HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 04-08 CC ADJ AGENDA PKT (2)AGENDA OF THE
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL,
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION &
PLANNING COMMISSION
JOINT VISION STATEMENT WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2003 - 4:00 P.M.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
COMMUNITY CENTER
Southern Conference Room
140 EAST 12TH STREET
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
1. VISION — THE FUTURE OF NATIONAL CITY
NOTE: Pursuant to State Law, items requiring Council action must be brought
back on a subsequent Council agenda unless they are of a demonstrated
emergency or urgent nature.
ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular City Council Meeting - Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. Next Regular
Community Development Commission Meeting — Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at 4:00 p.m.
Next Regular Planning Commission Meeting - Monday, April 21, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. —
Council Chambers, Civic Center
TAPE RECORDINGS OF EACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING ARE
AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND TO LISTEN TO
IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Community Development Commission
of the City of National City
April 8, 2003
WORKSHOP
ITEM NO. 1
TO: CHAIRMAN AND BOARD MEMBERS
FROM: PAUL DESROCHERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: REPORT: VISION WORKSHOP
The attached report is from the Community Development Commission's Consultant Dr.
Rebecca Morales. Her report and presentation is a compilation of interviews that she
has conducted over the past three months.
Today's workshop provides the opportunity to explore new redevelopment opportunities
in the city. After introductions Dr. Morales will present a Power Point Presentation
based on her interviews. At the conclusion of the presentation a discussion period will
follow with all present participating. Staff will attempt to record the comments on
butcher paper. A large map of the city will be used to visualize ideas.
At the end of the discussion direction should be given to staff to:
1. Continue Discussion: Hold a community workshop; conduct a charrette with
area urban experts and report back by June 30th to both Commissions with an
action plan and priorities. OR
2. Prepare Report: Direct staff, as a result of this workshop, to prepare a report
and priority list of programs and projects that can be accomplished over the next
two to three years.
Community Development Commission Agenda Item No. 1
April 8, 2003 Page 1 of 1
ENVISIONING A NEW
NATIONAL CITY
Ideas for the future of the City
A compilation of ideas from the visioning process initiated by the City of National
City Mayor, City Council, and Community Development Commission
Spring, 2003
VISION STATEMENT
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
Purpose
The purpose of this workshop is to provide participants interviewed during a visioning
process a summary of their ideas for discussion and adoption. The objective is to develop
a coherent vision of the future of National City. The Vision Statement will then be
presented to the community through a series of community meetings, and reviewed by
planning, architectural, and engineering experts. The final document, intended to act as a
blueprint for developing a comprehensive Redevelopment program and for establishing
priorities for the City's Master Plan will be presented to the Mayor and City Council. Dr.
Rebecca Morales prepared this material with the assistance of Raul Carrillo and the staff
of the Community Development Commission of National City.
Overview
In November 2002, the residents of National City elected a new Mayor and a slate of City
Council members that reflected the diversity of the population. It was a historic occasion
that gave rise to an opportunity to rethink the identity of the City and how it might grow
in the future. This Vision Statement reflects a part of the process of envisioning that
began with inauguration of the new administration and will continue through
implementation of the ideas.
On March 13, 2003, Mayor Nick Inzunza presented his State of the City titled
Reinventing National City in which he identified 10 goals toward improving livability:
Improve public services:
(1) New fire station;
(2) New library; and
(3) New South County Arts Center.
Increase access to higher education:
(4) Education Village.
Encourage private redevelopment:
(5) Wal-Mart.
Create a vibrant waterfront:
(6) South County Aquatic Center.
Enhance the commercial centers:
(7) Filipino Village; and
(8) Highland Avenue corridor.
Increase home ownership opportunities
(9) Condo conversions, new development, in -fill, preservation; and
Create neighborhoods we can be proud of:
(10) Neighborhood Councils.
