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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-07-28; Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Committee Ad Hoc; MinutesI' .- MINUTES Meeting of: Time of Meeting: 5:OO p.m. Date of Meeting: 3uly 28, 1986 Place of Meeting: HOUSING AND REDEVELOPENT ADVISORY COMMI City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER: Chairman McCoy called the Meeting to order at 5:OO p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman McCoy, Committee Members Clarke, Guilford, Hayes, Helton, Nielsen, Rombot is and Sanchez. Absent: Committee Member Moralez. Staff Present: Chris Salomone, Community Redevelopment Manager Brian Hunter, Assistant Planner Patty Cratty, AAII APPROVAL.OF.MINUTES: The Minutes of the Meeting held 3une 23, 1986, were approved as presented. NEW. BUSINESS : 1. Special.Census Chris Salomone reported before Carlsbad could be certified to become an entitlement city under the Block Grant Program they need to have a census to verify the population of over 50,000. He stated staff would like to decide in the caning months whether or not to go ahead to have this special census. Committee's opinion on this. The Federal Goverrment may take the State's "estimate", and if they do so, then the special census would not be necessary. require people to go door-to-door and would cost perhaps $50,000 to $60,000. However, the money received under the Block Grant would exceed this by about five times. Chairman McCoy asked why the City does not require a special census, rather than Redevelopment. Mr. Salomone replied it is not really worth that much to the City. However, it would be worth doing for the Block Grant as far as Redevelopment. Mr. Salomone continued, stating the State was convinced that Carlsbad would be over the 50,000 population in May. Member Rombotis suggested staff call Ron Packard's office to ask their help with this, inasmuch as that would cost less than a consultant. He stated he would like the This census would Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Committee recanmended staff pursue the achieving of entitlement statxs for Carlsbad to be eligible for Block Grant Funds, short of expending money for a consultant. McCoy Clarke Guilford Hayes Helton Nielsen Rombot is Sanchez McCoy Clarke Guil f ord Hayes Helton Nielsen Rombot is Sanchez X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X MINUTES .- HOUSING AND REDEVELOPENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3uly 28, 1986 Page 2 NEW. BUSINESS : ( cont imed ) 2. Streetcape/Request.For-Proposals Chris Salomone used a map to show the Redevelopment Area, and stated he had gone to the Housing and Redevelopment Commission to ask permission to implement the first of the recommendations by the consultants. would be the Elm Aveme corridor and the Carlsbad Boulevard corridor. Commission asked staff to proceed with hiring a design firm to get the cmt for this streetscaping. available in the Tax Increment Fund for this work. Mr. Salomone stated the streetscaping on Elm Avernre would be the important one, and he wanted this Committee to become involved with the decisions for the streetscaping The streets involved The Housing and Redevelopment The money is Chairman McCoy commented this Committee should recommend this first, rather than going to the Housing and Redevelopment Commission first. wanted a group of two Members from this group and one from the Design Review Board to be active at the time the final choice is made for the design firm. Mr. Salomone stated he Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Committee authorized staff to solicit requests for proposals for two streetscape areas, Elm Aveme and Carlsbad Boulevard. 3. Tax.Assessment.Report.-Special.Study Chris Salomone reported this is the fifth year of the Redevelopment Agency and he felt it was important to look at the Tax Rolls to verify whether or not the County was paying Carlsbad the money due. The Redevelopment Area in Carlsbad has been very active and has changed considerably in that time, particularly with regard to the timeshare units. there were discrepancies. said they did have the money to pay Carlsbad the money due. Rolls and pay Carlsbad the money due based on this information. In answer to query, Mr. Salomone stated this would be more than $50,000, accruing since 1981, when Redevelopment started . He stated he met with the County Assessor and The County Assessor agreed and The City has asked the County to update the Tax Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Committee asked staff to pursue officially requesting the payment of money due on tax assessments. McCoy Clarke Guil ford Hayes Helton Nielsen Rombot is Sanchez McCoy Clarke Guilford Hayes Helton Nielsen Rombot is Sanchez h \ 9 S - X X X X X X X X X X X X x x X X MINUTES _- HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3uly 28, 1986 Page 3 NEW BUSINESS : 4. Historic-Preservation Commission-- Update ( continued 1 a. Carrillo.Ranch.