HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-15; City Council; 21397; Carlsbad Coastal Corridor Project Status ReportCITY OF CARLSBAD - AGENDA BILL 1
AB# 21.397 CARLSBAD COASTAL CORRIDOR PROJECT DEPT. DIRECTOR
MTG. 10/15/13 STATUS REPORT CITY ATTY.
DEPT. CM CITY MGR.
RECOMMENDED AaiON:
To receive an oral report from staff regarding the status of the Carlsbad Coastal Corridor project and
direct staff to change the direction and strategic approach to the project as follows:
1) Pursue livable streets improvements within the Carlsbad Boulevard right-of way and an
expanded project boundary (northern to southern city limit lines); and
2) Pursue exploration of expanded partnership opportunities with CA State Parks with the goal of
enhancing beach facilities and services along the full extent of Carlsbad's coastline.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21065, this status report does not constitute a "project"
within the meaning of CEQA in that no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the
environment; or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and therefore
does not require environmental review.
EXHIBITS:
1. Carlsbad Community Vision Summary
2. South Carlsbad Coastal Corridor Guiding Principles
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Gary T. Barberio 760-434-2821 Rarv.barberioPcarlsbadca.gov
FOR CLERK USE.
COUNCIL ACTION: APPROVED
DENIED
CONTINUED
WITHDRAWN
AMENDED
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CONTINUED TO DATE SPECIFIC
CONTINUED TO DATE UNKNOWN
RETURNED TO STAFF
OTHER - SEE MINUTES
REPORT RECEIVED
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On a minute motion, Council directed staff to proceed with further research to achieve both elements of the
Coastal Corridor Plan. On a minute motion, Council directed staff to proceed with negotiations with the
State Parks to enhance/exchange land opportunities along Highway 101.
Thousands of community members have participated
in the city-sponsored Envision Carlsbad program to create a
community vision for Carlsbad's future. The core values and vision
statements emerging from this process serve as a guide for city
leaders as they carry out their service to all who live, work and play
in the City of Carlsbad.
CITY OF
Small town feel, beach community character and connectedness CARLSBAD
Enhance Cadsbad's defining attributes—its small town feel and beach community character. Build on the city's culture of
civic engagement, volunteerism and philanthropy.
Open space and the natural environment
Prioritize protection and enhancement of open space and the natural environment. Support and protect Carlsbad's
unique open space and agricultural heritage.
Access to recreation and active, healthy lifestyles
Promote active lifestyles and community health by furthering access to trails, parks, beaches and other recreation
opportunities.
The local economy, business diversity and tourism
Strengthen the city's strong and diverse economy and its position as an employment hub in north San Diego County.
Promote business diversity, increased specialty retail and dining opportunities, and Carlsbad's tourism.
Walking, biking, public transportation and connectivity
Increase travel options through enhanced walking, bicycling and public transportation systems. Enhance mobility
through increased connectivity and intelligent transportation management.
Sustainability
Build on the city's sustainability initiatives to emerge as a leader in green development and sustainability. Pursue public/
private partnerships, particularly on sustainable water, energy, recycling and foods.
History, the arts and cultural resources
Emphasize the arts by promoting a multitude of events and productions year-round, cutting-edge venues to host world-
class performances, and celebrate Carlsbad's cultural heritage in dedicated facilities and programs.
High quality education and community services
Support quality, comprehensive education and life-long learning opportunities, provide housing and community services
for a changing population, and maintain a high standard for citywide public safety.
Neighborhood revitalization, community design and livability
Revitalize neighborhoods and enhance citywide community design and livability. Promote a greater mix of uses citywide,
more activities along the coastline and link density to public transportation. Revitalize the downtown Village as a
community focal point and a unique and memorable center for visitors, and rejuvenate the historic Barrio neighborhood.
www.carlsbadca.gov/envision
South Carlsbad
Coastal Corridor
Guiding Principles
The City of Carlsbad and California State Parks are working together on a project to realign south Carlsbad
Boulevard in a way that will provide for extraordinary recreational areas to be enjoyed today and for
generations to come. This project is in the very early stages and will be carried out over the next 10 to 20
years based on the following 10 principles:
1. Carlsbad Boulevard shall become more than a road.
This transportation corridor shall provide for recreational, aesthetic and community gathering
opportunities that equal the remarkable character of the land.
2. Community safety shall be a high priority.
A cornerstone of the project is to create a destination that provides a safe public environment to recreate.
