HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-03-04 - AGENDA REPORTS - TRANSIT LAND USE COMMITTEE (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Smyth and Members of the Cityf ouncil
FROM: George Caravalho, City Manager
DATE: March 4, 1997
SUBJECT: TRANSIT LAND USE COMMITTEE
BACKGROUND
There is a growing consensus that transportation and land use planning must be truly integrated: that
we cannot continue to "place all of our eggs into one basket" but that we must make alternatives to
driving attractive so that we have a truly balanced transportation system. Congestion; poor air
quality, unnecessary development of valuable open space and agricultural lands, reduced public safety,
destruction of community, lack of access to needed services for many members of the community and
the need for households to devote greater portions of their time and personal budgets to
transportation are among the negative side effects of the unbalanced auto -centered manner in which
the Santa Clarita Valley developed. Despite a supportive general plan, and tremendous improvements
to the transit system and trail system, much more needs to be done. The Valley is still developing in
a manner that is not sustainable.
The Transit Land Use Committee is an interdepartmental group charged with developing specific
recommendations to bring about real change in the Santa Clarita Valley. The group includes
representatives from the Planning Division, the Traffic Engineering Division, the Subdivision
Engineering Division, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Transit Division. The group has
researched strategies that have been employed in other communities for improving pedestrian -
friendliness. The next step, which is a meeting with the various stakeholders in the community to
share the results of this research and develop a consensus as to what actions should be taken, will take
place on March 12, 1997. Finally, the Transit Land Use Committee's specific recommendations will
be brought to the Planning Commission and City Council for action in mid-1997.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive staff report
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