HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Reso 10-2663RESOLUTION NO. 10-2663
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN
AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find,
determine and declare that:
A. On October 24, 2000, the City of Downey adopted the "Downtown Plan for Downey's
Historical Downtown District" (hereinafter referred to Downtown Overlay Zone). The
Downtown Plan placed an overlay onto the existing downtown area to regulate uses,
signs, and parking; and,
B. On June 9, 2009, the Community Development Commission approved a contract
with Hogle Ireland to analyze the downtown area and prepare a new Specific Plan
for Downtown Downey; and,
C. As a result of the CDC action, staff and the City's consultant began a public outreach
campaign to determine the community's concerns and visions for the downtown.
This campaign includes stakeholder interviews in October 2009, a community
outreach meeting on December 3, 2009, EIR scoping meeting on May 26, 2010, and
presentation to the Downtown Project Area Committee on June 1, 2010. The
feedback from these meetings was used to craft the goals and objectives for the
Downtown Specific Plan; and,
D. On June 28, 2010, the staff released a public draft of the proposed Downtown
Downey Specific Plan. This was followed by a joint City Council/Planning
Commission workshop on the draft plan that was conducted on July 6, 2010; and,
E. On July 15, 2010, pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), staff issued a Notice of Availability for the Draft Environmental
Impact Report (DEIR), which began the official 45 -day comment period on the DEIR;
and,
F. On September 3, 2010, notice of the public hearing was mailed to all property owners
and business owners within the boundaries of the Downtown Downey Specific Plan, to
all property owners within 500' of the boundaries of the Downtown Downey Specific
Plan, and published in the Long Beach Press -Telegram; and,
G. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on September 15, 2010
and after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions
offered at the aforesaid public hearing adopted this resolution.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that a
Draft EIR has been prepared for the Downtown Downey Specific Plan in accordance with the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, CEQA Guidelines and the City of
Downey's Revised Procedures for Implementing CEQA. On September 15, 2010, the Planning
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
Commission adopted Resolution No. 10-2662, recommending the City Council of the City of
Downey adopt the Draft EIR
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearings, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that:
1. That the proposed General Plan Amendment is consistent with all other goals,
policies, programs, and land uses of applicable elements of the General Plan. The
proposed General Plan Amendments, which include text changes to allow higher
residential densities in the downtown area and land use designation changes for
several parcels to allow mixed use, are being proposed as part of the Downtown
Downey Specific Plan. As part of the Specific Plan, an analysis of all of the goals
and policies was conducted. Appendix A of the Specific Plan (incorporated herein by
reference) denotes 42 individual goals and policies of the General Plan that the
Specific Plan is consistent with. Based on the consistency with these 42 goals and
policies, the proposed General Plan Amendment will be consistent with the other
elements of the General Plan.
2. That the proposed General Plan Amendment will not adversely affect surrounding
properties or the surrounding environment. The proposed General Plan
Amendments are being proposed in conjunction with the Downtown Downey Specific
Plan. These changes will be compatible with and complementary to existing
conditions and adjoining properties, since development standards have been
incorporated into the specific plan to safeguard neighboring properties. Additionally,
mitigation measures are being recommended as part of the Final EIR that will lessen
the impacts that were identified in the Final EIR.
3. That the proposed General Plan Amendment promotes the public health, safety, and
general welfare. The proposed General Plan Amendments will allow the creation of
the Downtown Downey Specific Plan, which envisions a pedestrian oriented mixed
use environment. This environment will allow people to live and work in the same
area, as well as, allow visitors to park once and walk to multiple destinations. This
mixed use environment will promote the public health, safety, and welfare.
4. That the proposed General Plan Amendment will not conflict with provisions of Article
IX. The General Plan Amendments are being proposed in conjunction with the
Downtown Downey Specific Plan. Since the Specific Plan is a stand alone
document, which allows an array of uses, it does not alter Article IX of the Municipal
Code. Therefore, the General Plan Amendments will not conflict with the Municipal
Code.
