HomeMy WebLinkAboutUpdate of Downtown Task Force Recommendations - Study Sessio UPDATE OF DOWNTOWN TASK
FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
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Study Session - .June 16 , 2014
General Overview
Downtown Task Force ( DTTF) created by the
City Council in July 2013
14 Task Force Recommendations presented
to City Council on April 21 , 2014
Staff given direction to study the DTTF
Recommendations
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®TTF Recommendation # 1
Paint inside of the Main - Promenade
Parking Structure bright white so as
to provide increased security and
visibility , deter crime , and potentially
make patrons feel safer
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Main - Promenade Parking Structure
Staff investigated options :
Strategic painting of inaccessible areas
to a lighter color
Upgrade from existing light fixtures to
brighter , long life LED
Comprehensive lighting re - design
interior and exterior lights
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~ DTTF #1
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Strategic Painting
A . Investigated with co - owner of
building
Concerns about cost of re - painting and
graffiti / vandalism
Agreed on painting inaccessible areas
lighter color (such as bottom of stairs
and above 8 feet) which will reflect light
and brighten the area
Estimated cost of limited painting
$ 100 , 000
t DTTF #1
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Interior Light Retrofit
B . Upgrade of existing light fixtures to
brighter & longer life fixtures
Estimated cost $ 350 , 000
No energy savings , due to increased
fixtures but some maintenance savings
Included as an option in utility street
light buyback project with Siemens
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' DTTF #1
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Comprehensive Redesign
C . Comprehensive redesign of interior
and exterior lighting including new
lighting in troublesome areas
Improve lighting around exterior and in
known trouble areas
Estimated cost $ 700 , 000
DTTF #1
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Staff Recommendation :
In Fiscal Year 14 - 1 5 , as part of the CIP
Budget , strategic painting (A - $ 100 , 000) is
recommended . In Fiscal Year 1 5 - 16 , as part
of the CIP Budget , the existing lighting
fixtures will be requested to be update ( B -
$ 350 , 000) .
;: DTTF #1
®TTF Recommendation #2
Reduce size and scope of US Open of
Surfing to eliminate concerts , expo and
non - competition related items
Completed
➢No live concerts
➢Scaled down venue
➢ Earlier close down time on Sunday
➢ Enhanced security
➢ Minimized vendor booths
a. 6'
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Staff Recommendation :
Debrief after 2014 event and
consider recommendations for the
following year ' s US Open .
DTTF #2
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DTTF Recommendation # 3
Consider providing additional security
in public parking lots within
District 1
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The Police Department is finalizing a public private
partnership to launch a Downtown Ambassador
program . The program will be a pilot program
starting in July funded by the City, the Downtown
BID , and the Downtown bar owners . The
ambassadors will be employed by a private
security firm and trained by the Police Department
and Visit HB personnel . The pilot program will be
managed by the Police Department .
Staff Recommendation :
Evaluate the program after the summer and
explore options for permanent funding if
successful .
; ,;F DTTF #3
DTTF Recommendation #4
That a mechanism be developed to
increase the use of the public parking
structure for employees that work late
night shifts in the downtown
(similar to DTTF # 1 1 )
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The City and BID conducted a survey of Downtown businesses, 42
responded as follows :
The survey asked where the business believed their employees parked -
33 answered at the Main Promenade Parking Structure / or Other Parking
Structures and 21 in the Neighborhood areas .
Only 8 provide escorts or security for late night employees walking to
their vehicles.
Only 5 of 33 would be willing to contribute to the cost of providing
additional security at the Main Promenade Parking Structure.
If the price was reduced for late night parking , 20 believed their
employees would purchase a monthly pass and 19 stated they would not.
Staff Recommendation :
Create a parking pass for late night employees to be sold for $ 1 5 per
month (a $ 5 discount, with proof of late night shifts). A 6-month trial
period should be established for review.
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DTTF #4
DTTF Recommendation # 5
That City Council Resolution 201 3 - 24 ,
establishing conditions of approval for
eating and drinking establishments with
alcoholic beverage sales and live
entertainment in District 1 become a
zoning text amendment with the exception
of those items already contained within the
Huntington Beach Municipal Code
Currently, all new and modified eating and drinking
establishment requests are required to comply with the
conditions of City Council Resolution No. 201 3 -24.
Per the resolution , only the City Council can modify the
conditions .
Incorporation of the conditions into the Downtown Specific
Plan (DTSP) would require approval by the California
Coastal Commission (CCC) .
Could result in other unintended changes to the DTSP.
Subsequent changes to conditions would require CCC approval
resulting in longer process (6-24 months) and no guarantee that
Council adopted changes would be approved .
Staff Recommendation :
Continue to incorporate CC Reso. No. 201 3 - 24 as part of the
CUP process .
