HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-11-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - NEWHALL REVITALIZATION PGM (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approva
Item to be presented
George Caravalho
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DATE: November 23, 1993
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATION: NEWHALL REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT: City Manager
On October 26, staff presented the completed draft of the "Citizen Participation Program for
Downtown Newhall" to the Council. At that meeting, Council directed staff to begin an
implementation program, including the prioritization of the actions recommended by the study.
Staff recognizes that If the vision of the Newhall Revitalization Program Is to succeed, the people
of Newhall must continue to be Involved, and that they must contribute leadership, time, expertise,
and financial resources. Staff can offer technical assistance and limited funding, but substantial
change will result only If the neighborhood continues to be fully engaged In the effort. Staff will
work In partnership with the neighborhood in this effort. To accomplish this, staff has already
undertaken the following steps as of November 15, the date this report was drafted:
The City Manager has appointed an interdisciplinary team of City of Santa Clarita staff to
a Downtown Newhall "Jump-start" Task Force to work with the neighborhood in an ongoing
effort. In cooperation with the community, the task force will prioritize the work effort, seek
funding, and act to get specific items Implemented. Ruben Barrera, the City's Building and
Safety Official, will head the task force. There has been an overwhelming expression of
Interest on the part of staff members to participate in this effort. The Task Force members
are as follows: Vyto Adomaltis, CDBG; John Danielson, Parks and Recreation; Carl Deeley,
Sheriff's Department; Raquel Garcia, Community Relations; Jesse Juarros,.Public Works;
Kevin Michel, Community Development; Dan Powers, Economic Development; Rabie
Rahmanl, Traffic; and Alex Vasquez, Current Planning. The task force has had two
meetings, preliminarily ranking projects as short, medium, or long term.
2. The City of Santa Clarlta Downtown Newhall Task Force has created a draft Mission
Statement outlining the City's role In the process, as follows:
The City of Santa Clarita Is committed to actively work with the citizens of
Newhall In achieving the specific goals that the community has identified,
Including enhanced public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and an
Improved business climate. The City will seek to participate in results
oriented public/private teams to achieve specific objectives. The City will
share Information and technical expertise to help the community Improve the
quality of life in the area. The task force recognizes that long term positive
changes will be only brought about with the active participation of the
Downtown Newhall Community in this self-help effort.
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3. Staff has.lnitlated a kick-off meeting with a representative group from the citizens that
participated in the preparation of the "Citizen Participation Program for Downtown Newhall."
The meeting is scheduled for November 15, and staff will provide an update at the Council
meeting on November 23. Staff will initiate meetings with wider community participation
following the Council meeting. Two particular Issues, day workers and a potential Newhall
Master Plan, will require additional consensus building in the Newhall Community and
ultimately, Council direction.
Day Worker Issue: Some of the public safety approaches under
consideration may address this Issue In part once an Increased law
enforcement profile in the area is established. Jeff Oberdorder reported that
the Newhall Community was unable to reach a consensus on this Issue.
Previously, Council has directed staff to consider a number of options,
Including Increased code enforcement, a potential hiring area for day workers,
and the citing of Individuals who hire day workers Illegally. In addition, the
City has raised the Issue with federal agencies and representatives. The City
will continue to work with the neighborhood to reach a=consensus on this
Issue.
Newhall Master Plan: Jeff Oberdorter Included the preparation of a Newhall
Master Plan as a consultant recommendation In the Public Participation Plan,
and there Is Interest in this Idea in the Newhall Community. Staff estimates
that a plan, which should also Include a market analysis, may cost between
$50,000•to-$100,000. At this time, staff believes that any Initial expenditures
should be for concrete Improvements, but that the merits and scope of a
potential plan should be examined, with neighborhood input, in the Initial 3 -to -
6 month period.
4. With participants from Newhall, staff will explore the feasibility of conducting a Downtown
Newhall Strategic Plan: Strategic Plans are primarily used to identify programs and projects
that the plan participants can achieve within three years. The participants in the strategic
planning process must reach consensus on the goals to be achieved, plus each member
must make a personal commitment to achieve one or more of the specific goals identified.
Regularly scheduled meetings are held to gauge progress in achieving program goals. We
believe that a Downtown Newhall Strategic Team, comprised of neighborhood leadership
with support from City staff, will Insure that results occur.
6. Staff has begun work with the Sheriff's Department regarding public safety in Newhall,
which was the number one concern Identified In the study. Cost estimates and a potential
location for a Sheriff's substation are being prepared. Bicycle and horse patrols and the
assignment of bi-lingual officers to Newhall are under review. The potential for a multi-
departmental community center, Including representatives from the City, the Sheriff, and
other County departments, Is also being reviewed.