1
This document builds the ideas of the Mayor as well as the City Council, Community
Development Commission, City staff, and community and business leaders. The ideas
have been summarized for presentation at a workshop April 8, 2003, at 4pm in the Martin
Luther King Community Center. The following persons comprise the list of workshop
invitees. This group combines those who were interviewed with others representing
diverse points of view:
Mayor Nick Inzunza
Vice Mayor and Councilman Frank Parra
Councilman Ron Morrison
Councilman Luis Natividad
Councilman Fideles Ungab
Paul Desrochers, Ex. Dir. Community Development Commission
Park Morse, Acting City Manager
Randy Kimble, Fire Chief
Roger Post, Planning Director
George Baca, Planning Commissioner
Ann Campbell, City Librarian
Alma Graham, National School District
Bill Kinney, Provost, Education Village
Carl Jackson, National City Chamber of Commerce
Ditas Yamane, Filipino Chamber of Commerce
Robert Villareal, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Weldon Donaldson, Mile of Cars Association
Scott Lowther, NC Collaborative
Roger Cazares, Pres./CEO MAAC Project
Fr. Emmet Farrell, St Anthony's Catholic Church
Mother Patricia, St. Mathew's Episcopal Church
Richard Mason, Crown Cove Aquatic Center
Glen Brandenburg, Mission Bay Aquatic Center
Michael Stepner, Urban Planner
Patrick O'Connor, Landscape Architect
2
GOALS
The following are the expressed goals of the "new" National City:
GOALS
• A sense of pride among all who live and work in the City
• An improved quality of life for residents
o Affordable housing
o Civic, educational, cultural, recreational, and economic
opportunities
• Vibrant and prosperous commercial districts reflecting the
City's diversity and heritage
• A framework for development and redevelopment with private
sector cooperation in planning and implementation
GOAL 1— Community Pride
National City has changed dramatically over the last few decades. During this time it has
matured in size and stabilized, and has become increasingly diverse reflecting the
influence of Asian and Latin cultures. The average person is of moderate means, and a
renter facing a housing shortage.
To address these issues and foster community ownership and pride, twelve Neighborhood
Councils are proposed. They will provide the residents a role in overseeing the quality of
life in their communities. The Councils will have access to City officials through monthly
meetings to assure accountability, for jointly maintaining the environment, and to
develop community -wide activities such as street fairs and block parties.
• Diversity
Established in 1887, National City has grown in population from 1,086 in 1900
to 54,260 in 2000. The City is bounded in all directions and limited in size to 8
square miles of land. It is characterized by:
o Stable population
• 1990 = 54,249 persons
• 2000 = 54,260 persons
3
o Demographics
Race and Ethnicity
1980
1900
2000
Hispanic
18,708
26,914
32,053
38.4%
49.6%
59.1%
White
19,680
14,080
7,653
40.4%
26.0%
14.1%
Asian/Pacific Islander
6,146
8,990
10,551
12.6%
16.6%
19.4%
Black
4,238
4,265
2,823
8.7%
7.9%
5.2%
Other
n/a
n/a
1,180
2.2%
Total
48,772
54,249
54,260
o Moderate Household Income
• Median Household Income 2000 = $31,255 (1999$)
2000 = $23,513 (1989$)
1990 = $22,483 (1989$)
o Primarily Renters (2000)
• Renter occupied housing units = 65%
• Owner occupied housing units = 35%
o Low Vacancy Rate (2000)
• Renter vacancy rate = 2.3%
• Homeowner vacancy rate = 0.5%
• Neighborhood Councils
The twelve proposed Neighborhood Councils are identified accordingly:
o Bay Side
o El Pueblo
o El Toyon
o Civic Center
o Central City
o Summercrest
o Manchester
o West Side
o The Park
o Olivewood
o Granger
o Sweetwater Heights
4
GOAL 2 — Quality of Life
The social and physical infrastructure of the City has not kept pace with the needs of the
residents. To make the City more livable, two key issues must be addressed: (1) making
housing more available and affordable for both renters and owners; and (2) improving the
civic, educational, cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities for the entire region.
• Affordable Housing
Despite the relative stability of population, there is enormous fluidity in the
people themselves. Because of the limited homeownership opportunities, people
move out of National City when they decide to purchase. Of the housing that
does exist, most was built between 1940 and 1970 (65%) and in need of repair.
Some of the older housing is located in areas zoned for industry — such as the
Westside -- thereby discouraging improvements.
Renters face yet other problems. Absentee landlords with little incentive to
maintain their units are prevalent. Renters hesitate to report the neglect out of
fear of retribution — increased rents forcing them to leave. The result is spiraling
degradation.
There is a need for new solutions to existing problems, such as housing credit
exchanges, and mixed -use commercial and residential housing.
Addressing these issues requires multiple strategies:
o Rental Housing Upkeep and Maintenance
o Condo Conversions
o First Time Home Buyer Loans
o New Development/Mixed Use Fast Track for In -fill Housing
• Society and Economy
As National City redefines itself in response to the changing demographics and
social needs, it will be providing a wide range of public services that bring new
civic, educational, cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities to residents.
These include a new library, fire station, Education Village, South County Arts
Center and South County Aquatic Center. Together, they will broaden the skill
based and entrepreneurial activities in the region.
o Library
National City's library not only houses books and tapes; it is a center for
accessing electronic information, a place for holding meetings, a site for
literacy and educational classes, and a safe space for family activities.