-.Grant/Commission.Study-Sessions Chris Salomone reported this is an agressive and active Commission. They have been meeting to catalog the historic sites and have taken action to apply to the State for a grant to maintain and update Carrillo Ranch. ranch was left to the City and is deteriorating at the present time. is needed for preventive maintenance. This The City does hire a caretdcer, but money The Commission meets every Thursday in the Council Chambers at 2:OO p.m., and they are driving out to see the different historical sites. Member Rombotis stated he felt the type of facility should be determined before any money is invested in the Carrillo Ranch. There are a lot of outbuildings that might not fit into any plan. Chris Salomone said the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Historical Society have gone out there to examine the site and determine what they want done. Chris Salomone commented the State said they did not have many applicants for grants from Southern California. All the money was going to Northern California and Carlsbad was urged to apply for this grant. 5. Design.Review.Board--.Update Chris Salomone gave an update on the projects before the Design Review Board, stating the 3eff Chandler Project had been reviewed and will be returned to the Board on August 13th. The main problem was access to the project. The Willis Project on Elm Street was approved and will be a combination of retail and residential. 6. Depot.Renovation.-.Orant Chris Salomone reported that official notification has been received for the $35,000 grant for the renovation of the Depot. the Committee to get the costs determined on the renw at ion. Members Rombotis and McCoy are working with 7. Carfield.Street.Closure Chris Salomone reported the staff recommendation to close Garfield between Elm and Grand for additional parking area. He stated he would like to take this matter to the Traffic Safety Commission on August 4, 1986, and ask them to rule on the closing of this portion of the street. This would be a public parking lot, and the area would be cleaned up, the illegal parking eliminated and landscaping installed. He referred to the artist's drawing included in the packet, showing 45 parking spaces. Member Sanchez stated he was against closing that and said there are at least 40 parking spaces there at the present time. He added he felt the curb and sidewalk was needed on the east side of the street. On the west side, there are two dumpsters that could be turned around to provide more parking. L \ z .- MINUTES t CUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE July 28, 1986 Page 4 NEW BUSINESS : (continued ) Chris Salomone continued his report, stating there is a 60 foot right-of-way and parallel parking. If curb and sidewalk were installed, this would negate angle parking and allow parallel parking only. Mr. Salomone stated if the parking were enforced, it would actually be eliminated. Member Sanchez recommended closing Garfield between Beech Street and Christensen Way for beach parking. Salomone said that was another recanmendation, but they felt the other area was needed now. Chris Member Rombotis asked the reason for going to the Traffic Safety Commission and, Mr. Salomone stated they wanted a designer to design the parking area. If the Traffic Safety Commission says it is all right to close this area, they could then have the designer work on this project. Mr. Salomone added the property owners would like to have this done, but the motel owner would not be happy with this. Member Rombotis added they were not actually closing the street. Chairman McCoy inquired whether this had any effect on the Carlsbad Inn, and Mr. Salomone stated it could have some effect because the City may ask them to build this parking lot. Member Hayes stated the stairway to the beach by McMahan's unit is very dangerous. A good access there could relieve some of the parking at the other end. should be looked into. She felt this Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Committee recommended staff take the following recommendations to the Traffic Safety Commission for their concurrence: Close Garfield Street between Elm Averrue and Grand Averrue for a public parking lot, and close Garfield Street between Christensen Way and Beech Street for parking. brought back to this Committee. A report is to be Member Rombotis made a motion to ask the Redevelopment Commission to pursue organizing a parking authority for the Redevelopment Area. This motion was later withdrawn. Member Hayes stated she thought the parking authority would be one of the things talked about in the sub- committee meetings, which would be the logical way to approach the problem. INFORMATION ITEMS: 8. Bridge Opening - Update Chris Salomone stated at the present time there is no definite date for the opening of the Carlsbad Boulevard bridge. McCoy Clarke Guil f ord Hayes Helton Neil se n Rombot is Sanchez h \ 9 S - X