DTTF #5
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DTTF Recommendation #6
HBDRA will attempt to acquire the required support of
those within the proposed new parking permit
district(s) by following the procedures identified by
the Public Works Department . After costs are
established , late - night businesses within District 1
will be asked to discuss the possibility of
participating financially in the cost of establishing the
district
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THREE (3) CONDITIONS WITH DIFFERING REQUIREMENTS
1 ) Outside Coastal Zone and DTSP
a) Can be submitted any time and processed through
DPW
2 ) Within Coastal Zone , outside DTSP
a) Standard permit parking process through DPW
b) Requires CDP with findings
3 ) Coastal Zone and DTSP jurisdiction
a) First, requires Specific Plan Amendment (to allow
permit parking)
b) Standard permit parking process through DPW
c) Requires CDP with findings
` ``` DTTF #6
HBDRA has officially initiated Parking Permit Requested
Outside Coastal Zone and DTSP
a) 7th , 8th7 9th Streets - Walnut to Palm ( 1 5
blocks)
b) 10 PM to 5 AM , 7 days /week request
Staff Recommendation :
Continue processing request per current Municipal
Code requirements .
DTTF #6
DTTF Recommendation #7
Consider increasing the number of
cameras in the downtown , pursuant
to input by the Police Chief
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The Police Department implemented 7 cameras
in the downtown area December 2013 as
follows :
➢ 3 cameras located at the 200 block of
Main Street
➢ 1 camera at Tower Zero on the Pier
➢ 3 cameras underneath the Pier capturing
the bike racks and beach walk
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� DTTF #7
Success Stories
The Police Department has the ability to
monitor the cameras from the main police
station .
They have observed criminal activity ranging
from assaults causing great bodily injury to
minor violations such as drinking alcohol in
public .
��=� DTTF #7
Vide ® clip ® f major assault
DTTF #7
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Assault with great bodily injury
Officers viewed this assault and were able to
dispatch officers to affect the arrest
No testimony was required by the officer
since it was caught on video
"£ DTTF #7
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Success Stories
Officers take several reports a month of
stolen bicycles from the downtown area .
The cameras captured a picture of a
suspect / thief which was posted on Facebook.
The suspect was captured within a week after
a citizen reported seeing him in the area .
DTTF #7
Update on additional cameras
The Police Department is currently adding 10
cameras to the downtown area .
The new cameras will support the existing
cameras by providing additional coverage
with several cameras in fixed positions rather
than a rotational system .
Staff Recommendation :
Continue program and update City Council as
needed .
2
rt.w DTTF #7
DTTF Recommendation #8
Consider increasing the number of trash
receptacles during special events , including
lining local streets around Main Street with
temporary containers
Staff Recommendation :
As part of the Special Events process additional
trash receptacles will be part of the conditions .
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DTTF Recommendation # 9
Review formatting of existing signage
in the downtown to increase visibility ,
more organized and consolidated and
updated where possible
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Improved Public Identification of Downtown Parking
Areas
1 . Four (4) Publicly Accessible Parking Structures
a) City-owned / operated
b) City/ private partnership (The Strand)
c) Private lots (Plaza Almeria , Pierside
Pavilion)
2 . Provide consistent design and message
3 . Improve visibility and recognition
3� DTTF #9
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Main Promenade Parking Structure
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Pierside Pavilion Parking Structure
DTTF #9
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The Strand Parking Structure
DTTF #9
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Staff Recommendation :
1 ) Research the cost of the International
Parking Sign and other building signs
similar to The Strand •
2 ) Work with the two private parking
structure owners to update parking
signage
3 ) Review potential directional signage
for placement and visibility
- DTTF #9
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DTTF Recommendation # 10
Hold a City Council study session to explore
and discuss regulation ( limitation ) of various
business types in the downtown
Staff Research on other Cities with similar regulations
Laguna Beach
➢ Most uses require a Conditional Use Permit within the Downtown
Specific Plan
ySpecific findings required to demonstrate that issuance of CUP will not
contribute to an incremental effect of similar uses that would be
detrimental to City
➢ Dessert/ ice cream stores : special findings require that not more than
10 establishments be located within Downtown Specific Plan
➢Off-site alcohol sales : must be a minimum 200 yards from main
beach
➢ Retail clothing stores : special finding requires that the business is not
primarily engaged in retail sale of bathing suits or t-shirts
➢ Form ula-based business (national chains) : special findings require
that business will enhance destination quality of the Downtown Specific
Plan and not exhibit local / regional saturation
DTTF #10
Pasadena
➢ Regulation / limitation of uses occurs through separation
requirements in the Zoning Code
➢Alcohol Overlay District: Minimum separation requirements
(250 ' or 1 ,000 ' depending on location) for new uses that sale
alcohol for on - or off-site consumption and existing uses that
change from beer and wine to full liquor/alcohol license
-Other uses with separation requirements (boarding houses ,
day care , donation collection facilities , arcades and internet
game centers , emergency shelters , massage , pawn shops) not
relevant to Huntington Beach DTSP
Staff Recommendation :
Maintain existing regulations within the DTSP.
