes COG and other agencies to promote mulƟ‐modal improvement strategies to improve the regional transportaƟon network (Program 2.4.1.1). In 2015, the Public Works Department conƟnued to coordinate with Caltrans, Metro, SCAG and the Gateway CiƟes Council of Governments (COG) through discreƟonary funding processes and programs, the CongesƟon Management Program, Highway Performance Monitoring Survey (HPMS), etc. on an on‐going basis to promote mulƟ‐modal improvement strategies to improve the regional transportaƟon network. In addiƟon, staff coordinates with the I‐5 Joint Powers Authority (JPA) on the I‐5 Widening Project and with the Gateway CiƟes COG on the I‐710 Freeway, I‐605/I‐405/SR91 Corridors and the I‐605 Freeway CongesƟon Hot Spots Studies. In addiƟon, the Gateway CiƟes COG recently adopted the Strategic TransportaƟon Plan, a comprehensive mulƟ‐modal transportaƟon plan which evaluated and will facilitate the planning of and funding for the improvement of exisƟng and construcƟon of new transportaƟon infrastructure involving all modes of transportaƟon, including transit systems and non‐motorized transportaƟon, within the Gateway CiƟes sub‐region. Besides the New York City metropolitan area, this was the only comprehensive study of its kind ever conducted within the country. Comply with provisions of the CongesƟon Management Plan, adopted by Los Angeles County (Program 2.4.1.4). The City complies with the L.A. County CongesƟon Management Plan (CMP) annually through the preparaƟon of the Local ImplementaƟon Report (Community Development Dept.) and Biennial Highway Monitoring (Public Works Dept.), as required by statute. In addiƟon, the City holds land developers accountable for their traffic impacts by requiring traffic impact analyses (TIA) to be completed in accordance with L.A. County CMP TIA guidelines. Furthermore, as menƟoned under Program 2.1.2.1, the City parƟcipated previously in a pilot study for a countywide developer fee program proposed by Metro. Infrastructure and Maintenance Promote the expansion of communicaƟon networks to meet the needs of city residents, businesses, and other land uses (Program 2.7.1.2.) The Public Works Department conƟnues to maintain and update the City’s traffic signal communicaƟon system on all major and primary arterials (i.e., Lakewood Blvd., Firestone Blvd., Paramount Blvd., Bellﬂower Blvd., Imperial Hwy. and Florence Ave.). The projects will integrate with water well sites, as they recently have with the Public Works Maintenance and UƟliƟes Yards as well as other remote City faciliƟes, to enhance communicaƟons between City Hall and said faciliƟes in terms of speed, capacity and reliability. 22 Develop master plans to idenƟfy needs, prioriƟes, and cost for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades (Program 2.7.2.2). The Public Works Department recently updated its Pavement Management InformaƟon System (PMIS) in Fall 2015 to reﬂect current pavement condiƟons on the City’s arterial, collector and local streets to comply with funding requirements and to provide the latest informaƟon in terms of pavement maintenance and rehabilitaƟon prioriƟes. The City also received a grant through Caltrans to fund the development of a Bicycle Master Plan (BMP). The BMP will serve as a blueprint for the planning and implementaƟon of the City’s bicycle transportaƟon system and will enable the City to receive funding for bicycle projects. The BMP was adopted by the Downey City Council in July 2015. The City is also currently preparing a park master plan to assess the needs of improving the City’s parks to current standards. The Park Master Plan draŌ document is complete and is currently in the environmental assessment phase. (This space left intentionally blank) The California State Legislature has idenƟﬁed the “AƩainment of a decent home and suitable living environment for every ciƟzen”, as the State’s major housing goal. Accordingly, the State of California mandates that each county and city maintain a Housing Element in their General Plan. SecƟon 65583 of the Government Code sets forth the speciﬁc components to be contained in a community’s housing element, including the City’s share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). In addiƟon to providing assistance and guidance for the City’s Housing Element, the Housing Division administers a variety of community development acƟviƟes including affordable housing acƟviƟes, neighborhood improvement programs, economic development strategies, improvement of public faciliƟes, and support for needed public services. The following is in regards to Chapter 2 (Housing Plan) of the 2014‐2021 Housing Element goals administered by the Housing Division: Program 2 – The Housing Rebate and Grant Program Objective: Address property, structural, and energy/water conservation improvements for low-income homeowners in the City. The City anticipates that 20 projects will be assisted annually based on funding availability. