HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-2015 SS2 JohnsonCommunity Development
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 -3218
805.781.7170
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March 3, 2015
To:
Via:
From:
Subject:
ENC:
Mayor and City Council
Katie Lichtig, City Manager
COUNCIL MEETING:
ITEM NO.:— !,a S Z
Derek Johnson, Community Development Director
Neighborhood Match Grants and Neighborhood Boundaries
Excerpt from March 13, 2013 Planning Commission Minutes
MAR 0 3 2015
A Council member posed the question of how the neighborhood boundary definition effort
discussed during the LUCE update process has been implemented to date, and also how the
definitions impact the neighborhood match grant study session tonight.
On April 2, 2013, the Council provided direction based on Task Force and Planning
Commission input that neighborhood areas (shown in blue on the map that follows) may be
helpful for purposes of identifying common neighborhood boundaries, but expressed that
neighborhood boundaries are very personal and shift based on perceptions and changes to
physical barriers /connectivity. In addition, while some neighborhoods have formed groups,
others have not. Even some residents within more formalized neighborhood groups had
differing opinions regarding where boundary locations should be defined. The Council
ultimately expressed that the neighborhoods themselves should self - define and that
boundaries may change dependent on the issue at hand or the desires of the neighborhood
itself. The Council directed staff to support
LO Acighborhood officer Map neighborhood efforts as expressed in Chapter 2 of
the Land Use Element (Conservation and
Development of Residential Neighborhoods),
x,. n
without delimiting the physical extent of a
neighborhood.
How the neighborhood definition efforts inform
City services:
The Police Department is using a Neighborhood
Officers approach to address community livability
issues. Some of the neighborhood areas appear to
have similar boundaries to those identified as part
of the LUCE update, however, the Police
Council Memorandum — Neighborhood Match Grants and Neighborhood Boundaries Page 2
Department is using 13 areas instead of the seven developed as part of the LUCE. Public
Works Parks Site Managers are also deployed by area, but it should be noted that the
pavement management areas are broken down into nine different areas.
How LUCE neighborhood definition effort impacts the neighborhood match grant program
The neighborhood match grant program is a work item from the 2013 -15 Financial Plan
which states, "Obtain Council direction for guidelines and process for "Neighborhood
Match" grants for neighborhood improvement projects." The guidelines for this program
are still to be developed. Staff anticipates that a future program will have, as part of its
application materials, a request to identify the physical boundaries of a neighborhood being
benefitted by a project. These and other details will be returned to Council after initial
direction is provided and outreach with neighborhood groups has occurred.
Council Memorandum — Neighborhood Match Grants and Neighborhood Boundaries Page 3
Planning Commission Minutes
M=h 13, 2013
Page 3
Area discussion:
Kim Murry. presented the map of the larger areas defined by the TF -LUCE (Task Force
for the Land Use and Circulation Element Update.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no comments made from the public
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commrs. Multan and Draze voiced concerns about the map being In the general plan
versus being used for City purposes such as project notification. Ms. Murry commented
that the maps were not proposed to be included in the general plan itself_
Commr. Stevenson commented that it could be included In the appendix.
Commr. Larson agreed that the map shout not be in the general plan.
Cornrnr. Fowler is in support of the neighborhoods and areas that have been outlined
The Commissioners acknowtedlgel the amount of input and work the community and
Task Force had put Into the effort to define the neighborhoods and expressed a desire
to see the boundaries shown as fluid lines that would have the flexibility to change over
time based on resident sentiments.
On motion by Cornmr. Multari, seconded by Commr_ Stevenson. to support d�rectio
regarding neighborhoods as follows:
In San Luis Obispo, neighborhoods are organic. Their sizes and shapes Y gU AIth the
nature of issues and with the perspective of the person considering his or her
neighborhocd. Neighborhood boundaries are affected by one's perceptions of how,
places are linked alone Dsychoiogical, social and phnical dimensions.
Neighborhoods therefore, should be self - defining, fluid, and changeable over time_
The rotes of the city with regard to neighborhoods should be:
1 � To Provide support to local groups of residents who vrlsh to organize for civic
and social purposes, and
2) To work toward those features of good neighborhoods that were expressed
by residents in almost all areas of the city, namely:
a. Pride of ownership and Property maintenance
b. Complete network of pedeshian connections
C. Sense of safety
d. Low crime rates
e. Safe streets for various modes of circulation
If. Strong neighborly relation s
Council Memorandum — Neighborhood Match Grants and Neighborhood Boundaries Page 4
Flaming Cummission PAriuDes
Mlarmh 13, 2013
Page A
AYES: Comrmrs. Fowler, Larson, Multari, Singewald, Stevenson. Meyer, and
Draze
NOES: None
RECUSED: None
ABSENT: None
The motion passed on a T:Q vote.
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openspaceeaswerrm l5 D aad Boundaries and Areas