HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-11-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - RFP NEWHALL NEIGHBOHOOD GROUP (2)NEW BUSINESS
DATE:
SUBJECT:
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval_
Item to be presented by:
M.
November 24, 1992
Downtown Newhall Study: Request for Proposal to Select a Qualified Consultant
to Conduct a Public Participation Process Among the Residents, Businesses,
Service Organizations, and Neighborhood Groups in the Downtown Newhall Area.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
BACKGROUND
At Its meeting on June 23, 1992, the Council approved, with the annual budget, funds to design and
implement a public participation program to better understand the needs and goals of the residents
and businesses operating in the Downtown Newhall area.
The General Plan, the Community Strategic Plan, and the Community Development Strategic Plan
have all addressed the Downtown Newhall area, Including the existing resources and challenges,
and the opportunities for the future. The concern that the City and staff have not fully appreciated
the concerns and goals of the residents and business people in the area demonstrates the need
for a public participation plan. By reaching out to the Downtown Newhall area, a plan for the future.
can be developed that the diverse groups can support. If the neighborhood helps create the plan,
the residents, merchants, property owners, service organizations and neighborhood groups will be
committed to implement It.
To help start this process, the following initial steps have been taken:
1. A draft Request for Proposal (RFP) to seek a well qualified consultant in neighborhood
planning and public participation has been prepared. We are looking for a firm that has the
capability and experience to reach within the neighborhood, create trust, generate enthusiasm,
and facilitate participation with business, Hispanic, senior, County parks and other Interest
groups. (RFP attached.)
2. A thumb nail sketch of the Issues and opportunities that are present in the area has been
generated as a result of several brainstorming sessions. This is Just a starting point to help
foster discussion and to provide a starting point for the consultant. [twill require considerable
contributions from the neighborhood before it is completed.
3. A map identifying the potential study area for the Downtown Newhall study has been prepared.
This Is a draft document, and will again.require additional public participation before it is
finalized.
4. Staff has taken walking tours of the Downtown Newhall area to understand the pattern of land
uses, and to note the strengths and opportunities that exist in the area.
5. Staff met with members of the Historical Society, who have expressed interest in the area and
this particular project. They are especially concerned about design Issues, and would like to
n
APPROWED Agenda Item: -/-.1
see the City develop design guidelines for the area. This request can be considered during
the public participation process, so that all the Interests In the neighborhood can contribute
to the discussion regarding design guidelines.
It is in the best Interest of all to select a consultant who understands and has sensitivity with the
cultural diversity involved.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council direct staff to proceed with RFP process and develop a well
represented task force, such as the River Task Force, to work with the consultant and report results
to City Council within ninety days.
ATTACHMENTS
1) Draft RFP for consultant services
2) Map: Downtown Newhall Study Area (draft)
3) Issue Paper: Downtown Newhall: Issues and Opportunities
4) Photos: Downtown Newhall
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CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
TO: Prospective Consultants
DATE: December .1992
SUBJECT: Request for Proposal (RFP) consultant services to develop and Implement a
citizen participation program for Downtown Newhall In Santa Ciarita, California.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction
II. Explanation of the Study
111. Proposal Requirements
IV. Attachments
The City of Santa Clarita, located in the center of the Santa Clarita Valley, lies approximately
35 miles northwesterly of the Los Angeles Civic Center. Current municipal boundaries
encompass approximately 42 square miles of land, situated primarily on the valley floor and
lower reaches of the surrounding canyons. The official population for the City as
established by the 1990 Census Is 117,773. The Newhall population Is approximately 15,500
persons.
GOALS AND PURPOSES
The City of Santa Clarita City Council has directed staff to retain the services of a qualified
consultant to design and implement a public participation program to better understand the
needs and goals of the residents and businesses operating in the Downtown Newhall area.
This study would facilitate the development of community goals and the creation of a plan
for the future of the Downtown Newhall area, using a participatory planning process. ,The
consultant must work closelywith the Community Development Department. The consultant
will be prlmarly responsiblle for Implementing the public participation process to facilitate
a neighborhood planning process under the guidance of andin cooperation with the
Community Development Department.
Much change has occurred during the past 25 years in downtown Newhall, the oldest area
in the City of Santa Clarita. Through the late 1960's, it was a thriving business location in
the Santa Clarita Valley. Now, both its commercial and residential areas are In transition.
