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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3.I 08/06/2007CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA AGENDA BILL Agenda Title: A Resolution Supporting the City of Petaluma Application to be Designated a Priority Development Area as part of FOCUS, a Regional Planning Initiative of the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission 3.1 August 6, 2007 Meeting Date: August 6, 2007 Meeting Time: M 3:00 PM ❑ 7:00 PM Category: ❑ Presentation M Consent Calendar ❑ Public Hearing ❑ Unfinished Business ❑ New Business Department: Director: Contact Person Phone Number: Community Mike Moore Mike Moore 707-778-4301 Development 6/ p Cost of Proposal: N/A Account Number: N/A Amount Budgeted: N/A _Name of Fund: N/A Attachments to Agenda Packet Item: 1) Draft Resolution of Support 2) FOCUS Application Materials Summary Statement: The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the Bay Conservation and Development District (BCDC), working with local governments in the nine -county Bay Area, have created the FOCUS program as a regional planning initiative intended to address the connection between land use and transportation planning and development and as a means to effectively distribute the planning and capital improvement funding created by last year's state bond initiatives. FOCUS is based entirely on a local agency's own decision to participate in the program and to meet the overall program goals. Applications are currently being reviewed and a decision on the successful applications will be made later this year. The City of Petaluma submitted the attached application materials at the end of June and proposes to have the "Turning Basin" and "Lower Reach" sub -areas of the Central Petaluma Specific Plan designated as a "Priority Development Area". If the application is successful, the City will become eligible for state bond funds that can be used for the plarming and capital projects identified in the application materials. The attached resolution of support is required to be submitted to the FOCUS program by September 7, 2007. Recommended City Council Action/Suggested Motion: Adopt the attached resolution in support of the FOCUS application. Reviewed by Admin. Svcs. Dir: / Date: I -)'A (d)I Rev. # I Date Last Revised: Reviewed by City Attornev: Date: 0 File: Approved by City Manager: Date: CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 6, 2007 AGENDA REPORT FOR A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CITY OF PETALUMA APPLICATION TO BE DESIGNATED A PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA AS PART OF FOCUS, A REGIONAL PLANNING INITIATIVE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS, THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, THE BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AND THE BAY CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the Bay Conservation and Development District (BCDC), working with local governments in the nine - county Bay Area, have created the FOCUS program as a regional planning initiative intended to address the connection between land use and transportation planning and development and as a means to effectively distribute the planning and capital improvement funding created by last year's state bond initiatives. FOCUS is based entirely on a local agency's own decision to participate in the program and to meet the overall program goals. Applications are currently being reviewed and a decision on the successful applications will be made later this year. The City of Petaluma submitted the attached application materials at the end of June and proposes to have the "Turning Basin" and "Lower Reach" sub -areas of the Central Petaluma Specific Plan designated as a "Priority Development Area". If the application is successful, the City will become eligible for state bond funds that can be used for the planning and capital projects identified in the application materials. The attached resolution of support is required to be submitted to the FOCUS program by September 7, 2007. 2. BACKGROUND: The FOCUS program has 3 overall criteria for being designated a Priority Development Area: that the area be within an existing community (and preferably at least 100 acres in size); that the area is near existing or planned fixed transit; and that the area is planned for more housing. The City's application proposes to have the combined "Turning Basin" and "Lower Reach" areas of the Central Petaluma Specific Plan designated as the Priority Development Area. A "PDA" designation will make the City eligible for planning and capital funding that would not otherwise be available for this area. Because the state legislature has not yet determined how much funding will be distributed to the Bay Area, it is not clear at this time how much the City may be awarded based on its application. It is unlikely that we will get all of the funding that we have requested in the application, and the funding will probably come over time, rather than in a single hump sum. 3. ALTERNATIVES: The Council could decide to not support the PDA application and the application would be withdrawn from further consideration. 4. FINANCIAL IMPACTS: If the City's application is withdrawn, we would not be eligible for the funding that will be coming to the FOCUS program. CONCLUSION: WWII 6. OUTCOMES OR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS THAT WILL IDENTIFY SUCCESS OR, COMPLETION: Once a detennination is made on the success of our application, we will then proceed with the work called for in the application as funding becomes available. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the attached Resolution. 