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014-2021. Status: 18 projects were funded in during fiscal year 2015-16, with a total of $322,697.91 in improvements to residential properties occupied by low - or moderate-income households. Program 3 – Monitor and Preserve Affordable Housing Objective: City staff will maintain a list of affordable housing units throughout the City including affordability information to ensure landlords are compliant with deed restrictions and to preserve affordable units. The Housing Division will continue to pursue partnership opportunities with nonprofits to preserve and expand affordable housing in the City. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014-2021. Status: In a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit agency, the development of six (6) affordable homebuyer units is under construction in order to expand affordable housing to low- income homebuyers. Chapter 3 Housing Element 23 24 Program 8 – Mortgage Credit Certificate Objective: Continue Participation and distribute fliers and advertise program availability. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014-2021. Status: During fiscal year 2015-16, the City of Downey participated in the Community Development Commission of the Los Angeles County’s Mortgage Credit Certificate (“MCC”) Program. The Housing Division advertised the MCC Program by distributing fliers and publishing it on the City’s website. Program 9 – Section 8 Rental Assistance Objective: Continue to provide assistance to households through continued participation in the Los Angeles County Section 8 program and encourage rental property owners to register their units with the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (“HACOLA”). The Housing Division will continue to monitor the number of residents accessing the program and units available for rent. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014-2021. Status: During fiscal year 2015-16, the City of Downey participated in the Section 8 program offered by HACOLA to provide rental assistance to low-income households; just over 630 Section 8 vouchers were issued to Downey residents. Program 10 – Los Angeles County Partnership Objective: Increase resident awareness about housing programs offered by the County by advertising them on the City’s website and by offering staff assistance at City Hall. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014-2021. Status: During fiscal year 2015-16, the City of Downey increased resident awareness about housing programs offered by the County by advertising various programs on the City’s website. Program 15 – Prioritize Housing Program Activities Objective: Identify housing needs and prioritize housing program activities to meet those needs through five (5) year updates to the City’s Consolidated Plan. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014-2021. Status: On May 26, 2015, the City Council approved the new 5-Year Consolidated Plan which covers the time period between 2015 through 2020. Program 21 – Fair Housing Objective: Continue to assist households through the Fair Housing Foundation (“FHF”) and continue to refer fair housing complaints to the FHF. Time Frame: Housing Element 2014-2021. Status: During fiscal year 2015-16, no less than 250 Downey residents were assisted by the FHF. (This space left intentionally blank) 25 26 The City of Downey and the rest of southern California enjoy a temperate climate, access to both beaches and mountains and many other ameniƟes not found in many other parts of the world. The quality of life that the region offers its residents is one of the main reasons the region conƟnues to aƩract visitors and newcomers. However, southern California is a semi‐arid desert environment with limited natural resources. These limited resources, need to be preserved for conƟnued use by exisƟng residents and by future generaƟons. Water Supply ConƟnue providing informaƟon to the public promoƟng the beneﬁts of water conservaƟon (Program 4.1.1.1.). The Public Works Department conƟnues to provide public educaƟon on water use habits and drought tolerant landscaping via the Environmental Fair, Street Fair, and landscaping workshops; the LivingWise school and household conservaƟon educaƟon and coordinaƟon with CBWMD for the distribuƟon of rebate incenƟves and plumbing retroﬁt hardware to the City’s water customers. The City has also developed a handout of key water conservaƟon Ɵps along with a more exhausƟve list of conservaƟon ideas which included on the City’s website along with rebate opportuniƟes. Develop, through the municipal water company ﬁnancial incenƟves for water users, to conserve water, including individual meters and a Ɵered billing structure that charges excessive water use at a higher rate (Program 4.1.1.2.). The Public Works Department conƟnues to require