Problems have resulted, such as Increased competition from other areas, lower business
levels, a reduced Image as a viable business and shopping area, and a deteriorating, less
desirable residential area. Solutions to these problems are difficult to identify.
The commercial area is characterized by a half -mile strip commercial pattern of
development, with buildings directly abutting the street and minimal off-street parking.
Businesses are now mostly neighborhood -oriented, and appear to be patronized largely by
those who live within walking distance. Only one national chain, a tire shop, remains.
There are many auto -related uses and some Industrial as well.
The residential areas are located to either side of the commercial core. Though much of the
neighborhood consists of single-family residences, the community has the highest
proportion of rental households In the City. An Increasingly Hispanic population is present
and Is likely now a significant consumer base for the local merchants and businesses. A
large portion of the City's low and moderate Income population reside In downtown Newhall.
These residents face several social and economic hardships. There Is a lack of affordable
housing opportunities for families and renters. There are Issues of overcrowding,
substandard living conditions, and lack of Infrastructure and open space. A need exists to
upgrade the quality of life and revitalize the area. Increased social services such as child
care, health care, and recreation are needed. English as a second language; literacy, Job.
training programs and employment opportunities are also In need. The area's main
thoroughfare, San Fernando Road, provides a gathering place for local dayworkers.
.2.
The City envisions using a phased problem solving approach. This request for proposals
is limited to the first phase: To create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that will
encourage the local residents and business owners to participate, express themselves, and
develop a collective vision. This will help Identify the extent of the problems. Subsequent
phases will deal with solutions to these problems and their Implementation. A complex
array of Issues, problems, and opportunities appear to exist In the downtown Newhall area.
Perhaps the declining conditions can be reversed through participatory planning programs.
It will be essential, and may be challenging, to convince the local residents and business
owners to openly share their feelings about problems that exist In the area, and what
improvements are desired.
It will be essential to have the local residents and business owners openly share their Ideas
about what is working well, what opportunities exist, and what Improvements are desired
In the Downtown Newhall area. Identification of the social networks is essential, including
the participation of the local churches, schools, neighborhood stores and businesses, and
social service agencies. The program must reach the non - English speaking segment of
the population that resides In the area.
The Consultant will have the following tasks and responsibilities, to be defined more fully
In the contract:
1. Prepare a master mailing list of all property owners, businesses, social service
organizations, churches, residents, non-profit organizations, merchants, etc. for the
study area. This list should be a computerized database that can be sorted by
various components.
2. Draft a public participation plan, using the format developed by the City's Public
Information Officer, for the study area. The plan shall Include a timetable for
meeting dates and a variety of strategies for reaching the various segments of the
study area. All outreach strategies shall be in English and Spanish. The effort
should Include public meetings, small group meetings, use of surveys, and other
public participation tools.
3. The public participation plan shall develop strategies for addressing and assessing
the following areas of concern:
a. Boundary area for the study.
b. Current City policies and regulations, Including the General Plan, Zoning,
Code Enforcement, Design Regulations.
C. Review and evaluate the existing land use patterns in the area. Determine
the goals for the future. Evaluate what uses are needed, which ones should
stay, and which ones should relocate.
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d. Evaluate the existing housing opportunities and the quality of such housing.
Detemiine what are the future housing needs of the area, where this housing
should go, and at what densities.
e. The provision of services, including, sheriff, fire, public works, flood control,
parks and recreation, library, childcare, etc. Evaluate current services and
determine future needs.
f. Discuss and evaluate the Issue of daily laborers, childcare, english-as-a-
second language programs, senior citizens and other social needs. Develop
solutions and alternatives to address this Issue.
g. Opportunities for economic development, employment, and job training.
h. Strategies to foster and maintain citizen involvement and continuing interest
In City and neighborhood Issues.
The consultant shall meet with the City on a weekly basis and as requested by the
City. The consultant shall provide bl-weekly work products, and a final report, to the
satisfaction of the City.
It. EXPLANATION OF THE STUDY AREA
Downtown Newhall Is pan of an area often referred to as East Newhall, which is generally
considered as shown on the attached map, and as follows: 14th Street on the north, the
western border of the Metropolitan Water District easement on the east, San Fernando
Road -Newhall Avenue on the west. (The east and west boundaries join, with no other
distinction as a southerly boundary.)
Downtown Newhall Is the spine of this area is characterized by sidewalk commercial
development running the full north -south length of San Fernando Road (State Route 126.)