A: DTTF #10
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DTTF Recommendation # 1 1
Consider designating the top level of the Main
Promenade Parking Garage for employee parking after
3 : 00 or 4 : 00 PM on Friday and Saturday
(Similar to DTTF # 4)
As mentioned in Recommendation #4, The City and BID conducted a
survey of Downtown businesses , 42 responded as follows:
➢Only 17 of 22 believed their employees would park at the top level
of the Main Promenade Parking Structure if designated .
➢ Main Promenade Parking Structure has ample parking spaces
available after 6 PM ; therefore, the top level parking would not need
to be reserved.
➢Additional staffing would be required to reserve and monitor the
top level late night parking structure.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff does not recommend that this be implemented .
DTTF #11
: a
Recommendation # 12
That a Zoning Text Amendment and Local
Coastal Program Amendment be processed to
amend the Downtown Specific Plan so that
residential permit parking can be allowed
➢The process would require CCC approval (approx. 12-18 month
process)
Yln 2011 , CCC adopted DTSP Update that included language to
specifically prohibiting preferential parking districts (includes residential
permit parking)
: CCC staff indicated that preferential parking districts affect coastal
access and would not recommend/support amendment
➢Could result in other unintended changes to the DTSP
Staff Recommendation :
Do not pursue amendment to DTSP .
A4
*�` DTTF #1 2
DTTF Recommendation # 13
That meters be enforced until 2 : 00 AM in
residential neighborhoods in the downtown
and add signage to existing meters to promote
flat - rate Fri / Sat night parking in the Main
Promenade Parking Garage .
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Staff Concerns :
➢This action may push cars further into neighborhoods , basically
moving the problem to non - metered streets
YConfusion over end times at different locations
➢ Not having late night staff to enforce
Staff Recommendation :
Focus on directing people to the garages and leave enforcement of
meter times at 12 midnight.
DTTF #1 3
DTTF Recommendation # 14
Establish a permanent Downtown Committee
that meets on a quarterly basis , consisting of
three ( 3 ) City Council members , three ( 3 )
downtown resident representatives , one
representative from the Downtown Business
Improvement District , and one ( 1 )
representative of a Downtown restaurant that
holds a valid liquor license
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options for Consideration :
Retain current DTTF structure and conduct
quarterly meetings
Create new committee with three Council
Members and downtown residents and
conduct meetings as needed
Downtown Economic Development
Committee (DTEDC) - Reformat to include
Downtown residents monthly meetings
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DTTF #14
Summary of Downtown Task Force and Staff
Recommendations
DTTF Recommendation Staff Recommendation
1 Paint inside of the Main-Promenade Parking Structure bright In Fiscal Year 14-1 5, as part of the CIP Budget,
white so as to provide increased security and visibility, deter strategic painting (A - $100,000) is
crime, and potentially make patrons feel safer. recommended. In Fiscal Year 1 5-16, as part of
the CIP Budget, the existing lighting fixtures
will be requested to be update (B - $350,000).
2 Reduce size and scope of US Open of Surfing to eliminate Debrief after 2014 event and consider
concerts, expo and non-competition related items. recommendations for the following year's US
Open.
3 Consider providing additional security in public parking lots Evaluate the program after the summer and
within District 1 . explore options for permanent funding if
successful.
4 That a mechanism be developed to increase the use of the Create a parking pass for late night employees
public parking structure for employees that work late night to be sold for $15 per month (a $5 discount,
shifts in the downtown. with proof of late night shifts). A 6-month trial
period should be established for review.
5 That City Council Resolution 201 3-24, establishing conditions Continue to incorporate CC Reso. No. 201 3-24
of approval for eating and drinking establishments with as part of the CUP process.
alcoholic beverage sales and live entertainment in District 1
become a zoning text amendment with the exception of those
items already contained within the Huntington Beach
Municipal Code.
Summary of Downtown Task Force and Staff
Recommendations
DTTF Recommendation Staff Recommendation
6 HBDRA will attempt to acquire the required support of Continue processing request per current
those within the proposed new parking permit district(s) Municipal Code requirements.
by following the procedures identified by the Public Works
Department. After costs are established, late-night
businesses within District 1 will be asked to discuss the
possibility of participating financially in the cost of
establishing the district.
7 Consider increasing the number of cameras in the Continue program and update City Council
downtown, pursuant to input by the Police Chief. as needed.