developers of mulƟple unit residenƟal and business complexes to install separate meters for each unit thereby making the tenant of each unit responsible for their own water use. This method makes each tenant/owner responsible for their own water use and has been proven to promote water conservaƟon. Promote the conƟnued use of water conservaƟon methods at city‐owned faciliƟes, such as parks and golf courses (Program 4.1.1.3.). The City currently maintains 28 recycled water services/meters for use at City Park and golf course ponds, and for irrigaƟon of landscaping at parks, golf course, and medians/parkways. The City conƟnues to look for addiƟonal opportuniƟes to expand its use of recycled water at City‐owned and other sites as recycled water becomes available. Some of the larger City locaƟons where recycled water is currently used include: Downey Cemetery, Independence Park, Rio San Gabriel Park, Wilderness Park, Rio Hondo Golf Course, Crawford Park, and Temple Park, as well as the new Columbia Memorial Space Center and Sports Park. Chapter 4 ConservaƟon Element Encourage the use of reclaimed water, or re‐use of water on‐site, for new and redevelopment projects (Program 4.1.1.4). Throughout the development review process, the Public Works Department conƟnues to require contractors and developers to install recycled water services/piping and meters where recycled water is located in proximity to the development projects. AddiƟonally, to help promote the use of recycled water, the City sells recycled water to its customers at 85 percent of the potable water rate. Expand the availability of reclaimed water by extending the dual‐pipe water system (Program 4.1.1.5.). The City has completed construcƟon of several recycled water faciliƟes through the capital improvement projects including Lakewood Boulevard, Firestone Boulevard as well as at the Downey Promenade. The project allows for use of recycled water for landscape irrigaƟon at City medians/parkways and future developments along this corridor. Stormwater Quality Provide treatment of runoff generated by properƟes on‐site before release into the storm drain system (Program 4.3.1.1.). In 2015, 22 development and redevelopment projects were approved for construcƟon with inﬁltraƟon systems to capture and store runoff to reduce pollutant transport and augment local water levels beneath the ground. As public, commercial and residenƟal projects are redeveloped, runoff control measures are implemented in the form of inﬁltraƟon resulƟng in a steady improvement in water quality and local water levels. Promote effecƟve street cleaning (Program 4.3.1.3.). Public streets in the City conƟnue to be vacuum‐swept at least weekly by NaƟonwide Environmental Services. These streets are posted with “No Parking” signs during the appointed period and Parking Enforcement Officers accompany the sweeper vehicle. Residents uƟlizing a Street Sweeping Parking Permit are responsible for maintaining the street area that their vehicle prevents from being cleaned. Encourage proper storage and handling of construcƟon materials to avoid the contact of pollutants with storm water runoff during construcƟon (Program 4.3.1.4.). Public Works, Code Enforcement, and Building and Safety staff conƟnue to share responsibility for implemenƟng Program 4.3.1.4 of the 2025 General Plan. Public Works focuses on construcƟon projects in the public right of way, preparaƟon and review of erosion control plans by developers, compliance by large state permiƩed construcƟon sites and responding to complaints of materials in the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), which includes streets, alleys and drains. Building and Safety is primarily responsible for on‐site or private property condiƟons, while Code Enforcement responds to resident complaints and provides more aggressive enforcement capabiliƟes to supplement other staff efforts. 27 28 Tree PreservaƟon Discourage the removal of trees on private and public property (Program 4.4.1.1.). The Community Development Department conƟnues to encourage the preservaƟon of mature landscaping when a site is redeveloped through an enƟtlement review process. The Public Works Department conƟnues to discourage the removal of trees from public property in general and requires permits to be pulled when a tree is considered for removal, parƟcularly mature trees. Promote the installaƟon of new trees when damaged or dying trees are removed (Program 4.4.1.3.). The Public Works Department conƟnues to encourage planƟng increased tree canopy to offset the loss of signiﬁcant trees on private property and to reap the maximum beneﬁts that trees provide. SecƟon 7605 of the Downey Municipal Code speciﬁes that… “Any public street tree removed shall be replaced if a replacement is deemed appropriate and if it is mutually agreed to by both the City and the property owner.” Air Quality Encourage alternaƟve modes of travel, such