X X X X X X X . *. b MINUTES *- HOUSING AND REDEVELOPENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3uly 28, 1986 Page 5 MEMBERS INFORMATION ITEMS: (continued) 9. August.Sundowner Chris Salomone stated the Village Merchants will be the hosts for the August Sundowner and it will be held in the heart of the Redevelopment Area, hopefully in the area of the fountain. Casler, who has done a great deal to help the Redevelop me nt Area. This Sundowner will be honoring Mayor The Sundowner will be held August 18, 1986, at 5:OO p.m. ADDITIONAL.BUSIHESS: Chris Salomone reported the Washington Street improvements will be made except for the permanent paving, which will not be done until the gas line has been moved. There was discussion regarding the railroad right-of -way and whether it would be designated for recreational, parking or transportation. open space, but would be appropriately designated transportation area. The consensus was it is not Member Sanchez asked about the Nieman's Project, and Chris Salomone stated there is no project on that site at the present time. Chris Salomone inquired whether the Committee Members had heard of the recommendation to change the name of Elm Averue to Carlsbad Village Drive. He stated 89% of the people polled had been in favor of this change. Member Sanchez stated he had talked with the City Attorney. policy and this Committee's role in the City. The policy subcommittee consists of Members Hayes, Nielsen and Sanchez. Member Nielsen will be the Chairman and will call the meetings of this sub-committee. He said to call the City Manager to find out AD30URNMEHT: By proper motion, the Meeting of 3uly 28, 1986, was adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, CHRIS SALOMONE Community Redevelopment Manager Harriet t Babbitt Minutes Clerk HB: tb July 28, 1986 TO : HOUSING AND REDEUELOPMENT ADUISORY COMMITTEE FROM : REDEUELOPMENT OFFICE SPECIAL CENSUS For the past several months staff has been working with a consultant to access the feasibility of obtaining a special census in the Redevelopment Area. Attached for your review and recommendation are findings regarding the benefit of having a special census performed. Staff wishes to make a recommendation to the Housing and Redevelopment Commission in the near future and is requesting input from the Committee in order to forward the report for necessary action. CHRIS SALOMONE CS:al Attachment July 28, 1986 TO : HOUSING AND REDEUELOPMENT ADUISORY COMMITTEE FROM : REDEUELOPMENT OFFICE STREETSCAPE/REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Attached for your information and review is Housing and Redevelopment Commission agenda bill which was heard by the Commission at their meeting of July 15, 1986. Staff will be presenting further information regarding their request for authorization to seek proposals to implement certain recommendations of the recent redevelopment study. CHRIS SALOMONE CS:al Attachment L- 4- HOUSING AND :DEVELOPMENT COMMISSb JN o AGENDA BILL hB# 69 TITLE: AUTHORIZATION FOR REQUESTS FOR IITG. 7/15/86 IEPT. RED PROPOSALS FOR A STREETSCAPE DESIGN IN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA DEPT. HD. CITY ArrY CITY MGR. RECOMMENDED ACTION: If Housing and Redevelopment Commission concurs your action is to authorize staff to solicit proposals for a streetscape design in the Redevelopment Area. ITEM EXPLANATION The Economic Research Associates study of the Redevelopment Area recommended that a public improvements program begin in 1986. They established a priority list of improvements ranging from streetscape to parking lots. Their first priority was to begin streetscape improvements of Elm Avenue cooridor. Their second priority was to construct public improvements on Carlsbad Boulevard in the Redevelopment Area. The scope of work would include such items as landscaping, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, medians, lighting and street furniture. The Economic Research Associates fiscal analysis indicated that these improvements could cost $2.4 million. Sufficient funds would be generated from tax increment to pay for these improvements through a Redevelopment Bond. Staff is requesting that proposal be requested to determine the design and actual costs of the Elm and Carlsbad Boulevard segments of the streetscape program. This information could then be presented to the Commission for their review. FISCAL IMPACT Estimated cost $100,000. Funds are available in Redevelopment Fund balance. EXHIBITS 1 - Excerpts from Economic Research Associates Study 2 - Location Map IMPLEMENTATION AND COSTS Given limitations in the market for new commercial development in the short term, as demand catches up with the abundant new supply of commercial space in the region, the Agency should concentrate its efforts on public improvements in the near term so that the downtown may position itself to capture quality commercial development in the near future when demand has met existing supply of