The development of this corridor predates off-street parking requirements. The pattern of
development Is primarily single -story offices, stores, restaurants, and auto -related uses that
front directly on the sidewalk with no setback. The existing parking does not meet existing
requirements. The area has the potential for significant pedestrian activity, as there are
numerous multi -family units within the study area, and within close proximity to the study
area.
Residential areas are located to either side of the commercial core. Both to the east and
west are a mixture of single and multiple family residences. Railroad tracks divide the
commercial corridor and the residential area to the east. Mostly older, single family homes
are located in this area, and many are in need of rehabilitation. Curbs, gutters, and
sidewalks, are generally absent in this area. The residential area west of San Fernando has
a greater percentage of newer, multiple family residences, and some dispersed
nonresidential uses. This area appears to be In somewhat better physical condition than
that on the east side.
Prospective contractors are encouraged to examine other material available on the
Downtown Newhall area at the Community Development Department.
-4-
Proposers are encouraged to contact Kevin Michel, Senior Planner, and Mike Rubin,
Associate Planner at (805) 255-4330 to discuss particulars of study requirements.
III. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Criteria for Proposal Acceptance
Primary consideration will be given to the general appropriateness of the proposal
for the project, the technical competence and creative ability of the consultants (as
described in the proposal) and the firm's willingness to work closely with City staff.
The City reserves the right to reject all proposals that are Inappropriate or
Inadequate.
The Deputy City Manager/Community Development, with staff assistance, will
evaluate all proposals for adequacy, technical competence, and the suitability of the
consultant. Selection of a contractor will be based on the content of the written
proposal received by the Contract Manager. (Additional materials maybe submitted,
but will not be considered In the contractor selection process).
The contract will be awarded only to a responsible consultant as an Independent
contractor. in order to qualify as responsible consultant, a prospective contractor
must meet the following standards as they pertain to this Request for Proposal:
1. The contractor must have adequate technical and financial resources for
performance, as well as adequate equipment, or have the ability to obtain
and to manage such resources and equipment as required during the
performance period of the proposed contract. This Includes the ability to
produce quality graphics and presentation materials.
2. The contractor must have the necessary experience, organization, technical
qualifications, skills; and facilities, or have the ability to obtain and to
manage them (Including any subcontractor arrangements). The contractor
must be able to communicate In spanish fluently, Including conversation,
translation, report writing, and technical writing.
3. The contractor must be able to comply with the proposed or required
performance schedule for this project.
4. The contractor must have a satisfactory record of contractual performance.
5. The contractor must be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
6. The contractor must be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award
under all applicable laws and regulations.
7. Contractor must covenant that the contractor has no conflict of Interest In
the undertaking of this study. Such covenant would state that neither the
contractor nor any officer thereof, has any Interest, nor shall acquire any
Interest, directly or Indirectly, which will conflict in any manner with the
performance of the study. Contractor must further covenant that contractor
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has not contracted with nor Is .the contractor performing any services
directly or Indirectly for, any developer and/or property owners (Individuals,
firms, partnerships, etc.) owning property in the City, and must also
covenant that contractor shall provide no service nor enter Into any contract
with any such developers or property owners for the duration of this study
without the written consent of the City.
8. Bids higher than $35,000 will not be considered.
B. City Response to Proposal
One original and four (4) copies of the completed proposal must be received by the
City of Santa Clarita Community Development Department by
The original must.be reproducible and submitted in loose-leaf, 8 1/2" x 11" format,
with numbered pages.
All proposals, as well as any modificatlons, received at this office after the hour and
date specified above will not be considered unless they are sent by certified mail,
for which an official, dated post office stamp has been obtained, and it is determined
by the City's Project Manager that the late receipt was due solely to delay In the
malls, for which the consultant was not responsible.
C. Limitations
All reports and pertinent data or materials shall be the sole property of the City of
Santa Clarita, and may not be used or reproduced In any form without the explicit
written permission of the City.
2. The City reserves the right to extend the time allotted for the proposal, to examine
verbally the bidder In person, and to request a best and final offer; should the City
deem that it Is in Its best Interests to do so.
3. This RFP does not commit the City to award a contract, or to pay any costs Incurred
In the preparation of the proposal. The City reserves the right to accept or reject
any or all proposals received as a result of this request, to negotiate with any
qualified consultant, or to cancel this RFP In part or In its entirety. The City may
require the selected consultant to participate in negotiations, and to submit such
technical, price, or other revisions of their proposals as may result from
negotiations.