as walking and cycling, to vehicle use and alternaƟve modes of employment, such as telecommuƟng and home‐based businesses, to reduce emissions associated with vehicle use (Program 4.5.1.4.). As previously menƟoned in Program 2.7.2.2, the City received a grant through Caltrans to fund the development of a Bicycle Master Plan. The City also recently received grant funding through the AcƟve TransportaƟon Funding Program, Cycle 2 for the implementaƟon of a Bike Sharing Program, Citywide Pedestrian CirculaƟon Study and the South Downey Safe Routes to School Project. Promote the use of alternaƟve fuel vehicles, including clean diesel, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, that result in reduced emissions, including in instances involving City operaƟons (Program 4.5.1.5.). With the growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles, there have been several charging staƟons installed in public and private faciliƟes (the Civic Center, Stonewood Shopping Mall, Nissan and Champion FIAT Automobile Dealerships) to promote the use of natural gas hybrid and pure electric vehicles. Energy Resources Provide incenƟves for people to use renewal energy sources such as solar energy (Program 4.6.1.1.). With the availability of State and Federal rebates and incenƟves programs, the City conƟnues to encourage the use of solar panels on residenƟal, commercial, industrial and public faciliƟes. Natural and non‐natural hazards present a variety of risks to persons who live, work, and visit the City. The aim of the City is to reduce the potenƟal risk of death, injuries, property damage, and the eco‐ nomic and social dislocaƟon resulƟng from hazards. Disaster Response Monitor the locaƟon, type of facility, and amount of hazardous materials kept at properƟes (Program 5.2.1.2.). The Fire Department conƟnues to monitor and inspect all faciliƟes that handle hazardous materials at or above the reportable quanƟƟes as set forth in the California Health & Safety Code (§25503.5). InspecƟons are conducted every other year to ensure com‐ pliance with both the Fire and Health & Safety Codes. These inspecƟons frequency exceed the State’s requirement for hazardous materials inspecƟon to occur once every three years. Promote public informaƟon regarding the types of hazardous materials, which may include common household items, and the proper method of disposal (Program 5.2.1.3.). The Downey Fire Department conƟnues to update its website to provide the up‐to‐date infor‐ maƟon on the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials. The website’s Emergency Preparedness secƟon contains informaƟon on hazardous material awareness and safety, in ad‐ diƟon to educaƟonal informaƟon on ﬁre safety. Hazardous Materials Ensure proper disclosure of amounts of hazardous materials by exisƟng uses and proposed uses, during the business review process (Program 5.2.1.4.). The Downey Fire PrevenƟon Bureau conƟnues to conduct inspecƟons during the business license applicaƟon process. Once idenƟﬁed as a handler of hazardous materials, these businesses receive an inspecƟon from Downey Fire Department’s Hazardous Material SecƟon to ensure accurate disclosure of the hazardous substances, and the safe handling and storage of the materials. The faciliƟes are then entered into the Fire Department’s database, issued an operaƟonal permit, and placed on a rouƟne inspecƟon frequency. Ensure that properƟes involving hazardous materials dispose of waste properly (Program 5.2.2.1). The Public Works Integrated Waste Coordinator conƟnues to monitor and manage hazardous waste disposal from residenƟal properƟes. Businesses handling hazardous waste are permiƩed and inspected by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department Health‐Hazardous Materials Division. Chapter 5 Safety Element 29 30 Hazardous Materials Promote the convenient “drop‐off” collecƟon for the disposal of hazardous waste generated by residenƟal households and other land uses (Program 5.2.2.2). The City conƟnues to offer programs that encourages residents to dispose hazardous waste materials to either the SanitaƟon Districts of Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste CollecƟon Program or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Safe Drug Drop‐off Program, which accepts expired prescripƟon medicaƟons and sharps (i.e., needles). Adapt a code amendment to require a condiƟonal use permit for exisƟng and proposed faciliƟes with hazardous materials (Program 5.2.2.3). The Downey Municipal Code requires approval of a condiƟonal use permit from the Planning Commission for all proposed faciliƟes handling hazardous materials (i.e. service staƟons, automobile washing faciliƟes, ambulance storage & repair faciliƟes). Fire ProtecƟon Promote adequate widths on travel lanes along street and alleys to accommodate emergency vehicles (Program 5.3.1.2.). The Fire PrevenƟon Bureau personnel, under the