3 CITY OF PETALUMA RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CITY OF PETALUMA APPLICATION TO BE DESIGNATED A PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA AS PART OF FOCUS, A REGIONAL PLANNING INITIATIVE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS, THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, THE BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AND THE BAY CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION WHEREAS, the Association of Bay Area Governments and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in coordination with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Bay Conservation and Development Commission (collectively, the "regional agencies") are undertaking a regional planning initiative called FOCUS; and WHEREAS, FOCUS program goals support a future regional development pattern that is compact and connected; and WHEREAS, the regional agencies seek local government partners to create a specific and shared concept of where growth can be accommodated (priority development area) and what areas need protection (priority conservation area) in the region; and WHEREAS, a priority development area must meet all of the following criteria: (a) within an existing community, (b) near existing or planned fixed transit (or served by comparable bus service) and (c) is planned, or is planning, for more housing; and WHEREAS, local governments in the nine comity San Francisco Bay Area are eligible to apply for designation of an area within their community as a priority development area; and WHEREAS, the regional agencies are committed to securing incentives and providing technical assistance to designated priority development areas so that positive change can be achieved in communities working to advance focused growth. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Petaluma hereby supports submitting an application as part of the FOCUS program, to designate the "Turning Basin" and "Lower Reach" areas of the Central Petaluma Specific Plan within the City of Petaluma, as a Priority Development Area. a FOCUSING OUR VISION (FOCUS) PROGRAM Application for Priority Development Area Designation Enter information in the spaces provided. E-mail this completed application form and attachments requested in this application form to FOCUS anabao.ca.aov by Friday, June 29, 2007, Part 1' -APPLICANT INFORMATION &AREA DETAILS Attach resolution showing local support for involvement in FOCUS - a. Lead Applicant-City/County Contact Person -- ----- --- Title Department Street Address City Zip Code Phone Number Fax Number Email b. Area Name and Location City of Petaluma Mike Moore Director Community Development 11 English Street Petaluma 94952 707-7784301 707-7784498 mmoore@ci.petaluma.ca.us Central Petaluma - Turning Basin/Lower Reach c. Area Size approximately 116 acres (recommended minimum acreage = 100) d. Public Transit Serving the Area Golden Gate Transit, Sonoma County Transit, Petaluma Transit, SMART(planned station within designated area) Part 2 —AREA INFORMATION a. Types of Zoning in Priority Area (land uses and densities) b. Total Housing Units (Best Estimate) c. Total Jobs (Best Estimate) CURRENT CONDITI ONS Mixed Use (up to 60 du/ac) River -Dependent Industrial (0 du/ac) 1,185(SMART Corridor TOD Analysis - 2005) 6,527 (SMART Corridor TOD Analysis - 2005) FUTURE GOAL (Horizon Year. 2035) Possible Conversion of River - Dependent Industrial to Mixed Use 2,800 (SMART CorddorTOD Analysis - 2005) 11,750 (SMART Corridor TOD Analysis -2005) Part 3 - ADDITIONAL AREA INFORMATION I Yes No a. Is the proposed priority area currently recognized in the General Plan (i.e.. called out as TOD, inf ll etc.)? ® ❑ b. Have other plans (any targeted planning efforts including specific plans, precise plans, area plans, and supporting environmental studies) been developed within the last 15 years that cover the priority area? ® ❑ Note: If yes, please attach brief list of individual planning efforts and date completed. c. Is the proposed priority area within the boundaries of a redevelopment area? ® ❑ April 2007 Page I of 3 FOCUSING OUR VISION (FOCUS) PROGRAM Application for Priority Development Area Designation Part4 MAP OF PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT. AREA, I Attach a map showing the proposed boundaries of the potential priority area and any other relevant information for land 1 uses, transit, etc. Photos of current conditions in the priority area are optional. Part _5"7 NARRATIVE Type below or attach separately a maximum two-page (8'/z x 11 with 12 point font) narrative that addresses the following questions and provides any other relevant information. What is the overall vision for this area? What has to occur in order to fully realize this vision? What has occurred there recently (past 5 years)? Describe relevant planning processes, and how the needs of community members were addressed. Describe how this priority area has the potential to be a leading example of smart growth for the Bay Area. See attached Narrative Page 2 of 3 April 2007 FOCUSING OUR VISION (FOCUS) PROGRAM Application for Priority Development Area Designation Part 6 - POTENTIAL ASSISTANCE REQUESTED:(check all that apply) " Note: Assistance is not being offered at this time. This information, will aid the development of a tools and incentives package for designated areas. TECHNICAL ASS ISTANCE REQUEST FOR PLANNING GRANTS REQUEST FOR CAPITAL GRANTS* ❑ Assistance with policies to implement existing plan ® Assistance with photo- simulations to depict future conditions ❑ Assistance with local workshops and tours ❑ Other: ❑ Funding for new area -wide specific plan or precise plan ® Funding to update existing area - wide specific plan or precise plan ® Funding for EIR to implement existing area -wide plan ❑ Other: ® Funding for transportation projects (including pedestrian/bicycle) ® Funding for housing projects ❑ Funding for water/sewer capacity ® Funding for parks/urban greening ® Funding for streetscape improvements ® Other: Structured Parking If any box checked, Part 7 applies. Part 7-.INFRA'STRUCTURE'BUDGET FOR PRIORITY AREA (If applicable and feasible):" If you are interested in capital grants as a potential incentive, please attach a budget that details the types of infrastructure improvements that will be needed in order to realize the vision for the priority area. This budget can include transportation, housing, road repairs, water/sewer capacity, parks and other critical amenities. A sample budget is provided for guidance. If submitting an infrastructure budget is not feasible at this time, please note why: Budgets are included for those City - identified projects within the proposed PDA where costs have already been estimated. Most capital requests will be dependent on the outcome of the proposed Specific Plan update. In addition to electronic submission, mail one hard copy of this application and attachments requested