3. Strategic public access and parking is a key
to success.
Development shall capitalize on opportunities to add/
enhance multiple public access points and public parking
for the beach and related recreational amenities.
4. Open views are desirable and important to
maintaining the character ofthe area.
Preservation and enhancement of views of ocean, lagoons,
and other water bodies and beaches shall be a high
priority in road, landscaping, and amenity design and
development.
5. Enhance vitality of area through diversity of
recreational land uses.
Carlsbad Boulevard development shall provide for
amenities, services and goods which attracts a diversity of
residents and visitors.
continued on side 2
« CITY OF
CARLSBAD
6. Create vibrant and sustainable public spaces.
Development shall provide for unique and vibrant coastal gathering
spaces where people of all age groups and interests can gather to
enjoy recreational and environmental amenities and supporting
commercial uses.
7. Connect community, place and spirit.
Design shall complement and enhance connectivity between existing,
community, and regional land uses.
8. Environmentally sensitive design is a key objective.
Environmentally sensitive development that respects existing coastal
resources is of utmost importance.
9. A signature scenic corridor shall be created through design that honors the coastline's
natural beauty.
The resulting improvements will capture the "essence" of Carlsbad; making it a special place for
people from throughout the region with its natural beauty and vibrant public spaces. Properly
carried out, the realigned boulevard will maximize public views and encourage everyone to slow
down and enjoy the scenery.
10. Realignment of Carlsbad Boulevard shall
be visionary.
The design of a realigned Carlsbad Boulevard will
incorporate core community values articulated in
Envision Carlsbad by providing: (1) physical connectivity
through multi-modal mobility improvements including
bikeways, pedestrian trails, and a traffic-calmed roadway;
(2) social connectivity through creation of memorable
public spaces; and (3) economic vitality through a
combination of visitor and local-serving commercial, civic
and recreational uses and services.
CITY OF
^ CARLSBAD
www.carfsbadca.gov/coastal-corridor
Carlsbad Coastal Corridor Project
Today’s Presentation
•Review city vision
•Where we are today
•Recent changes
•Proposed change in strategy
Vision and Goals
•Carlsbad Community
Vision
•Council vision of a “world
class city”
•Project Guiding Principles
Where Are We Today?
•South Carlsbad project area
–Cannon Rd. to southern city limit
•Project is focused on land
exchange and road realignment
•Future land use decisions
deferred until land exchange
complete
Where Are We Today?
•MOU with State Parks
•Exploring a land exchange
–Land identified/appraisals completed
–Environmental Studies
–Preliminary road alignment alternatives
•Project introduced to stakeholders
What’s Changed?
•New Mayor and Council members
•New City Council vision of a world class city
•New team members
•New leadership at State Parks
What’s Changed
•Dissolution of redevelopment
•New emphasis on livable streets
•New emphasis on economic development
•New interest in improving our beaches,
perhaps exploring new partnerships
•Changes in nearby cities
New Strategy?
•Is the current strategy approach the best
way for Carlsbad to achieve its vision of a
world class coastline?
New Strategy
•Expand the livable streets project description
–Expand boundary from northern to southern border
–Limit improvements to city right of way
–Expedite livable streets project in coastal corridor
•Explore broader partnership with State Parks to
improve the coastline, separate from the livable
streets project
Expand Project Boundaries
•Already doing “livable streets” projects
–State Street roundabout
–Improved bike lanes
–Crosswalks/beach access
•Project Benefits
–Public gets to be informed by completed changes
–Private investment/benefits happen sooner
Other Possibilities
Other Possibilities
Other Possibilities
Other Possibilities
Other Possibilities
Other Possibilities
Benefits of North-South
Livable Streets Approach
•Reimagine the entire coastal corridor
•Already doing projects
•Projects would be under city control
•Realize project benefits sooner
–User experience
–Improved safety
–Economic enhancement
Benefits of Expanded Partnership
•Many opportunities
•Create win-win for city and state
•Will take time to explore possibilities
•Could still include a land exchange or other
type of land agreement
New Strategy
•Livable Streets improvements done sooner
–Responds to community vision and Council
priorities
•Enables greater opportunities to improve
the coastal corridor
•Advances Council’s vision of a world class
city
Recommended Action
•Pursue livable streets improvements within
the Carlsbad Boulevard right-of-way, with an
expanded north to south boundary
•Explore expanded partnership opportunities
with CA State Parks