5
With a $6 million bond approved March 2002 and a highly competitive
$11 million State grant, the City is now building a new library that will
double the space devoted to library use from the current 23,000 square feet
to almost 50,000 square feet. The new library will break ground January
2004 and open by mid 2005.
o Fire Station
The status of the fire station is currently being discussed by the city
Council and will not be covered here.
o Education Village
This summer National City will break ground for a new Education Village
that will bring higher education within reach of the residents of this
community. The Education Village is a unique joint venture of the City of
National City, the County Office of Education, Southwestern Community
College District, and San Diego State University built with $15 million of
tax increment funding and $20 million from the County Office of
Education and Southwestern College in recognition that people are the
City's greatest asset.
The Education Village will open in less than 20 months. It will allow
students from Sweetwater High School to enter Southwestern College and
graduate from San Diego State University while staying in National City
through a new pilot program. It will initially accommodate 8,000 students
but grow to 20,000 in the future. Courses will include liberal studies,
education, and psychology as well as technical degrees such as dental
hygiene.
The Education Village is an urban university that will house retail on -site.
It is integrated with the urban revitalization of downtown through
improvements to streets, sidewalks, and landscaping. It is accessible to
the region by trolley and surface streets. It is adjacent to existing housing.
In the future, the Education Village may accommodate a new commercial
tower built with private funds. Such a building could include compatible
uses such as a restaurant at the top with a view of the bay featuring food
made by culinary students, or incubate small business atlhacted to the
educational resources.
o South County Arts Center
The new South County Arts Center will combine adaptive reuse of the old
library (to be renamed Cesar Chavez Center), along with use of the
existing Martin Luther King Community Center and Kimball Bowl. It
6
could also include a new structure in the future, all devoted to advancing
the performing and creative arts. It is a place where local music, theater
and dance troupes can perform, where open-air film festivals can take
place, where theater and the application of advanced technology to sound
and lighting to enhance the arts experience can be taught in conjunction
with the Education Village. It is conceived as a three-part project:
• Phase 1 — within the first 24 months
• Paint the existing buildings
• Prepare plans for renovation
• Enclose Kimball Bowl with iron fencing
• Improve signage and outdoor lighting
■ Invite community groups to plan use of the space
• Phase 2 — within the first 36 months
• Remodel and retrofit the buildings
■ Build a permanent stage at Kimball Bowl protected by canvas
sails
• Expand seating
• Cover the seating area with awning
■ Add lighting and sound facilities
• Phase 3 — beyond 36 months
• Construct a new multistory administration building including a
theater for performance and for teaching theater arts, and an
advanced technology sound studio
• Link the administrative center, Chavez Center, and MLK
Community Center by fiber optic lines to the civic center
complex and the education village
■ Link the arts building to the amphitheater through outdoor
landscaping
• Upgrade parking
o South County Aquatic Center
National City is the only waterfront City with limited public access to the
water. The National City Marina, Pepper Park, Paradise Creek wetlands,
and the Bay Shore Parkway create an opportunity to develop water -based
activities for public use. Residents will be able to enjoy parasailing,
sailing, canoeing, and kayaking within their own community.
The Center could be a cooperative venture with Southwestern Community
College District and the YMCA, and consist of a mixed -use vessel storage
area, restaurant, meeting space, and classroom facility for instruction in
both sports and subjects leading to technical degrees such as marine
maintenance, marine technology, and environmental education in
association with the Education Village.
In the future, the Center could acquire sailboats for educational purposes
and construct a diving tank for instruction in marine technology.
o Economic Opportunities
The new library, fire station, Education Village, South County Arts
Center, and South County Aquatic Center will create jobs during the
construction phase and later during operation. The Education Village will
attract industries and enterprises catering to students or capturing their
knowledge. The South County Arts Center will encourage artists and
technicians skilled in the application of advanced technology to the arts.
The South County Aquatic Center will develop capacities in marine
related activities such as diving, marine maintenance, or environmental
education. All of these new centers of intense economic activity will
generate new industries in the culinary arts, theater, sound studios, boat
repair, and more. In the future, spin-offs from the Education Village, the
South County Arts Center, and South County Aquatic Center could
require the development of industrial incubators, an industrial park or
artist lofts to retain the activities in National City.