8 Consider increasing the number of trash receptacles As part of the Special Events process
during special events, including lining local streets additional trash receptacles will be part of
around Main Street with temporary containers. the conditions.
9 Review formatting of existing signage in the downtown to 1 . Research the cost of the International
increase visibility, more organized and consolidated and Parking Sign and other building signs
updated where possible. similar to The Strand.
2. Work with the two private parking
structure owners to update parking signage.
3. Review potential directional signage for
placement and visibility.
10 Hold a City Council study session to explore and discuss Maintain existing regulations within the
regulation (limitation) of various business types in the DTSP which requires a CUP for alcohol
downtown. related businesses.
11 Consider designating the top level of the Main Promenade Staff does not recommend that this be
rking Garage for employee parking after 3:00 or 4:00 implemented.
.and Saturday.
Summary of Downtown Task Force and Staff Recommendations
DTTF Recommendation Staff Recommendation
12 That a Zoning Text Amendment and Local Coastal Do not pursue amendment to DTSP.
Program Amendment be processed to amend the
Downtown Specific Plan so that residential permit
parking can be allowed.
13 That meters be enforced until 2:00 AM in residential Focus on directing people to the garages
neighborhoods in the downtown, and to add signage and leave enforcement of meter times at
to existing meters to promote flat-rate Fri/Sat night 12 midnight.
parking in the Main Promenade Parking Garage.
14 Establish a permanent Downtown committee that Options to consider:
meets on a quarterly basis, consisting of three (3) 0 Retain current DTTF structure and
City Council members, three (3) downtown resident conduct quarterly meetings.
representatives, one representative from the
Downtown Business Improvement District, and one 0 Create new committee with three
representative of a Downtown restaurant that holds a Council Members and downtown
valid liquor license. residents and conduct meetings as
needed.
Downtown Economic Development
Committee (DTEDC) - Reformat to
include Downtown residents
Bibb monthly meetings.
Huntington Beach
Downtown Residents Association (HBDRA.com)
419 Main Street, Suite 321, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 • HBDRA@HBDRA.com
June 6, 2014
Dear City Council Members,
The Downtown Task Force recommendations are scheduled for another study session on
June 16th. I am writing regarding one particular Task Force recommendation which
addresses residential permit parking in the coastal zone.
Although one might easily conclude that the California Coastal Commission will deny
preferential parking in the coastal zone, it certainly makes sense* to approve this
recommendation and move forward. If it is approved by the Commission, that would be a
tremendous boon to the downtown residents. (*I understand this would be a no fault
application and no other changes to our DTSP could be made unilaterally by the Coastal
Commission.)
In speaking with city staff, I was told that the Coastal Commission will take as long as one or
two years to respond to our application. In the meantime, the downtown residents need relief
from the late night parking intrusions into their neighborhood sooner rather than later.The
HBDRA respectfully requests that the City Council consider an alternate plan to run
concurrent with the Coastal Commission deliberation. And that would be metered parking in
the coastal zone.
Metered parking could be implemented immediately and without any approval needed
by the Coastal Commission. It would require nothing more than a CDP issued by the city.
The HBDRA has determined that the coastal zone downtown residents would support "pay
and display" parking meters exactly as we have at our beach parking lot.
There is another consideration.The city has limited experience with parking meters in the
downtown residential neighborhoods as compared to the area being considered which is
11.75 times larger than that which exists today with meters on 1 st, 2nd and 5th streets.
Additionally, the proposed location is several blocks away from the core downtown
commercial district. For these reasons, there may be unforeseen consequences to metered
parking on such a large scale and location.
The HBDRA respectfully requests that the City Council consider establishing a one year test
of metered parking in a small area of the coastal zone. During that time any negative
unforeseen consequences, if any, could be identified and hopefully resolved satisfactorily.
SUPPLEMENTAL
Page 1 of 2 COMMUNICATION
Meetlng Deter/o d
Agenda Item No. ��"�
Huntington Beach
Downtown Residents Association (HBDRA.com)
419 Main Street, Suite 321, Huntington Beach, CA92648 • HBDRA@HBDRA.com
In the event that the Coastal Commission denies preferential parking in the coastal zone,
which is the most likely outcome, we would then have a full year's experience with metered
parking and could move forward based upon our acquired knowledge.
In the event that the Coastal Commission approves permit parking, then we would have two
choices for the city and the residents from which to choose. Since there are distinct
advantages and disadvantages to both options, that would make for a vigorous discussion
and debate which will only serve to provide the city and the coastal zone downtown
residents with the best possible solution.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kim Kramer
President, Huntington Beach Downtown Residents Association
on behalf of the HBDRA Board of Directors
cc: Fred Wilson, City Manager
Rob Handy, Chief of Police
HBDRA Board of Directors