in this application form to the following address: Association of Bay Area Governments Metropolitan Transportation Commission Bay Area Air Quality Management District Bay Conservation and Development Commission P.O. Box 2050 Oakland, CA 94604-2050 Attn: Jaqueline Guzman For questions regarding the application, please contact Jaqueline Guzman, ABAG Regional Planner, at JackieG@abao.ca.00v or 510.464.7994 or Doug Johnson, MTC Transportation Planner, at diohnson(@mtc.ca.00v or 510.817.5846. April 2007 Page 3 of 3 11 Part 5 — Narrative City of Petaluma FOCUS Priority Development Area Application Page I of 2 In 2003, the City of Petaluma adopted the Central Petaluma Specific Plan and an implementing form -based zoning code for approximately 400 acres of mostly under- utilized land immediately east of and adjacent to the City's historic downtown core. The intent of the plan was to redirect development from the fringes of the City to the central core; accommodate greater diversity and intensity of development and activities; and give the area identity and interest. To that end, the plan calls for mixed use development with residential densities up to 60 units per acre; building heights up to 6 stories; limited and flexible parking requirements, and opportunities for multi -modal transportation options, including a station site on the Sonoma -Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) corridor and the City's bus transit mall. The Central Petaluma Specific Plan can be viewed and downloaded at: httn://citvofi)etalumaatet/edd/enst).html . Shortly after the plan was adopted, two major developments — Downtown River Apartments, an 81 -unit affordable housing development with ground floor retail, and "The Theater District", a multi -block cinema, office, residential and retail mixed use development — were approved by the City and have since been completed. However, since those initial projects, major new development consistent with the plan has been hampered by several problems that we have come to find were not clearly resolved through the Specific Plan. These include a lack of adequate vehicle access and circulation options to a significant portion of the plan area (particularly the Lower Reach); a lack of an overall City financing plan and investment strategy to help fund infrastructure, parking and other improvements necessary to support the types of development called for by the plan; and, gaps and inconsistencies in the applicable zoning regulations that have created inefficiencies in the entitlement process. The proposed Priority Development Area (PDA) represents approximately one-quarter of the total acreage in the Specific Plan area (see attached map), but includes the largest, undeveloped area (the Lower Reach) and developable parcels immediately adjacent to the proposed downtown SMART rail station, the City's bus transit mall, and the "Turning Basin" of the Petaluma River. The area also includes the two primary access points to downtown: East Washington Street and "D" Street. In the last two years, the City has seen two major development proposals in this area withdrawn due, in large part, to the reasons mentioned above. Although the Specific Plan vision continues to have broad- based support within the community and provides the framework for intensive, mixed use, transit oriented development, Petaluma's recent experience with these development proposals exposed some of the implementation related shortcomings of the Specific Plan. Petaluma is applying for a Priority Development Area designation for this portion of the Central Petaluma Specific Plan because the area offers the greatest potential to not only 0 r Part 5 — Narrative City of Petaluma FOCUS Priority Development Area Application Page 2 of 2 realize the goals of the regional FOCUS program, but also support and assist the City of Petaluma to realize its adopted vision for this area. We are requesting a PDA designation in order to utilize the FOCUS program incentives to address the following: To revise and amend the 2003 Central Petaluma Specific Plan and form -based zoning ordinance, as necessary, to create a more precise development plan for the designated area and clear up existing zoning discrepancies. At this time, the scope would include, but is not necessarily limited to: o Review of existing land use designations and related zoning to determine a more precise development capacity consistent with infrastructure and access; o Coordinate development capacity with the City's 2009-2014 Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RI -INA) and the state -mandated revision to the City's Housing Element; o Coordinate development capacity to accommodate regional transportation investment strategies and anticipated local transit service demands o Establish a more complete access and circulation plan for the area, including bicycle, pedestrian and transit components, based on current circumstances and anticipated development capacity; o Determine and prioritize essential public improvements and develop an infrastructure financing plan, including financing commitments for identified public parking structures and parlJopen space development; o Revise zoning regulations, as necessary, to clarify regulatory requirements and entitlement procedures; o Create more specific design guidelines for the area. • To update the Central Petaluma Specific Plan FIR, as necessary, to address any substantive changes that may result from the Plan review process. • To assist in the funding of priority infrastructure and related public improvements and services (see attached budgets for already identified projects). • To assist in the funding of public access requirements (essentially a continuous pedestrian/bicycle pathway along both sides of the Petaluma River and Turning Basin) anticipated by the Specific Plan and the Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan within the boundaries of the PDA. • To fund a to -be -determined contribution to affordable housing within the PDA. The Central Petaluma Specific Plan and the resulting development that has already occurred within the plan boundaries since its adoption have been called out in a number of Bay Area regional publications and media articles as an example of smart growth done right. 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