GOAL 3 — Commercial Diversity and Heritage
The commercial center of National City has shifted from historic downtown to the
vibrant Highland Avenue and Plaza Blvd. areas catering to growing Mexican and Filipino
communities. Downtown now has the feel of neglect while Highland and Plaza are
products of growth lacking cohesion. These areas require attention to strengthen them as
regional destinations that celebrate the City's heritage and diversity. At the same time,
new commerce is slated for the waterfront and throughout the City in response to the
growth potential of the region. The revitalized older areas and new development bring in
tax dollars that support the investments in social and physical capital needed to redefine
National City.
• Downtown
Historic downtown National City marks a major entrance into the City and
center of commerce for the new Education Village. Plans to improve the
signage, streets, sidewalks, landscaping, and storefronts along Seventh and
Eight Street are currently underway. The business owners are meeting to
8
consider creating a Business Improvement District (BID) that will finance
the improvements and design a focused marketing campaign.
• Waterfront
Marina Gateway Place is situated just west of Interstate 5 at the Bay
Marina exit and within walking distance of the future marina and proposed
South Bay Aquatic Center. It is conceived as a mixed -use development
incorporating a hotel, live/work units, retail, restaurants, and offices. The
Community Development Commission is seeking one or more developers
to partner with them on this project.
Additional considerations for development in the Marina Gateway area
include a retail outlet mall and shifting the use of Port land from
manufacturing to retail and commerce.
• New Commerce
As testament to the solid investment opportunities offered by National
City, Wal-Mart will open its new 140,000 square foot facility this year in
the heart of the City. Located at the crossroads of Highland and Plaza, it
will be an anchor for regional commerce. An example of an older
business reinvesting in the city is Motivational Systems Inc., in the Marina
Gateway area. To welcome businesses and visitors to the City is the new
Downtown Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. This active
outreach to new businesses is creating a positive investment image.
• Highland
Highland Avenue is a vibrant commercial artery that transects the City and
serves the region's diverse communities. Emphasis on the culturally
unique cultural urban environment of the corridor through selective
improvements will increase investment and commerce. The Highland
corridor consists of three distinct areas:
o Cocina Mexicana — E. 22nd St. to 14d' St.
This is a restaurant intensive segment known for regional favorites
and Mexican specialties. Recognizing it as an area of Cocina
Mexicana through signage, banners, and storefront and streetscape
improvements and encouraging alfresco dining and pedestrian
usage will enhance commerce on this portion of Highland.
• Mark the entry at E. 22" a St. with a sign over the street,
distinctive lighting, a fountain on the northeast corner, and
a mina-park/eating plaza on the southeast corner.
• Mark the entry at E. 14th St. with a sign.
• Line both sides of the street with banners, lighting, street
furniture, landscaping (remove overhead poles — create a
Business Improvement District), develop a color scheme,
provide exterior paint, encourage distinctive signage, and
use of the sidewalk for diners and pedestrians.
• Encourage shops and crafts that have the feel of intimate
Mexican retail sidewalks, streets and alleys.
o El Pueblo — E. 8th St to E. 2nd St.
This segment of Highland consists of small stores and businesses
that service the surrounding community. Reinforcing the feel of El
Pueblo will include developing a color scheme, providing exterior
paint, and encouraging distinctive signage through the leadership
of a Business Improvement District.
o Intersection of Highland and Plaza
This critical intersection marks the heart of the new commercial
areas and cross roads of cultures. Overhead signs, art, cross -walk
treatment paving and other distinctive features should demarcate it.
• Filipino Village — Plaza Blvd. from N Avenue to 1-805
National City is a major destination for the Filipino community of the
broader San Diego region. Acknowledging the contributions of this
population is a three -staged process: creating a Filipino Village;
developing a promenade into the Village; and constructing a community
center and Mercado.
o Center for Shopping (first 24 months)
Plaza Blvd. from N Avenue to I-805 is already a distinctive
Filipino commercial center. Creating a Filipino Village
atmosphere will strengthen its appeal to the people of all
backgrounds in the region.
10
• Develop distinctive signage
• Landscaping
• Facade improvement
• Color schemes
• Create a Business Improvement District
• Rename N. Ave. to EDSA Street (Epifanio de los Santos
Avenue — a historically prominent street in Manila)
o Promenade
The south side of Plaza from Palm to N Ave. is an important
entrance into the Filipino Village. It should be developed into a
promenade that includes a memorial wall honoring Filipino
veterans, an orchid garden, recognition of Dr. Jose Rizal, and a
place for leisure activities such as dominoes.
• Develop a promenade lined with palm trees
• Include lighting, street furniture, and domino tables
• Create an orchid garden surrounding the bust of Dr. Jose
Rizal
• Construct a stone wall into the hill engraved with the names
of Filipino veterans
o Community Center and Mercado (beyond 36 months)
Filipino cultural activities will be encouraged in the future through
development of a Community Center and Mercado located at the
north end of EDSA Street off Plaza Blvd.