SECTION 4. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council amend the
General Plan Land Use Designation within the Land Use Element of the General Plan to Mixed
Use (MU) for the following properties:
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 2
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
10600 Paramount Blvd (AINs 6251-035-05, 6251-035-016, 6251-035-017), 10612 Paramount
Blvd (AIN 6251-035-041), 10626 Paramount Blvd (AIN 6251-035-040), 10720 Paramount Blvd
(AINs 6251-035-022, 6251-035-037, 6251-036-036, 6251-036-037), 10734 Paramount Blvd
(AIN 6251-036-031), 10921 -10933 Paramount Blvd (AIN 6251-020-002), 8025 Fifth Ave (AIN
6251-036-038), 8020 Seventh Ave (AIN 6251-035-014), 10625 Parrot Ave (AIN 6251-035-021),
10630 Parrot Ave (AIN 6251-035-038), and 10700 Parrot Ave (AINs 6251-036-035 and 6251-
036-030).
SECTION 5. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council amend the
"Balance of Land Uses" and "Livable Communities" chapters of the Land Use Element as noted
on Exhibit 'A' of this resolution.
SECTION 6. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 5 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council of the City of Downey amend the Land Use element of the General Plan as outlined in
this resolution.
SECTION 7. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of September, 2010.
Robert Kiefer, Vice-Chaifman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 15th day of
September, 2010, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Lambros, Murray, Kiefer
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Vasquez
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Morales
<::P1lil Del P/�l (cu--( _
Theresa Donahue, Secretary
City Planning Commission
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 3
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
EXHIBIT `A'
The following list text changes to the "Balance of Land Uses" and "Livable Communities"
chapters of the Land Use Element (new text is bold and underlined and deleted text is
&-iketl ugh):
BALANCE OF LAND USES
Issue 1.1. Persons who live, work, and visit Downey need areas for living, working, shopping,
and playing.
To meet the needs of residents, a variety of land uses must be provided within the city. When
land uses within the city cannot meet this demand, residents will travel outside the city to meet
this need. This situation typically results in added vehicle trips and traffic congestion, plus the
secondary effects of worsening air quality, using valuable energy resources, and impacting
social interactions.
The under -concentration of certain uses creates impacts by not meeting resident demands and
creating longer travel to meet this demand, while over -concentration of land uses has a potential
negative effect by utilizing properties that would otherwise be used for other uses needed to
serve the community. Therefore, it is important to provide for a balance of land uses to serve
the public needs. Although it may be impossible for a suburban city in a large metropolitan
region to be truly self-sufficient, Downey Vision 2025 proposes a diverse land use policy as
shown on the Downey Vision 2025 Land Use Diagram.
The Downey Vision 2025 Land Use Diagram divides the city into various land use designations,
such as residential, commercial, industrial, are most appropriate. Although the Land Use
Diagram may appear to be similar to a zoning map, there are several important differences
between the two. A zoning map is parcel specific with definitive boundaries between
designations and is intended to implement development proposal, the Land Use Diagram is not
parcel specific and its boundaries are not definitive since the intent of the Land Use Diagram is
to provide a guide for the approximate locations for land uses.
The Land Use Diagram for Downey Vision 2025 divides the city into the following 12 land use
designations.
o Low Density Residential
The Low Density Residential designation allows typically for detached single-family
residential units at densities of 1 to 8.9 housing units per acre, or roughly equivalent
to a maximum of one housing unit for a standard 5,000 square foot lot. Based on an
average household size of 3.17, the projected population will not exceed 28 persons
for each acre in this designation. The corresponding zone for this designation is R-1,
Single Family Residential, which includes several variations based on lot size, such
as R-1 5000, R-1 6000, R-1 7500, R-1 8500, and R-1 10,000. The zoning also
permits accessory living quarters on properties that are not considered separate
dwelling units.