6. The Traffic Division will coordinate with Caltrans to Investigate longer "green times" for
pedestrians crossing San Fernando Road at Market.Street. Staff will also evaluate the
Intersection of Newhall Avenue and Market Street for the possibility of Installing a traffic
signal, a pedestrian activated signal, or a crossing walk.
7. The City will continue to participate in the ongoing effort of the "Anti Gang Task Force,"
with a particular emphasl% In partnership with the community, on Downtown Newhall.
8. Tree trimming needs and the adequacy of existing street lighting will be evaluated.
Staff has prepared a list of Newhall projects from the study report as a starting point for
discussions with the community. Staff will keep the Council apprised as budget estimates,
timelines, and responsible parties are Identif led for the various projects. Whenever possible, staff
will seek a minimal role, particularly when the community has the resources, expertise, and financial
wherewithal to accomplish specific objectives. In those cases where that is not possible, staff will
encourage public/private partnerships to assist the community in this self-help effort.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Direct staff to continue to work with the Downtown Newhall Community in achieving the
goals outlined In the attached project prlorltization list.
2. Direct staff to examine programs for Downtown Newhall in the mid -year budget assessment,
both existing and proposed, and appropriate $12,500.00 from the contingency reserve to
Implement the 3-6 month projects.
3. Provide quarterly updates to the Council on program achievements.
Draft Prioritized List
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NEWHALL REVITALIZATION PROGRAM: DRAFT PROJECT PRIORITIZATION LIST
NOVEMBER 12, 1993
Prepared by City of Santa Clarlta, Downtown Newhall "Jump-start" Task Force
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Community-based Law Enforcement Creation of a substation, horse and/or bicycle
$10,000 with volunteer support and re-
patrols, bl-lingual officers.
allocation of existing resources.
Initiation of Neighborhood Watch Groups
City staff to coordinate the creation of
Staff time only.
neighborhood communication network.
Pedestrian Crossing: San Fernando
Determination as to most feasible method of
To be determined when study by City Traffic
Road/Market Street
ensuring pedestrian safety.
Engineer is completed.
Anti-gang Task Force: Newhall
Involve parents and church leaders to create
Initially no cost, but eventually a
an atmosphere which is not conducive to
recreation/community center would be
gang activity.
desirable and costly.
Downtown Newhall Master Plan
Evaluate potential scope of work over the next
Staff time only.
three to six months.
Historic Structure Identification
City Staff work with local Historical Society.
Staff time only.
Store Front Improvement Program
Economic Development Division to assess the
This would probably result in a competition
business owners' willingness to create and
for the limited CDBG funds and City may or
abide by a new set of standards.
may not share in costs.
Establishment of Downtown Newhall
Economic Development Division to coordinate
Staff time only.
Business District
business owners in determining what goals
they wish to achieve and what level of control
they wish to wield and are willing to abide by.
Volunteer Clean Up
Pride Committee to assess need for possible
Minimal for City to encourage volunteering;
expansion of their efforts.
possibly free trash hauls.
Evaluation of Existing Tres Trimming, Street
City Engineering, Public Works, and City
$2,500 per new street light. Staff time. Cost
Lighting, and Street Sweeping
Arborist to evaluate effectiveness of existing
of increased services.
programs. City arborlst to focus effort on this
area of City temporarily.
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41�1. Costs Involved NO
Youth Programs
Parks Dept. to review cost effectiveness of See next Item.
various programs, including the creation of a
recreation/community center.
Community Service Center
Parks Dept. to investigate the feasibility of
$2 to $3 Million.
acquiring a location and providing for youth,
law enforcement, hiring hall, seniors, in one
location.
Newhall Design Guidelines
Planning and Economic Development to work
Staff time only.
with business owners to determine
willingness to create and follow new
standards.
Circulation Issues/San Fernando Road
City Traffic Engineer to meet with business
Staff time initially; potential major costs to
owners to reach a consensus on best way to
reconfigure traffic flow.
provide for the economic interests and the
flow of traffic.
Historic Preservation Ordinance
Planning to meet with business owners and
Staff time only.
Historical Society to determine level of control
City wishes to exercise over owners' of older
buildings.
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Curbs, Gutters, and Sidewalks
Engineering to design needed infrastructure.
$500,000 to complete Race Street and
adjacent side streets, currently underway.
$3,000,000 to complete entire study area.
Parking District and Improvements
Acquire Land and design and build a structure
$3 Million.
after the traffielcirculation of San Fernando
Road has been determined.
Newhall Newsletter
City Public Information Officer work with
None if Downtown Newhall Business District
businesses and citizens to determine what
will fund this effort.
content will be.
Historic Structure CertIf Ication with -State
Planning Division coordinates with Historical
Staff time on.
ly.
Society to communicate with State of
California. I
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