• Creating a Destination
All of the new commercial areas will be enhanced by distinctive
improvements that augment their character. Attention to entrances into
the City and commercial centers says: "You've arrived!" Providing special
treatment for critical arteries such as Plaza and 8th that carry traffic from
one freeway to the other, and D Ave. that brings people to the South
County Arts Center provides rhythm and flow. Color schemes
distinguishing one area from another creates variation. Pedestrian friendly
use of sidewalks creates intimacy. Use of overhead walkways link
sections of the City that are currently hard -to -reach by foot (such as the
Marina) with the residents. And marketing plans that involve business
outreach, advertising -- in particular, working with Univision in ad
swapping space on public busses for commercial time, and developing
outreach campaigns in popular presses such as Penny Saver, Star News,
11
Filipino newspapers, and El Latino (Has visitado National City? Has visto
to que to ofrece?) -- and publishing a local directory along with a timetable
of events will help establish the City as a destination.
o Signs
o Entrances
o Intersections
o Use of Street
o Use of Color
o Banners
o Benches
o Boxes
o Details
o Language/ Culture
o Overhead Walkway
o Marketing
GOAL 4 — A Framework for Development and Redevelopment
The Vision statement is intended to guide the City as it redefines itself along many levels:
the nature of civic engagement by residents; the role of businesses in the City's
development; the City's priorities for redevelopment and development; and the
relationship between the City and the private sector in guiding growth.
• Form Neighborhood Councils
The creation of Neighborhood Councils will allow residents to have a role in
overseeing the quality of life in their communities. The Councils will have access
to City officials through monthly meetings. They are intended to create
community pride and ownership and assure that City departments are accountable
to the residents. The Councils will be jointly responsible the City for maintaining
the environment and developing community -wide activities such as street fairs
and block parties. Twelve Neighborhood Councils have been tentatively defined.
These must be confirmed and established as recognized entities.
o Designation and Formation
o Activities — celebrations, clean-up days, Town Hall Meetings
• Form Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
BIDs should be created in downtown, along Highland, and in the Filipino Village
to direct and fund the nature of future growth.
12
• Develop Marketing Plans
The BIDs in conjunction with the various Chambers of Commerce should develop
plans to market and promote National City.
• Establish Priorities for Redevelopment and Development
Re-examine the Master Plan to assure it supports the desired development of the
future (e.g. re -zoning from industry to housing where necessary), and establish a
program for redevelopment.
Next Steps
• Neighborhood Meetings
• Charette with Planning, Architectural, and Engineering Experts
• Final Report to Mayor and City Council
13
Vision Workshop Participants
1. Mayor Nick lnzunza
Councilmembers:
2. Frank Parra
3. Ron Morrison
4. Luis Natividad
5. Fideles Ungab
6. Park Morse, Acting City Manager
7. Roger Post, Planning Director
8. George Baca, Planning Commissioner
9. Ann Campbell, National City Librarian
10. Randy Kimble, National City Fire Chief
11. Bill Kinney, Provost, Higher Education Center, Southwestern College
12. Carl Jackson, President, National City Chamber of Commerce
13. Scott Lowther, Director, National City Collaborative
14. Father Emmet Farrell, St. Anthony of Padua
15. Madre Patricia, St. Mathews Episcopal Church
16. Richard Mason, Director, Crown Cove Aquatic Center
5000 Highway 75
Coronado CA 92118
Tel. No.: (619) 575.6176
17. Glen Brandenburg, Director, Mission Bay Aquatic Center
1001 Santa Clara Point
San Diego CA 92109
Tel. No.: (858) 488.1036
18. Michael Stepner, Urban Planning
19. Patrick O'Connor, Landscape Architecture
20. Roger Cazares, President/CEO MAAC Project
22 West 35th Street, Suite 100
National City CA 91950
Tel. No.: (619) 426.3595 ext. 205
21. Alma Graham, Governing Board Member
National School District
1500 "N" Avenue
National City CA 91950
Tel. No.: (619) 336.7768
22. Ditas Yamane, President, Filipino Chamber of Commerce
835 "D" Avenue
National City CA 91950-3405
Tel. No.: (619) 474.3500
23. Robert Villareal, President/CEO, San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce
1250 Sixth Avenue, #550
San Diego CA 92101
Tel. No.: (619) 702._790
24. Paul Desrochers, Executive Director, Community Development Commission