Typically, a maximum of one housing unit is allowed on each individual lot,
regardless of size. In some areas designated as Second Unit Development (SUD)
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
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Resolution No. 10-2663
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areas however, more than one housing unit may be permitted provided that the
maximum allowable density is not exceeded. The SUD areas are important in order
to focus population growth and additional housing onto these areas without
impacting other residential neighborhoods. In other instances, planned unit
developments and other projects whereby housing units share driveways and other
facilities may be proposed instead of conventional subdivisions to provide added
flexibility in providing a viable project. In both instances however, the project must
include units that are detached and convey a single-family residential image.
o Low/Medium Density Residential
The Low/Medium Density Residential designation allows for a range of housing types
that involve densities at 9 to 17 housing units per acre, or roughly equivalent to two
housing units for each standard 5,000 square foot lot. Based on an average
household size of 3.17, the projected population is 29 to 53 persons for each acre.
The corresponding zone for this designation is R-2, Two Family Residential. The
housing types consistent with the designation range from two detached units on the
same property to attached units (duplex), either placed side by side (in a townhouse
floor plan form) or stacked with one on top of another. In certain instances, other
housing types such as planned unit developments and second unit developments
may be permitted provided that the overall density is not exceeded.
o Medium Density Residential
The Medium Density Residential designation allows for a range of housing types that
involve densities at 18 to 24 housing units per acre, or roughly equivalent to three
housing units for each standard 6,000 square foot lot. Based on an average
household size of 3.17, the projected population is 57 to 76 persons for each acre.
The corresponding zone for this designation is R-3, Medium Density Multiple -Family
Residential. The housing types consistent with the designation range from three or
more attached (or detached) units on the same property (triplex) to larger apartments
to townhouse design condominium to low-rise condominiums, provided that the
overall density is not exceeded. Certain nonresidential land uses, such as churches,
are considered consistent within this designation.
o Office
The Office designation allows for professional and medical office uses. The
corresponding zone for this designation is C -P, Commercial — Professional Office
zone. In the vicinity of the Downey Regional Medical Center where medical offices
and other medical -related uses are promoted, the corresponding zone for this
designation is H -M, Hospital -Medical Arts. The intensity of the Office designation
should fall within a range of floor area ratio between 0.5:1 and 5:1.
o Neighborhood Commercial
The Neighborhood Commercial designation allows for commercial uses that draw
from a customer base from the immediate surrounding neighborhood and not from
areas outside the city or region. Consistent with this intent, uses are typically small
in scale in terms of floor area size, building height, and operational activities.
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 5
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
Examples include grocery stores, dry cleaners, barber shops, bakeries, and
convenience markets. Uses are intended to serve adjacent neighborhoods and are
intended to be located in "neighborhood nodes" such as properties adjacent to street
intersections. The corresponding zone for this designation is C-1, Neighborhood
Commercial zone. The intensity of the Neighborhood Commercial designation
should not exceed a floor area ratio of 0.25:1.
o General Commercial
The General Commercial designation allows for a full range of commercial uses
including shopping centers, automobile dealerships, hotels, offices, and automobile
repair. In a contrast to the Neighborhood Commercial designation, uses are not
necessarily small in scale or oriented solely towards the immediate neighborhood for
its customer base. The corresponding zone for this designation is C-2, General
Commercial. Since uses consistent with the General Commercial designation are
typically more intense, the General Commercial designations are appropriate in
areas with larger lot sizes which afford greater buffers to adjacent land uses. The
intensity of the General Commercial designation should fall within a range of floor
area ratio between 0.25:1 and 4:1.
o Commercial Manufacturing
The Commercial Manufacturing designation is intended to provide greater flexibility
for providing land uses that generate employment such as shopping centers, major
offices, and light industrial. The corresponding zone for this designation is C -M,
Commercial Manufacturing. The intensity of the Commercial Manufacturing
designation should fall within a range of floor area ratio between 0.5:1 and 0.6:1.
o Manufacturing
The Manufacturing designation is intended for manufacturing, wholesaling, and other
industrial land uses. The corresponding zone for this designation is M-1/ M-2, Light/
General Manufacturing. Since uses consistent with the Manufacturing designation
have potential for creating traffic, noise, odor, vibration and other impacts, areas
designated Manufacturing should be separated from other land uses by a major
natural or physical barrier and screen. The intensity of the Manufacturing
designation should not exceed a floor area ratio of 0.6:1.
o Public
The Public designation is intended for areas occupied by public agencies for facilities
that support community services. This includes the Civic Center, the City Public
Works Yard, SEACCA (SouthEast Animal Control), Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall,
Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center and the MTA bus yard on Telegraph.