D. Organization of the Proposal
The organization of the scope of work proposed Is described in this section of the
RFP. This format must be followed by all potential consultants.
1. Introduction
A general Introduction and description of the proposal shall be provided.
The format of the Introduction is at the discretion of the consultant.
-6-
2. Plan of Study/Scope of Work
Describe the work program. Explain the proposed technical approach that
addresses the specific Issues. identifled by the City. Provide a description
of the relationships between these activities. Include an explanation of any
division of work proposed between the consultant and the City, If relevant.
The organization of the plan of study should be as follows.
TASK: An overview of a related group of subtasks or activities. Normally
only one or two sentences.
SUBTASK: A detailed description of the work, Including the methodology to
be performed. Generally one to ten paragraphs depending upon
the complexity of the activities described in the subtask.
OUTPUT: A description of what the result of this particular activity or
subtask Is. Generally one or two sentences.
The task, subtask, output format should be repeated throughout the plan of
study until all the proposed work has been described.
3. Schedule
Describe the time. schedule for each proposed task and subtask described
above. Proposed work periods and completion dates, as well as the anticipated
meeting dates, should also be Identified.
4. Program Management
Indicate which method of program management will be used to Internally
manage and direct this project. (PERT, CPM, etc.) Provide the proposed
project schedule on a timeline chart according to the selected system.
5. Costs
List the costs for all tasks and subtasks described In the plan of study. Include
a budget describing total costs and/or billing rates for staff time and materials.
6. Personnel, Equipment and Facilities
Describe the activities of the designated Project Manager, and lead and
supporting personnel. Provide resumes for those named Including their
qualifications (education and experience), and their relationship and cost to the
proposed project activities.
7. Subcontractors
List all subcontractors proposed for this project. Include their qualifications
.7-
and specific responsibilities.
8. Statement of Offer and Signature
The proposal shall be signed by an individual authorized to bind the consultant,
shall contain a statement to the effect that the proposal Is a firm offer for a
60 -day period, and shall contain a statement that the proposed work will be
performed at the "not -to -exceed" price.
9. Prosect Reports
The following list Indicates the number of proposals that the City will require
for this project:
a. Six (6) copies and one (1) reproducible master of the final offer approved
for use by the City.
b. Four (4) copies and one (1) reproducible master of the final appendices (if
any) approved for use by the City.
E. The Deputy City Manager/Community Development has designated
to serve as the Contract Manager of this study. The Contract Manager may be
contacted at (805) 255-4330, or by letter to the Department of Community
Development, City of Santa Clarita, 23920 Valencia Blvd. Suite 300, Santa Clarita,
California, 91355.
IV. ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENT A: Brief description of problems and Issues
ATTACHMENT B: Photographs of the area
ATTACHMENT C: Study Area Boundary Map
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DOWNTOWN NEWHALL
ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
PROBLEM DEFINITION:
Much change has occurred during the past 25 years in downtown Newhall, the oldest area in the
City of Santa Clarita. Through the late 1960's, it was a thriving business location in the Santa
Clarita Valley. Now, both Its commercial and residential areas are in decline. Problems have
resulted, such as Increased competition from other areas, lower business levels, higher occupancy
rates, a reduced Image as a viable business and shopping area, and a deteriorating, less desirable
residential area. Solutions to these problems are difficult to Identify.
The commercial area is characterized by a half -mile strip commercial pattern of development, with
buildings directly abutting the street and minimal off-street parking. Businesses are now mostly
neighborhood -oriented, and appear to be patronized largely by those who live within walking
distance. Only one national chain, a tire shop, remains.
The residential areas are located to either side of the commercial core. Though much of the
neighborhood consists of single-family residences, the community has the highest proportion of
rental households in the City. An increasingly Hispanic population is present and is likely now a
significant consumer base for the local merchants and businesses. A large portion of the City's
low and moderate Income population reside In downtown Newhall.
These residents face several social and economic hardships. There is a lack of affordable housing
opportunities for families and renters. There are Issues of overcrowding, substandard living
conditions, and lack of Infrastructure and open space. A need exists to upgrade the quality of life
and revitalize the area. Increased social services such as child care, health care, and recreation
are needed. English as a second language, literacy, job training programs and employment
opportunities are also in need. The area's main thoroughfare, San Fernando Road, provides a
gathering place for local dayworkers seeking work.
