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R-4 Staff Report - Draft Plaza Master Plan3/ , R, oy. v �. MEETING DATE: 3/17/97 ITEM NO. COUNCIL/AGENCY AGENDA REPORT DATE: March 7, 1997 TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE REDEVEL e. ENT ENCY FROM: TOWN MANAGER/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SUBJECT: CONSIDER DRAFT PLAZA MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATION: 1. Request public input. 2. Direct consultant to make specific changes to the draft Plaza Master Plan. BACKGROUND: On November 18, 1996, the Council/Agency considered the draft Plaza Master Plan. The Council/Agency continued the matter so it could be considered at the February 8, 1997 Study Session and the members could meet at the Plaza with the landscape consultant, Paul Rodrigues, and discuss the proposed Master Plan. The November 18, 1996 Council/Agency Report is included as Attachment 1 and describes the public process that led to the development of the Plan as well as changes that were made as a result of public input. DISCUSSION: During the February 8, 1997, Study Session the Council/Agency visited the Plaza and the landscape consultant, Paul Rodrigues, described the proposed improvements envisioned by the draft Plaza Master Plan. The Council/Agency made the following comments about the draft Plaza Master Plan: 1. Redesign the bus shelter to include seating for bus patrons, storage for the portable stage, and public restrooms. 2. Avoid adding new buildings. 3. Expand the lawn area as much as possible and include well defined edges. 4. Eliminate the proposed walkways that cut across the Plaza. 5. Modify the Plaza expansion to the west to include on -street parking. 6. Maintain two lanes on Broadway at South Santa Cruz Avenue. The Council/Agency should consider any additional public input and determine if changes should be made to the draft Plaza Master Plan. Mr. Rodrigues will make the changes and the revised Plan will be scheduled for final action. It is important that a Master Plan for the Plaza be approved even though no funding source has been identified for improvements. From time to time the Plaza is viewed by community groups as a logical depository for a variety of objects that would detract from the overall character of the Plaza. Without a Master Plan to rely on, requests to locate these objects result in protracted discussions at Council and no overall plan is available to base decisions on. In addition, when funding sources are identified or donations are made there is no plan to determine where improvements should be made or donated items should be located. PREPARED BY: LEE E. BOWMAN PLANNING DIRECTOR/ DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Reviewed by: Town Attorney/General Cou Finance Director Revised: 3/7/97 9:07 am Reformatted: 10/23/95 . PAGE-2 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL/CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUBJECT: CONSIDER PLAZA MASTER PLAN March 7, 1997 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: Adoption of the draft Plaza Master Plan does not constitute a project as defined under CEQA, and no further action is required. FISCAL IMPACT: The Redevelopment Agency Budget for FY 1996-97 includes funding for the draft Plaza Master Plan. The cost of finishing the Plaza Master Plan is covered by the current balance in Account 4440-77803 of $4,140. Funding for the implementation of the draft Plaza Master Plan has not been identified or approved. Attachments: 1. Council/Agency Report dated November 13, 1996 (including attachments). 2. Letter dated February 5, 1997, from John Spaur, Architect. Distribution: Paul Rodrigues, Landscape Architect, 108 Locust Street, No. 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 John Lochner, 150 Creifield Heights, Los Gatos, CA 95030 John Spaur, 1184 Longfellow Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008 Nogah Bethalmy, 14668 Golf Links, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Kiwanis Club - Agenda only Parks Commission - Agenda only Parking Commission - Agenda only Plaza Blue Ribbon Task Force - Agenda only Downtown Association - Agenda only Beautification Committee - Agenda only Chamber of Commerce - Agenda only Redevelopment Advisory Committee - Agenda only Planning Commission - Agenda only LEB:BNL:cher N:1D E V 1RDA\PLAZA PLN.2