o Open Space
The Open Space designation is intended for areas that provide relief from the built
environment. This includes the 106 acres of public parks in the city. Due to the
limited supply of park areas, it is important that park areas are preserved. The open
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
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Resolution No. 10-2663
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space designation also includes areas that utility easements, river, beds, parks,
cemetery and golf courses.
o School
The School designation is intended for public schools offering K through 12
instruction. The corresponding zone for this designation is the Public School subzone
of the O -S, Open Space.
o Private School
The Private School designation is intended for locating private -operated schools
offering education comparable to the K through 12 instruction offered by public
schools. Three such areas have been designated by the Land Use Diagram: St.
Matthias, St. Raymond, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The corresponding zone
for this designation is the Private School subzone of the O -S, Open Space.
o Mixed Use
The Mixed Use Designation is to provide for development of a variety of uses
(including retail, office, service and residential), on the same parcel or within
close proximity of each other. Additionally, the Mixed Use Designation should
encourage development that exhibits the physical design characteristics of
pedestrian -oriented, storefront -style shopping streets that creates a more
active and vibrant street life. The maximum density for residential
developments shall not exceed 75 units per acre. The maximum intensity of
the Mixed Use designation shall not exceed a floor area ratio of 5:1.
FIGURE 1-1.7
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DISTRIBUTION
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 7
Vision 2025
Land Use Designation
Net Acres
Percent
Residential
• Low Density
3188
51%
• Low/Medium Density
187
3%
• Medium Density
414
7%
Commercial
• Office
163
3%
• Neighborhood Commercial
103
2%
• General Commercial
372
6%
Manufacturing
• General Manufacturing
229
4%
• Commercial Manufacturing
304
5%
Open Space
516
8%
Schools (including Mixed Use — School)
348
6%
Public
104
2%
Mixed Use (not including Mixed Use — School)
301
5%
Total
6,229
100%
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 7
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
Goals, Policies, & Programs
Goal 1.1. Provide sufficient land areas for uses that serve the needs of residents,
visitors, and businesses.
Policy 1.1.1. Maintain a balance of land uses.
• Program 1.1.1.1. Discourage the over -concentration of a particular land use that will
preclude the establishment of other uses needed to serve the community.
e Program 1.1.1.2. Monitor land uses to retain the balance of land uses.
• Program 1.1.1.3. Adopt floor -area ratios (FAR) or comparable method to address building
intensity for each zoning classification.
• Program 1.1.1.4. Discourage non -industrial uses into areas designated for industrial uses.
Policy 1.1.2. Provide an appropriate amount of land area to absorb the city's future population
growth.
• Program 1.1.2.1. Identify areas to absorb population growth and support additional housing.
• Program 1.1.2.2. Designate parts of the City as second unit development areas to absorb
the need for additional housing.
• Program 1.1.2.3. Promote housing projects and mixed use projects that include housing
within areas designated for the downtown area, transit -oriented developments, and areas in
the vicinity of the Downey Landing project.
Policy 1.1.3. Provide an appropriate amount of land area for business and employment.
• Program 1.1.3.1. Encourage land uses that generate jobs.
• Program 1.1.3.2. Discourage land uses that do not generate jobs within areas classified for
job -generating land uses.
® Program 1.1.3.3. Promote a diversified employment base by discouraging the over -
concentration of a particular land use that will preclude the establishment of other uses.
Policy 1.1.4. Provide an appropriate amount of land area for people to acquire goods and
services.
• Program 1.1.4.1. Establish "General Commercial" areas for land uses that draw from a
customer base not necessarily limited to those within the city.
• Program 1.1.4.2. Establish "Neighborhood Commercial" areas for land uses that draw from
a customer base in the immediate surrounding neighborhood.
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 8
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
• Program 1.1.4.3. Promote the establishment of transit -oriented developments (TOD) within
walking distance of the Green Line Station at Lakewood Boulevard & 1-105 Freeway.
• Program 1.1.4.4. Phase out and re -designate the land use classifications for selected "strip"
commercial areas.