direcƟon of the Fire Department Chief, conƟnues to review plans diligently to ensure emergency vehicle access through streets and alleys will be accommodated. Ensure that development projects install ﬁre hydrants, water mains, or otherwise contribute its fair share towards miƟgaƟng impacts on the ﬁre ﬂow system (Program 5.3.2.3.). The Fire and Public Works Departments conƟnue to enforce the requirements for addiƟonal ﬁre hydrants for development projects through the plan check process. Promote the use of ﬁre sprinklers for new, expanded, and remodeled developments (Program 5.3.2.4.). The Downey Fire PrevenƟon Bureau conƟnues to require sprinkler systems for new commercial development over 3,600 sq. Ō. and tenant improvements of commercial properƟes, whose permit valuaƟons exceed 50 percent of the value of the building. Ensure access for emergency vehicles through security pedestrian and vehicular gates (Program 5.3.2.6.). The Planning Division conƟnues to require that all new mulƟ‐residenƟal developments shall provide vehicle access through security gates at not less than 20 feet in width and 40 feet in depth (measures from the street property line). Police ProtecƟon Maintain an acceptable response Ɵme for police emergency service calls (Program 5.4.1.2.). The Police Department conƟnues to maintain a swiŌ response Ɵme to high priority emergency calls that require immediate assistance to ensure the public’s safety. Coordinate with Federal, State, and County agencies to address illegal acƟviƟes (Program 5.4.1.7.). The Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) conƟnues to work in conjuncƟon with the State’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to monitor and enforce applicable liquor laws at alcohol establishments throughout the City. The IMPACT (Informed Merchants PrevenƟng Alcohol‐Related Crime Tendencies) and Decoy OperaƟons, under the supervision of SET are designed to test the compliance of establishments that have been granted liquor licenses by Alcoholic Beverage Control. In 2015, the Downey Police Department conducted over 40 IMPACT InspecƟons at liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout the city. Licensees were provided with literature from Alcoholic Beverage Control to further their knowledge about alcohol‐related laws and regulaƟons. Minor violaƟons were documented at several locaƟons. In addiƟon to the IMPACT InspecƟons, Downey Officer’s conducted Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap operaƟons at over 30 locaƟons, targeƟng businesses and patrons that furnish alcohol to minors. Downey Officer’s issued eight citaƟons to retail store clerks and patrons of ABC licensed businesses for furnishing alcohol to minors. Promote the increased visibility of police in neighborhoods (Program 5.4.2.1.). The Neighborhood PreservaƟon Unit conƟnues to proacƟvely patrol areas in need of upkeep and maintenance. The unit consists of officers and a Sergeant assigned to speciﬁc target areas of the City. The goal of the program is to assist the community with quality of life issues such as trash, graffiƟ, and abandoned vehicles. Support community organizaƟons and neighborhood awareness programs that promote crime prevenƟon, including prevenƟng gang acƟvity (Program 5.4.2.2.). The Police Department conƟnues to parƟcipate in awareness programs, such as Gangs Out of Downey, and promotes crime prevenƟon through its parƟcipaƟon in Neighborhood Watch. In addiƟon, the Police Department is involved in other programs such as School Resource Officers and Robbery & Burglary Suppression. These programs allow officers to work closely with school administrators dealing with various issues on campuses and provide extra support for patrol personnel. 31 32 Earthquake Safety Monitor groundwater table levels as they relate to liquefacƟon hazards (Program 5.5.1.3.). Public Works regularly monitors ground water levels at well sites around the City of Downey. The ground water table is typically about 50’ below the soil surface, which limits the risk of liquefacƟon to residenƟal and typical commercial structures. Larger structures and those with signiﬁcant subterranean components may be requested to provide addiƟonal seismic evaluaƟons during the development process or as a condiƟon of Site Plan Review (SPR) approval. Ensure the placement of uƟlity lines underground (Program 5.5.1.6.). Public Works conƟnues to implement Underground UƟlity Districts. Southern California Edison Company requires the use of vaults and transformers installed above ground to protect to project the equipment and electrical lines from the intrusion of moisture. Floods Educate the public that the City is located in an “X” ﬂood zone where ﬂood insurance is no longer mandatory (Program 5.6.1.2.). During the report period, the Public Works Department provided handouts at the public counter regarding the current FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) and