space and new development is needed. Urban Design Implementation costs: Elm Avenue Corridor - Harding Street to the Sea $1,230,000 The Carlsbad Boulevard Corridor 1,155,000 State Street - North at Grand Avenue 764,000 Interstate 5/Elm Avenue Interchange 202,000 Grand Avenue - Carlsbad Boulevard to Harding Street 822,000 --------- Total $4,173,000 Priority : o The above areas should be treated in the order presented above, with the Elm Avenue Corridor receiving the first attention, and Grand Avenue receiving the last treatment. URBAN DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS In the course of this urban design review, which has entailed extensive field observation and discussions with city staff and merchants, several opportunitles for public improvements have been identified and prioritized for specific zones within the Redevelopment Area. These zones are distinct in land use, visual characteristics, and function and represent a hierarchial circulation network within the Village Area. In order of priority these zones are: I. Elm Ave. Corridor 11. Carlsbad Blvd. Corridor, including the Intersections of Carlsbad IV. Elm Ave./I-5 Interchange. Blvd. at Elm Ave. and Grand Ave. 111. State Street Corridor North of Grand Ave. V. Grand Ave. - Carlsbad Blvd. to Hardlng St. In the following, each of these zones are analyzed in terms of their existing conditlons and the opportunities/constralnts they pose for improvement. Finally, specific urban deslgn recomnendations are made for each zone which not only help define it but which also contribute to the overall texture and physical, design fabric of the Redevelopment Area. These recomnendations are ranked in the order proposed for implementation. The thrust of these recomnendations is to physically reinforce the distinctive character and function of each zone, yet, at the same time, to unify them through a comnon vocabulary of urban design elements. In general, variations in street trees and special paving treatments are proposed as the primary elements for distinguishing the zones. Specially designed and complementary street lighting and furniture and signage are viewed as the major ingredients for establishing a strong sense of unity and interconnectedness in the Village Area. To illustrate the process through which design recomnendations have been derived and to aid visualization of their impact, Exhibit 1-1 has been provided. 1078L 1-2 CARLSBAD VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT AREA =I- OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS d, .I- I 1. ELM AVE. CORRIDOR - HAROING ST. TO THE SEA A. Existing Conditions Elm Ave. is the major east-west thoroughfare linking the Civic Center and 1-5 to the Village Centre, Carlsbad Blvd. and beach access points. most of its length, from Harding St. to Carlsbad Blvd., provides two travel lanes, a left turn median lane and parking lanes on either side of the street which abut 8 foot continuous sidewalks. The street widens to four travel lanes between 1-5 and Harding St. to accommodate freeway trafFic. The sidewalks from 1-5 to Carlsbad Blvd. are monolithic concrete, which are punctuated at more or less regular intervals by a variety of street trees, including Queen Palms and Carrotwood and conventional "Cobra Head" street lights. Between State St. and Carlsbad Blvd., street trees have not been planted; however, generous plantings of trees in adjoining lots, especially eucalyptus species which dominate the western horizon, give the impression of contlnuity In planting. At the Intersection of State St. and Elm Ave., interlocking pavers, bound in concrete bands, form the crosswalks. This special paving dramatically breaks the monotony of the sidewalks and Is the first visual sign along Elm Ave. for the first time visitor that something unique may be just around the corner. Elm Ave. Is an BO foot right of way and throughout For the motorist entering Carlsbad from 1-5, the overall visual character of Elm Ave. between Harding St. and the sea is comfortable and pleasant, especially for the westbound traveler who has emerged out of the visual distractlon of service stations and convenience retail complexes which marked his arrival. However, the existing streetscape does not do justice to the important function of this major thoroughfare as a gateway to the Redevelopment Area. 8. Opportunities and Constraints The Redevelopment Plan envisions Elm Ave. as the east-west gateway to the Village Centre and beach access points which facilitates circulation and promotes strong financial and commercial land use. From an urban design perspective, Elm Ave. represents a very strong, visual corridor which has enormous potential to promote the imageability and physical coherence of the Redevelopment Area. With the Pacific Ocean at Its western terminus and visible from an extended distance, the towering trees that silhouette its western horizon and the impression it gives of descending from 1-5 to the sea, Elm