Program 1.1.4.5. Create a specific plan for a "restaurant row" along the Firestone Boulevard
corridor.
■ Program 1.1.4.6. Concentrate smaller commercial uses in neighborhood "nodes".
Policy 1.1.5. Provide an appropriate amount of land area for recreation and entertainment.
• Program 1.1.5.1. Adopt an ordinance that maintains the current minimum of 106 acres of
public park areas.
• Program 1.1.5.2. Promote Downtown Downey as a destination draw for entertainment and
dining uses.
O Program 1.1.5.3. Promote recreation and entertainment uses that serve needs of the public.
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 9
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Issue 1.2. Downey has opportunities to create a more livable community
Traditionally, planning has separated land uses into distinct designations for each land uses,
such as residential, commercial, and industrial. Because this planning tradition encouraged
consistency and uniformity, there was little flexibility to provide areas with distinct character or
what is termed a "sense of place". Additionally, the separation of land uses furthered the
dependency on travel by car and did not address long-term problems such as traffic congestion
and air quality.
The concept of livable communities provides alternatives to the traditional separation of land
uses by advancing the creation of mixed use areas with special characteristics to create a
"sense of place" to visitors. The "sense of place" is achievable by providing areas with
characteristics not typically found in other areas.
The related concept of smart growth addresses the challenge that many mature cities with few
vacant properties, such as Downey, have with absorbing population and economic growth
without major disruption to its existing neighborhoods. The concept of smart growth is based on
growth that does not necessarily create negative impacts on the community. Smart growth
advances design that reduces the dependency and need for cars by providing convenient
access to jobs, services, and homes. The reduced use of cars will, in turn, reduce the number
of vehicles on the road, which reduces traffic congestion and reduce the secondary effects of
worsening air quality, using valuable energy resources, and impacting social interactions.
To allow the advancement of these concepts, the city may have to deviate from the traditional
separation of land use designations and adopt designations that allow for projects that allow a
mix of land uses. Efforts to reduce the need for vehicle trips may include placing commercial
services within walking distance of its customer base (for example, allowing restaurants near
employment centers to capture lunch demand without requiring patrons to drive). Other efforts
may involve the opposite approach of providing a new customer base for an existing
commercial area (for example, allowing mixed use building projects with housing placed above
retail units on the ground floor). Still, another approach is to reduce short vehicle trips by
providing convenience commercial uses for pedestrians (for example, placing commercial uses
at train stations.)
Whichever approach requires deviation from the standard land use designation and Downey
Vision 2025 had identified three areas as "Mixed Use" due to their location, development, or
land use create opportunities for the city to demonstrate alternative designs to create a more
livable community to meet its land use needs. These areas were identified as having the most
potential to advance the concepts above. Nevertheless, the livable communities and smart
growth concepts should be advanced throughout the city in other areas wherever feasible.
Downtown Downey.
The area around Downey Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and Fifth Street has historically
been considered the Downtown district of Downey. The downtown area is at the heart of the
community containing major landmarks such as Downey City Hall, City Library, Downey Depot
Bus Transit Center, and the Rives Mansion. After the demolition of the County Courthouse and
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 10
Resolution No. 10--2663
Downey Planning Commission
a decline of the commercial areas in the downtown area, the city took a pro -active approach to
revitalizing the area.
The courthouse site was replaced by a 10 -screen Kirkorian Theatre, which was serves as a
customer draw into the area. The city has focused its efforts on making the Downtown as a
destination spot featuring entertainment and dining opportunities, capitalizing on the customers
drawn to the area by the theatre and other uses, such as the Embassy Suites hotel, City Hall,
and other uses. In contrast to other commercial areas that are designed as strip centers to draw
in customers who pass through the area and may find the location for services convenient, the
concept of a destination spot is different since it should provide services that cannot be provided
elsewhere. This creates a "sense of place" for the visitor and clearly defines the city's
"downtown".