ﬂood zoning . FIRM informaƟon can be found at www.fema.gov website. MiƟgate hazards from possible dam or levee failure, including the raising of bridges and levees along rivers, including in areas outside the City (Program 5.6.1.3.). City of Downey conƟnues to support efforts by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), FEMA, Caltrans and the County of Los Angeles, in reducing the ﬂood risk from dam or levee failure; however, maintenance and replacement of bridges, levees, and dams is primarily under the control and undertaken with funds provided by these agencies. In December 2015, the City of Norwalk and the City of Downey celebrated the compleƟon of the Firestone Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project. The new bridge at the San Gabriel River consists of wider sidewalks, center median, and six travel lanes in each direcƟon. Minimize increases in the amount of stormwater generated by exisƟng and proposed land uses (Program 5.6.2.1.). The Downey Public Works Department conƟnues to enforce NaƟonal Pollutant Discharge EliminaƟon System (NPDES) requirements, during plan checks for new and redevelopment projects with 5,000 square feet or more of new or replacement impervious surfaces, which are generally required to provide inﬁltraƟon volume commensurate with an instantaneous 0.75” storm falling on the new or replacement impervious surface. Larger developments are required to prepare a Standard Urban Stormwater MiƟgaƟon Plan and demonstrate that no increase in peak runoff rate will be observed as a result of the development and that at least the instantaneous ﬁrst 0.75 inch of projected runoff can be inﬁltrated. Vehicular Traffic Require street lights for new developments (Program 5.7.1.2.). The City conƟnues to require developers to install new street lights adjacent to the development within the public‐right‐of‐ way as a condiƟon of approval where streetlights currently do not exist. In addiƟon, as a condiƟon of approval through the development plan review process, applicants are required to give their consent to the annexaƟon of their property into the City of Downey LighƟng Maintenance District in accordance with Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code. Adopt a Master Plan for installaƟon of sidewalks for major arterials, secondary arterials, collector streets and school routes (Program 5.7.2.1.). Sidewalks have been constructed and/ or reconstructed along major arterials, secondary arterials, collector streets and school routes on a prioriƟzed, as‐needed basis as funding will allow. Priority is given to school routes. Encourage the installaƟon of sidewalks in new developments and major remodeling consistent with the sidewalk Master Plan (Program 5.7.2.2.). The City conƟnues to require the construcƟon of new sidewalks and the repair of exisƟng sidewalks and disabled ramps for new developments (i.e., The Promenade at Downey, The Commons, Downey Crossroads, and Centerpointe) as a condiƟon of approval through the development plan review process. Promote street intersecƟon design and signalizaƟon that are safe and convenient to pedestrians and bicyclists (Program 5.7.2.3.). Signalized and un‐signalized intersecƟons are designed to funcƟon in a safe and convenient manner for pedestrians and bicyclists to the extent possible through the implementaƟon of Capital Improvement Projects and through the Development Review CommiƩee and plan checking process when such improvements are constructed by private development. 33 34 Chapter 6 Noise Element Noise can be deﬁned as unwanted sound and is known to have several adverse effects on people. The most criƟcal impact of noise exposure is hearing loss. Other effects are speech interference, sleep interference and annoyance. The City conƟnues to enforce it’s noise ordinance (SecƟon 4600 of the Downey Municipal Code). This involves the permiƩed hours for construcƟon. In addiƟon, the City conƟnues to require projects that involve live entertainment acƟviƟes and projects that have the potenƟal to generate noise from machinery equipment or ampliﬁed music to comply with City’s noise ordinance. This can be regulated by imposing condiƟons of approval through a condiƟonal use permit process. (This space left intentionally blank) Typical of most communiƟes located within mature urbanized seƫngs, Downey has a limited amount of open space areas. Open space areas are important not only to provide recreaƟonal acƟviƟes for residents but also as a visual break from the built environment. Updates: Maintain an adequate level of recreaƟonal staffing at park faciliƟes (Program 7.2.2.1.). The Parks & RecreaƟon Department conƟnues to monitor recreaƟon staffing to ensure adequate levels of recreaƟon staffing at park faciliƟes. Part‐Ɵme staff were hired as needed to ﬁll vacancies throughout the year. Develop a Park Maintenance Master Plan to idenƟfy needed upgrades to