Ave. acts to draw the eye and excite anticipation. the terminus of this axial street is not sufficient by itself to emphasize the axis, much can be done with landscaping, paving, lighting and, perhaps, banners and flags to visually reinforce the Elm Ave. corridor. While 1078L 1-4 2. Dlrectlonal and Informational signage along Elm Ave. should be uniform, aesthetically designed to complement other urban design elements, strategically placed and held to a minimum. As with lighting standards, signage designed for Elm Ave. should be used throughout the Redevelopmeni Area to help establish Its Identity. Street furniture, including benches, planter, cigarette urns, waste containers and drinking fountains, banners and bus stop enclosures, should be specially designed, complementary and strategically placed along Elm Ave. Like lighting and signage, these elements should be consistent In design throughout the Redevelopment Area to reinforce its integrity. A median should be installed in the left turn lane the length of Elm Ave. between Harding St. and Carlsbad Blvd. Consideration should be given to extending this median through certain intersections, such as Jefferson St. and Elm Ave., to improve circulation along Elm Ave.. The median should be planted with shrub masses and ground cover. Special paving should be Installed at the perimeter of the median to define the edge and facilitate maintenance and in those sections of the median where planting is impractical. This landscaped median will soften the character of Elm yet still noticeably contribute to its function as the Redevelopment Area's major visual corridor. 3. Special treatment is recommended In the general area of the railroad crossing on the north side of Elm Ave. presence in this area of the park, the old railroad statlon (now the Chamber of Comerce), the expansive alley way west of State Street and the under-utilized parcel at the northwest corner of Elm Ave. and State St. (now a transmission repair shop), give It great potential as a vibrant, pedestrian node. In this area, consideration should be given to provide heavy landscaping and added amenities; such as a low seating wall, a fountain, an information kiosk and enriched paving detail in the alley way, to capture its potential. The 4. Consideration should be given to designing and constructing an overlook at the terminus of Elm Ave. at the Pacific Ocean to maximize the public benefit of this major view and beach access point. At present, private residences partially obstruct the view and serve to diminish the importance of this major focal point. A viewing platform which extended out seaward beyond the line of houses along Ocean Street would dramatically 1-6 unvell a panoramic vlew of the coastline for vlsitors to Carlsbad. In additton, the use of palms, decorative lighting fixtures, banners and, possibly, a gateway such as that proposed for the Elm Ave./I-S Interchange area (see ltem IV., below) would enframe and highllght the visual Importance of this major focal point. 1078L a 1-7 -. 'T Elm Avo. Corrldor Carlsbad Redevelopment Area Design Study 1-8 . XI. THE CARLSBAD BLVD. CORRIDOR A. Exlstlng Conditlons 1078L Carlsbad Blvd., comnonly referred to as Old Highway 101, functions as the major north-south thoroughfare in the downtown area. Existing land use along this 100 foot corridor conslsts of tourist, hlghway comnercial, lnstltutlonal and local heritage. Several promlnent landmarks punctuate the boulevard, such as the historical park, the Lutheran Home and the Twin Inns. . The Carlsbad Blvd. corridor is for the most part heavily vehicular- oriented and evokes an irregular, Informal and, at times, chaotic, visual impression. Two distinct visual zones are present. Moving southward from the north entry point at the bridge over the railroad tracks to Grand Ave., the street consists of three travel lanes, a painted, left turn median lane, and bike and Intermittent parking lanes on either side. Sidewalks In this area are discontinuous and do not encourage pedestrian movement. Large, mature ecualyptus specimens, randomly planted at the edges of the right-of-way and in groves and palms at the Lutheran Home, dominate the view corridor in this area. Open space is afforded by the park, the military academy athletlc field and generally by low density development. Together, these characteristics act to impart a loose, informal, spacious and somewhat rural quality to the area. The second zone essentlally begins at the intersectlon of Grand Ave. and ends at Pine Ave. Development within this area is more intense and urban. The street opens up into four travel lanes with a painted median, and intermittent parking lanes and bike lanes on either side. different materials and do not promote pedestrian movement. Sidewalks are more or less continuous, but are of The junctures of Carlsbad Blvd. at Elm Ave. and Grand Ave. are major intersectlons, which like the street itself, have decided vehicular orientatlons. especially across