Part of the revitalization effort was the Downey Avenue Street Improvement Project which
narrowed the street width of Downey Avenue from 4 -lanes to 2 -lanes and provided theme street
furniture (light posts, benches) giving visitors the sense that the area is different than other parts
of the city. The narrowing of the street also addresses the concept of "traffic calming", which
strives to slow down traffic and perhaps consider the shopping and service opportunities in the
area. The narrowing of the street also provided larger sidewalks creating opportunities for
sidewalk cafes and helped alleviate parking demand, a major concern in the area, by providing
diagonal parking. The city should continue to apply these features to other streets in the
Downtown area.
Since parking is the major obstacle to development of the Downtown area, the city has adopted
standards to address parking in the downtown. First, the city took a pro -active role in providing
public parking, either on -street or city -owned parking lots, to meet parking demand in the area.
Second, the city established a Downtown Overlay zone in 1999 that, among other things, by
reducing the number of parking required for tenants based on the factoring that customers that
visit the Downtown area may visit more than one tenant. For example, a visitor to a theatre may
dine at a restaurant nearby prior to the show and have drinks at a cafe after the show so three
businesses may require only one parking space in this instance. The demand for parking by
tenants is reduced since customers for dining and entertainment uses tend to travel in groups
thereby reducing the number of parking spaces needed, on average, per customer. Third, the
city established a parking credit program to facilitate the establishment of retail, dining, and
entertainment uses based on the availability of public parking spaces. Since adoption of these
measures, several new cafes and entertainment uses have opened in the area.
Although the Downtown's daytime population is relatively high, given that a large customer base
is provided by the hotel, City Hall, and the various office uses in the area, the nighttime
population in the area is significantly lower since most offices close after business hours and a
smaller customer base to support the remaining open businesses. In order for the Downtown to
ultimately reach its potential, it needs to increase its nighttime population. Additional housing in
the Downtown is one of the solutions to address nighttime population concern. Added housing
will not only increase the nighttime population of the area to increase the customer base but is
ideal because it will reduce parking demand and traffic congestion by making pedestrian travel
convenient. Although there is already some housing in the Downtown area, additional housing
is needed to provide a diversity of the type of housing to fit different lifestyle needs.
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Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 11
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
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Downey Landing.
The Rockwell plant was once the largest employer in the City. Its closure in 1999 had a huge
impact on the city's economy due to not only the quantity of persons employed, but also the
high quality of jobs. The city designated the area as mixed use to provide for the plant site's re-
use as an employment center and address land use needs.
To promote land uses at a site and replacing the conventional zoning, the City Council adopted
Downey Landing Specific Plan. The specific plan proposes a variety of uses on the 168 -acre
site including a retail shopping center adjacent to Stewart & Gray Road), a public park and
learning center/museum dedicated to the Space Shuttle (which was constructed at the site )
along Clark Avenue, a hospital to be operated by Kaiser along Imperial Highway.
The most distinct aspect of the site will be the Downey Studio, which will be a movie production
studio located within the main hangar formerly used for aircraft construction. Due to the high
ceiling of the hangar building, the building is ideal for indoor movie production and has already
been used for production for several major motion pictures. The movie production aspect of the
project is important since this will be the first project in the southeast County area to capitalize
on the entertainment economic sector which is an important part of the Countywide economy
and the project may serve as a catalyst for future entertainment related projects in the City. The
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The city should promote development of the properties surrounding the Downey Landing site to
complement the land uses on the Downey Landing site itself. This may include commercial
uses needed by employees at the site (for example, restaurants within walking distance so
customers do not need to drive) or industries needed to support the main businesses at the site
(for example, designers needed for movie production). Because the conventional zoning
designation may be too broad, a specific plan for the surrounding properties should be
developed to attract the types of uses which will best complement the Downey Landing site.
One of these uses may be housing since providing housing within walking distances of
employment centers is consistent with smart growth principles by promoting walking and
reducing traffic congestion.
Green Line MTA Station.
In 1998, the portion of the 1-105 Freeway that crosses the southern part of the City was
completed. The 1-105 project includes the MTA Green Line light rail line along the freeway
median and a transit station within Downey at Lakewood Boulevard. With the gradual
completion of the rail network, it is now possible to travel from Downey to Downtown Los
Angeles, Hollywood, Long Beach, and Pasadena and near LAX entirely by train. Due to the
accessibility of the rail network, many communities have advanced transit -oriented
developments (TOD) to capitalize on the growing number of passengers.