exisƟng park faciliƟes (Program 7.2.2.2.). During the 2015‐2016 ﬁscal year, the outreach and development for the Parks & RecreaƟon Master Plan occurred. It is expected to be complete by Winter 2016. Provide funding for park improvements in the upgrades to exisƟng park faciliƟes in the Capital Improvement Program (Program 7.2.2.3.). The City provided $100,000 in General Funds for the purchase and insƟllaƟon of new playgrounds at Rio San Gabriel Park and Temple Park, which were completed in 2015. The City allocated $50,000 for the purchase and installaƟon of new standardized trash cans at Dennis the Menace, Independence, Treasure Island and Wilderness parks in 2015. Secure alternaƟve means of funding, such as grants, donaƟons, user fees and public/private partnerships, for park upgrades (Program 7.2.2.5.). The City was awarded $217,950 non‐ compeƟƟve funding from the Housing Related Park Grant to fund a porƟon of this Civic Center Park, a passive area adjacent to the Library will begin in 2016. Chapter 7 Open Space Element 35 36 Most residents, visitors, and businesses in Downey recognize the City as the premiere city in the southeast area of Los Angeles County. However, others less familiar with the City’s history may not share this percepƟon and judge Downey solely on the physical appearance of the area. For this reason, it is important that the visual appearance of the community portray a posiƟve image and that the community image display the disƟnct and numerous resources it has to offer. Promote quality design for new, expanded, and remodeled construcƟon (Goal 8.1). The City conƟnues to implement the Site Plan Review process that requires Planning Commission review and approval of the exterior design, materials and colors for new construcƟon and/or addiƟons to commercial buildings in the City. Lack of property maintenance may exhibit a negaƟve image of the City (Issue 8.2). The Code Enforcement Division conƟnues monitoring and working with a signiﬁcant number of property owners, including residenƟal properƟes, commercial and industrial businesses, in an effort to keep these properƟes maintained. Promote compliance with code regulaƟons (Policy 8.2.1.). The Code Enforcement Division conƟnues to enforce Citywide temporary sign enforcement program and conƟnues issuing noƟces of violaƟons. In 2015, Code Enforcement Officers issued 124 noƟces of violaƟon to businesses and residences regarding illegal and unpermiƩed signs. Chapter 8 Design Element A strong community owes much to the spirit and involvement of its residents. However, community pride and civic‐mindedness are not enough for a city to provide all necessary and desired services to maintain the local quality of life. A city needs a variety of employment and shopping opportuniƟes to create balance, make it a desirable place to live, and enhance its image. Develop economic strategies for business aƩracƟon and retenƟon (Program 9.1.1.1.). In an effort to sƟmulate economic growth and create jobs within the City’s Downtown Downey Speciﬁc Plan (DDSP) area, a small business forgivable loan program was created in early 2015. The Program provides affordable, non‐convenƟonal ﬁnancing to eligible businesses and development projects. Also, staff successfully negoƟated a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Olson Company for the purchase of City‐owned land, for the development of a 28‐unit condominium complex on the southwest corner of Third St. and La Reina Ave. ConƟnue the revitalizaƟon of commercial and industrial corridors (Program 9.1.1.5.). With the addiƟon of the Commons and Crossroads Projects (under construcƟon), the southwest and southeast corners of Lakewood Boulevard and GallaƟn Road will signify new retail acƟvity in this commercial corridor. In addiƟon, the Promenade at Downey commercial project is a major addiƟon that revitalizes the area north of Steve Horn Way, between Lakewood Boulevard and Bellﬂower Boulevard. Promote through public informaƟon the beneﬁts of businesses locaƟng in Downey (Program 9.1.1.7.). Economic Development staff conƟnues to update the “Opportunity Sites” and “Redevelopment Areas” web pages to help aƩract and retain quality businesses in Downey. The pages contain informaƟon materials for businesses coming to the City and includes a guide to start up a business and links to view maps of different redevelopment project areas. Expand the use of the city Internet web site for public informaƟon (Program 9.4.2.5.). City Departments conƟnue to work toward improved customer service by maintaining the on‐line business license applicaƟon process, which enables customers to submit business license renewals or applicaƟons for a new license and to allow Downey residents to pay their water bills on‐line. In addiƟon, the City conƟnues to update it’s website periodically and provide more informaƟon to the public via the Internet. Chapter 9 Economic Development Element 37