Carlsbad Blvd., are imposing, uninviting and do little to encourage pedestrian movement into the Village Centre. For a short distance along the east side of Carlsbad Blvd. fronting the Twin Inns, no curb exists at all, adding to the discomfort of pedestrlan movement. In this area parking extends to the hlghway with no break, transition or buffer. With a few exceptions, this section of Carlsbad Blvd. is devoid of street trees or other landscaping, lendlng at times a harsh quality to the streetscape. At the south end of Carlsbad Blvd., where it veers toward the ocean and affords a panoramlc view of the sea, pedestrian movement and enjoyment of the view is discouraged by the absence of improved sidewalks. With the exception of an unimproved trail to the beach, no provision has been made for walking along the bluff top overlooking the ocean. Pedestrian crossings at these intersections, 1-9 8. Opportunities and Constraints Excellent opportunities exist along Carlsbad Blvd. to enhance its function as a major scenic corridor and to contribute to the revitalization and overall character of the Redevelopment Area. The likelihood that Carlsbad Blvd. will Increase in future importance as an alternative route to 1-5 as regional growth continues and as a tourist destination, makes it imperative that its relationship to the Village Centre be strongly and visibly relnforced. As the primary north-south corridor Into the Redevelopment Area, Carlsbad Blvd. provides major entry points Into the area. At both the northern and southern entries, exIstlng physical characteristics afford opportunities to create a strong element of surprise. At the north entry, the southbound motorlst literally ascends and then descends over a bridge through a veil of towering eucalyptus into a relatively open, somewhat rustic environment, which rapidly transitions into an Increasingly urban setting. from the road evokes a very strong sense of arrival and discovery. Appropriately designed signage and amenities -at the Intersections of Carlsbad Blvd. and Grand Ave. and Elm Ave. would reinforce this sense of arrival and serve to draw the motorist into the Village Centre. This experience Should the southbound motorist continue beyond Elm Ave., he is awaited by the dramatlc unveiling of the Pacific Ocean. Thio panoramic view, together with a special sense of place which marks this short span of Carlsbad Blvd., instills in the motorist an overall visual Impression of the area which may prompt him to return another time. 1078L For the northbound motorist entering the Redevelopment Area along Carlsbad Blvd., the serial experience from the road Is less dramatic. However, as he turns inland from the ocean, he does experience a defhlte sense of arrival. The unusual character of the Twin Inns, in particular, serves to signal a presence of a unique environment. Again, dlrectional and informational signage and special amenities at Elm and Grand Avenues would attract the motorist into the Village Centre. Major opportunities also exist along Carlsbad Blvd. to intensify and promote pedestrian activity. park and, of course, the beaches are very strong attractions to the pedestrian-minded, especially tourists and beach visitors who can be expected to increase in number as a result of new resort development and regional growth. already being considered as measures to beautify and lend pedestrian scale to this corridor. Further Improvements in pedestrian pathways and streetscapes linking areas of Interest, in addition to special treatments at the Elm Ave. and Grand Ave. intersecttons, offer promise of transforming Carlsbad Blvd. from a largely vehicular-oriented street Into a vibrant, active pedestrian network. The Village Centre, the historical Landscaped medians along Carlsbad Blvd. are 1-10 1 C. Urban Otsign Rtcomncndations The Village Design Manual calls for heavy streetscaping and open space amenlttes along Carlsbad Blvd., particularly at the Elm Ave. and Grand Ave. intersections, to coordinate tourist, recreational and comnercial activities of the beach area with the Village Centre. Specific recomnendations to achieve these objectives are set forth below: W a I 1. Entry statements announcing arrival into the City of Carlsbad and the Village Centre, should be constructed at the north and south entrances to the Redevelopment Area on Carlsbad Blvd. constructing an entrance gate just south of the bridge similar to that proposed for the Elm Ave./I-5 interchange area (see Item IV, below). In addition, the bridge itself might be highlighted with specially designed lighting and colorful banners to emphasize arrival Into the Redevelopment Area. 2. The Intersections of Carlsbad Blvd. and Elm and Grand Avenues should be substantially upgraded. Crosswalks should be defined with paving detail to more clearly mark pedestrian areas and Invite pedestrians to cross the street into the Village Centre. directional Information should be Incorporated into specially designed street