Convenience commercial uses (dry cleaners, grocery, cafes) are the most obvious types of
uses that would benefit from placement near the station and capitalize on transit passengers
already in the area either en route to other transit (buses), picked up by other vehicles, or to
their own vehicles at the nearby park-and-ride lots. These convenience uses would benefit the
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 12
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
city by lessening traffic congestion by reducing the number of trips that passengers must make
to run errands, especially for those that would otherwise drive to their next destination and
adding more vehicles trips on local streets. These uses would go even further to lessen the
drawbacks of using transit by providing incentives in the form of added convenience for transit
users.
Further convenience would be provided by housing within transit -oriented developments.
Although there is already some housing in the area, additional housing could be considered to
provide a diversity of the type of housing to fit different lifestyle needs and also provide a certain
amount of concentration of housing to have the desired impact. The housing may take the form
of housing atop retail uses, or may be located at ground level in proximity to commercial areas.
Presently, there are no commercial businesses in the vicinity of the Green Line station to take
advantage of foot traffic. The Downey Vision 2025 land use diagram designates the areas
surrounding the Green Line Station as "Mixed Use" to encourage transit -oriented development.
The "Mixed Use" area extends about a quarter -mile from the station in every direction since this
distance is the standard maximum walking distance for the region. The-ffiaximu n -density -for
the "Wxed Use" de&4na#on--466eglent to ha¢tfthe "Me�'� DeeRG't p e idei*aP
desjgfaatian ^f easing units per aGFe Ba6e., r- age-iou6et-)oId-s�--G€--3�7, the
lite-Gted^^--pGpt�lati9 ;I- r�seesoar--e,aeki-aG, e. The G �ty�f-t Ivt ed L se�esig ►
shGuld-Rot-ex-Geed-a4leef nra.n rniin of�
Goals, Policies, & Programs
Goal 1.2. Advance livable community concepts.
Policy 1.2.1. Promote livable communities concepts that allow added flexibility in addressing
land use needs.
+ Program 1.2.1.1. Promote project designs that reduce dependency on vehicles and
promote pedestrian, transit, and alternate modes of travel.
• Program 1.2.1.2. Promote mixed-use developments with housing on the same site or in
proximity to commercial services to reduce the need for trips by vehicles.
Program 1.2.1.3. Promote commercial and residential uses in proximity to transit stops to
reduce dependency on vehicles.
+ Program 1.2.1.4. Provide dining opportunities within walking distances of employment
centers.
Program 1.2.1.5. Promote the establishment of child-care centers near transportation
routes and employment centers.
• Program 1.2.1.6. Promote the placement of buildings at or near the public right-of-way with
a primary or secondary entryway facing the sidewalk.
Policy 1.2.2. Focus on areas where livable communities concepts are most likely have the
most impact to set a catalyst for similar projects elsewhere in the city.
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 13
Resolution No. 10-2663
Downey Planning Commission
• Program 1.2.2.1. Promote the downtown area as a destination point for entertainment,
dining, civic, and other activities.
• Program 1.2.2.2. Capitalize on existing pedestrian traffic generated in the Downtown area
by the movie theater, hotel, civic center and offices.
• Program 1.2.2.3. Promote housing, mixed use housing, and other land uses that will
generate nighttime pedestrian traffic in the Downtown.
• Program 1.2.2.4. Use the development of the Downey Landing site as a catalyst for further
economic development, including housing, on properties along the periphery of the site.
• Program 1.2.2.5. Adopt a specific plan for the areas surrounding the Downey Landing site
with uses complimentary to the primary uses on the Downey Landing site.
• Program 1.2.2.6. Promote transit -oriented development at the MTA Green Line Station at
Lakewood Boulevard that includes commercial services and mixed-use housing projects to
capitalize on the passenger boardings.
H:\PLANNING\RESOS\PC\2010\10-2663.doc
Downtown Downey Specific Plan (PLN -10-08074) — General Plan Amendment
September 15, 2010 - Page 14