The City envisions using a phased problem solving approach. This request for proposals Is limited
to the first phase: To create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that will encourage the local
residents and business owners to participate, express themselves, and develop a collective vision.
This will help Identify the extent of the problems. Subsequent phases will deal with solutions to
these problems and their Implementation. A complex array of Issues, problems, and opportunities
appear to exist In the downtown Newhall area. Perhaps the declining conditions can be reversed
through participatory planning programs. It will be essential, and may be challenging, to convince
the local residents and business owners to openly share their feelings about problems that exist
In the area, and what Improvements are desired.
A. CURRENT PHYSICAL SETTING
Downtown Newhall is part of an area often referred to as East Newhall, which is generally
considered as shown on the attached map, and as follows: 14th Street on the north, San
Fernando Road -Newhall Creek -Race Street on the east, San Fernando Road -Newhall Avenue
on the west. (The east and west boundaries join, with no other distinction as a southerly
boundary.)
Downtown Newhall Is the spine of. this area Is characterized by a strip commercial
development running the full north -south length of the area described above. The
development of this corridor predates off-street parking requirements. The pattern of
development Is primarily strip commercial, and the dominant development feature Is single
story offices and stores that front directly on the sidewalk without a setback.
Residential areas are located to either side of the commercial core. Both to the east and
west are a mixture of single and multiple family residences. Railroad.tracks divide the
commercial corridor and the residential area to the east. Mostly older, single family homes
are located In this area, and many are in need of rehabilitation. Curbs, gutters, and
sidewalks, are generally absent in this area. The residential area west of San Fernando has
a greater percentage of newer, multiple family residences, and some dispersed
nonresidential uses. This area appears to be In somewhat better physical condition than
that on the east side.
The Community Development staff has prepared land use, zoning, and general plan exhibits
for the area.
B. HISTORICAL GROWTH OF RETAIL AREA
1. Late 1800's through the 1950's - Downtown Newhall (San Fernando Road) was the
retail center of the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) since its emergence In the late 19th
century through the decade of the 1950's.
2. 1960's - A second phase of retail competition began to emerge nearby in Newhall on
Lyons Ave, as well as on Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country, in the form of
strip shopping centers. Downtown Newhall was no longer the retail center of valley.
Shopping now was dispersed and available in more than one location In the Valley.
3. 1980's - Continued change and reaction
a. The third phase In the retail evolution began as evidenced by emergence of
modern neighborhood shopping centers in the SCV outside of downtown
Newhall. Some examples are Granary Square In Valencia, Bouquet Center In
Saugus, Canyon Square in Canyon Country, and the Von's center on Lyons's
Ave. in Newhall.
b. In part, a reaction to these changes was a "Plan for Community Business
Revitalization In the (then) Unincorporated Community of Newhall" prepared for
the County of Los Angeles Community Development Department. Several
Improvements were recommended that Included housing rehabilitation,
circulation and parking Improvements, and aesthetic improvements. Only some
of the parking and aesthetic Improvements were completed: some street
furniture; street trees, ornamental crosswalks, entry signs, and some minor
on -street parking Improvements. No retail comeback resulted. New national
retail investment chose to locate outside of the downtown Newhall area.
4. 1990 - Old Newhall customer base was changing as a result of:
a. Loss of market share to new competition outside of downtown Newhall.
b. Local customer base evolution has been Increasingly Hispanic. Significant
numbers of multi -family housing have been constructed on San Fernando Road
over the last several years, just east of the study area.
C. No major retail anchor remained. No major market segment or niche Identified.
d. By this time nearly all major national retail tenants relocated outside of
downtown Newhall (e.g., Bank of America and Safeway had moved from San
Fernando Rd. to Lyons Ave.) National chains have chosen to locate outside of
downtown Newhall.
5. 1992 - a fourth phase of retailing began with the Price Club opening In Canyon
Country, and the regional shopping center In Valencia. Additionally, a proposed
power center Is planned in Newhall, just outside the City limits. These new
commercial ventures will offer additional competition to the Newhall area.
C. PROBLEM DEFINITION - GENERAL
1. Change has Occurred
a. The Economic history of Newhall has evolved from the railroad, to agriculture,
to the construction Industry, to the current phase of economic development,
which Includes a variety of uses.
b. As in much of California, the Hispanic population In the area has Increased.