light standards. entry monuments should be constructed at the northeast and southeast corners of the Carlsbad Blvd. and Elm Ave. intersection. Land use changes at the northwest and southeast corners would slgnlf Icantly reinforce these Improvements and generally enhance the Imageability of this key intersectton. Consideration should be given to Signalization and In addition, 3. Landscaped medians should be constructed on Carlsbad Blvd. In the portion of the corridor from a point just north of Grand Ave. to a point just south of Elm Ave. This will serve to reinforce the sense of arrival into the urban core from the north and south, tend to slow vehicular traffic, dramatize the improved Intersections and generally lend a smaller, more human scale to this wide expanse of thoroughfare. At the same time, consideration should be given to removing on-street parking on both sides of Carlsbad Blvd. between Grand Ave. and Elm Ave. to permit greater pedestrlan-oriented activity. In both respects, it Is important that engineering and urban design improvements be closely coordinated and performed simultaneously to insure cost effectiveness and fulfillment of urban design intent. a 1078L 1-11 m 4. Sidewalks should be made continuous the length of Carlsbad Blvd. on both sides of the street from the bridge at the north entrance to the southern boundary of the Redevelopment Area. The degree of paving detail should be intensified in the area between Grand Ave. and Elm Ave. to reinforce the more urban character of this Interval of the streetscape. installed in the areas between Grand Ave. and the bridge and Elm Ave. and Pine Ave., as required, to fill existing gaps. These spans of plain concrete will contrast with the enriched paving In the Grand Ave. and Elm Ave. area and serve to accentuate the transition in urban quality and sense of arrival into the Village Area. Monolithic, concrete sidewalks should be Street trees of the same species should be planted at relatively close Intervals along Carlsbad Blvd. between Grand Ave. and Elm Ave. to create pedestrian scale, soften the visual harshness of this area and provide visual rhythm. With the exception of the segment between Grand Ave. and Elm Ave, lighting along Carlsbad Blvd. should be 'Cobra Head* fixtures with decoratlve standards to match those proposed for the Village Centre. pedestrian scale, decoratlve lighting fixtures proposed throughout the Redevelopment Area should be Installed. In.this segment, Street furniture, including benches, bus stops, planters, cigarette urns, waste containers and drinking fountains, should be specifically designed to complement furnlture to be used throughout the Village Centre and strategically placed along Carlsbad Blvd., but concentrated In the area between Grand Ave. and Elm Ave. Directional and informational slgnage should be uniform, aesthetically designed to complement other signage to be used In the Village Centre and held to a mlnimum. Existing bicycle paths should be maintained but more clearly demarcated to encourage bicycling as an Important alternative for accessing and experiencing the Vlllage Area. On street parklng areas along Carlsbad Blvd. should be clearly Identlfled to facilitate circulation. Improvements should be made along the western edge of Carlsbad Blvd. at the southern end of the Redevelopment Area to permit pedestrian movement along the ocean frontage. A bluff top pedestrian promenade would maximize the ocean vistas in this area and capitalize on this undeveloped natural asset as a tourist and visitor 5. 1078L 1-12 1 I 1 1 w attraction. pedestrian loop In this area which would begln at the southwest corner of Elm Ave. and Carlsbad Blvd., head south along Carlsbad Blvd. to the bluff top promenade and return along Ocean St. and Grand Ave. or Christlansen Way to Elm Ave. Consideration should be given to creating a 6. Pedestrian linkages which would connect Carlsbad Blvd. north of Grand Ave., to the beach, lagoon and the park at the north end of State St., should be explored as ways of completing a pedestrian network in the Redevelopment Area. 7. Additional Informal landscaping should be provided in the southern section of Carlsbad Blvd. between Walnut Ave. and Elm Ave., especially on the east side of the boulevard. Thls measure would serve to enframe this entrance into the Redevelopment Area, soften the visual appearance of the area, and create a more comfortable setting for pedestrian c i rcul at i on. 8. The informal, open and semi-rural quality of the Carlsbad 81vd. corridor between the north entrance to the city and Grand Ave., should be reinforced through additional landscaping. Additional eucalyptus, other complementary, flowering specimen trees and shrubs should be loosely interwoven in or along the right-of-way, especially in the historical park, to provide a bucolic setting for leisurely strolling and a retreat from the more intense activity of the Village Centre. I a 1078L 1-13 3 1 '1 J 3 7 J 1 Carlrbrd