C. In addition to the customer base, retailing and merchandising approaches have
changed.
d. New housing has been added, but housing conditions In some of the older
areas have deteriorated.
e. Public and private Investment has not kept pace with the needs In the area.
f. There are many families with young children In the neighborhood, plus many
seniors.
These changes are not unique to Newhall. Other places In the metropolitan Los
Angeles area have experienced similar changes. Economic competition in other areas
of the Valley impacted Downtown Newhall.
2. How may that Change be Dealt With?
a. Attempt to restore the area as It once was, or at least retain some elements and
some of the flavor of the area as It once was. If these changes are instituted,
will the customer base change accordingly?
b. Recognize the present day customer Is and the existing competition and orient
change accordingly. Do a marketing study to determine the customer base
and the needs of the customer. Assess the needs of the residents within and
adjacent to the study area as well as the automotive traffic passing through the
area.
D. PROBLEM DEFINITION -- COMMERCIAL AREA
Commercial -New efforts to market the area are required. Existing methods to market
the area need to be re-examined. Newer, modern retail competition negatively
Impacts the study area. A shift In the customer base has occurred, and the new
market may not be fully understood.
2. Market Position Expectations - What Is the proper market niche for this area? What
Is the proper mix of goods and services for the resident population and for the auto
- traffic on San Fernando Road?
3. Design Elements: Can design standards and physical Improvements enhance the
retail viability of the area. These elements can Include a streetscape program, a
facade Improvement program, landscaping, historical themes, main street design
elements, and redevelopment potential.
E. PROBLEM DEFINITION -- RESIDENTIAL AREA
1. Historical Growth of Residential Area
a. In addition to the railroad, people settled here because It was affordable and
close to jobs.
b. The downtown Newhall population grew because the railroad and agriculture
were local Industries early In the area's history.
C. Recent Immigrants, many of them Hispanic, settle here because of job
opportunities in the service sector and the area Is affordable. There is a
neighborhood network In place as well.
d. Rapid middle and upper Income residential growth occurred around Downtown
Newhall, but the connections between the different areas are limited.
e. Public reinvestment In low and middle Income housing competes with basic,
local, infrastructure needs, such as roads.
2. Pertinent Questions
a. WIII the private market Invest In lowto moderate Income housing without public
Incentive?
b. Are there sufficient public resources (funding) to conduct housing/DIP code
enforcement to have an Impact?
C. How big Is the problem? Is it a public or private Investment decision problem?
d. What Is percentage of home ownership? Is ownership a critical- Issue to
stability?
e. Is there a trend or projection of the potential consequences of Inaction?
f. Who Is at risk? What Is the motivation to act?
F. PHYSICAL REMEDIES: COMPLETED AND PROPOSED
1. Streetscaae - Some physical fix up landscape/streetscape Improvements were made
in early 1980's using Los Angeles County CDBG Funds
2. Historic Preservation - Interest has been shown by the Santa Clarita Valley Historical
Society In a restoration or preservation project. There Is an Interest Iles In depicting
a particular period through architectural changes. There is an opportunity to relate
the area to the historic preservation effort in Hart Park.
3. Aesthetics - Citywide design guidelines will be proposed by the City. A section Is due
to be devoted to downtown Newhall.
4. Traffic - Traffic circulation changes have been discussed over the years,. but no
consensus reached on the part of area merchants.
G. KEY ISSUES
1. Identity - Does a common Identity exist among the residents and the business
community. If not, can one be forged that focuses around a common vision for the
neighborhood?
2. Needs - What are the areas' needs? What needs can the City meet? Property and
business owners must decide how to collectively reposition their product offerings
against new competition and against changing customer base. The customers' needs
must be determined.
3. Customer base - What customer base should be targeted - tourist - Hispanic - regional
- automotive traffic - all of the above - other?
4. Common Retail Customer Base - Is there a common retail customer base that can be
cross -sold among the range of existing Individual retail stores? Is there an anchor
draw? Why will people come to downtown Newhall? What competitive advantage
differentiates Newhall?
5. Underserved Market - Is there an underserved market niche that can be developed to
avoid direct competition with national retailers?
6. Retail Identity - Is it possible (or desirable) to package retail Identity in a collective
theme for the area? Is there consensus? Is there financial capacity commitment.'.
7. Reinvestment - Is there sufficient private reinvestment/risk funding to capitalize new
product development?
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