Blvd. at Elm Av~. Carlsbad Redevelopment Area Design Study 1-19 -- : .I 1 URBAN DESIGN Section I1 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND LAND USE RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY 1 1 1 I The urban design goals place emphasis on creating a diverse village environment which is pedestrian oriented in the European tradition. Five specific zones within the Redevelopment Area were selected for design improvements to achieve this environment. These zones are described below, in order of recommended priority. Elm Avenue Corridor Existing Conditions: 0 The existing streetscape does not do justice to the important function of this major thoroughfare as a gateway to the Redevelopment Area. Opportunities and Constraints: o Elm Avenue is a strong visual corridor which has enormous potential to promote a strong image and physical coherence for the Redevelopment Area. Elm Avenue acts to draw the eye towards the sea and excite anticipation. Urban Design Recommendations: o The intersection of Elm Avenue and Harding Street should be improved with enriched paving in the crosswalks. Along Elm Avenue, palm trees should be planted at regular intervals; sidewalks should be upgraded; street furniture and pedestrian decorative lighting should be installed to announce the gateway to the Village, emphasize the corridor, focus attention 11- 1 1 1 1 I seaward, and develop design uniformity. A landscaped median should be installed in the left turn lane the length of Elm Avenue between Harding Street and Carlsbad Boulevard, and should be extended through certain intersections. Special treatment should be given the railroad crossing area to create a pedestrian node. Consideration should be given to designing and constructing an ocean overlook at the terminus of Elm Avenue. Carlsbad Boulevard Corridor Existing Conditions: o The corridor is heavily vehicular-oriented and evokes an irregular visual impression. Sidewalks and pedestrian cross- ings do little to encourage pedestrian movement into the Village. Pedestrian movement to the sea also is limited. The mature landscape and open space, however, act to impart an informal, spacious and somewhat rural quality. Opportunities and Constraints: o Excellent opportunities exist to enhance the boulevard's func- tion as a major scenic corridor. At both northern and southern entries, existing physical characteristics afford opportunities to create a strong element of surprise and arrival. The his- torical park and the beaches are elements that should promote pedestrian activity. Urban Design Recommendations: o Creative entry statements announcing Carlsbad and the Village should be designed. The intersections of Carlsbad Boulevard and Elm and Grand Avenues should substantially be upgraded. Landscaped medians should be constructed on Carlsbad Boulevard 11-2 1. I I from Grand to Elm. Sidewalks should be made continuous the length of Carlsbad Boulevard on both sides of the street. Pedestrian scale street trees should be planted and decorative lighting fixtures should be installed in the section between Grand and Elm. Signage should be uniform, complement Village signage, and be held to a minimum. Bike paths should be main- tained. A bluff top pedestrian promenade should be developed along the ocean frontage. Pedestrian linkages should connect Carlsbad Boulevard north of Grand Avenue to the beach, lagoon, park at the end of State Street and the Village. SCOPE OF PROJECT e...... 4 July 28, 1986 TO : HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FROM: REDEVELOPMENT OFFICE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD At their meeting of July 15, 1986, the Design Review Board took action on the following items: 1. RP 86-6 - CHANDLER - Request for a major redevelopment to construct a single story 8,470 square foot general office building on a 32,821 square foot lot located at the southwest corner of Laguna Drive and Roosevelt Street in subarea 6 of the V-R Zone. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: APPROVAL 2. RP 86-9 WILLIS - Request for a major redevelopment permit for the construction of two second story apartments over 2,485 square feet of leasable retail commercial space at 539 Elm Avenue. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: APPROVAL CHRIS SALOMONE CS:sh Attachments July 28, 1986 TO : FROM : REDEUELOPMENT OFFICE BRIDGE OPENING HOUSING AND REDEUELOPMENT ADUISORY COMMITTEE Staff will provide an update of the recent events concerning the opening of the Carlsbad Bridge. CHRIS SALOMONE CS:al July 28, 1996 TO : FROM : REDEVELOPMENT OFFICE AUGUST SUNDOWNER HOUSING AND REDEUELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE In August the Downtown Village Merchants Association will be hosting the Chamber of Commerce Sundowner. hold the Sundowner at the Uillage Fountain at the north west corner of State and Grand. StaFF will give the exact date OF the Sundowner at your meeting. Plans are underway to CHRIS SRLOMONE CS : a1