HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A OCRCITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: October 8, 2020 NEW BUSINESS
SUBJECT: 2007 GENERAL PLAN LIMITED UPDATE -REVIEW PLANNING
COMMISSION RECOMMENDED REVISIONS TO THE GENERAL PLAN
VISION STATEMENT AND PRIORITIES.
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: Department of Development Services
SUMMARY:
The limited update to the 2007 General Plan is underway and the City Council will
consider revisions to the Vision and Priority statements as part of this process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a revised Vision Statement and Priorities for the 2040 General Plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In September 2019, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with
Placeworks Inc. for a limited update to the 2007 General Plan ("Update"). Due to budget
limitations, the Update will be limited in scope and focus on four chapters ("Elements") of
the General Plan that are most in need of revisions: the Land Use Element, the Circulation
Element, the Housing Element and the Safety Element. Minor updates to the remainder
of the document are also proposed as part of the Update. The City's consultant,
Placeworks, will also conduct the environmental review associated with the update that
is required under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA").
As part of the Update process, the City has included a robust community engagement
program to solicit feedback from the public and incorporate community values into the
updated General Plan. The budget for the Update scopes for three community-wide
workshops and three in-person and on-line surveys. The City created a dedicated website
(www.psgeneralplan.com ) in both English and Spanish to keep the public informed on
past and upcoming meetings and ways to participate in the Update process. Finally, the
City formed an ad hoc committee, the General Plan Steering Committee ("GPSC"), to
serve as one of the primary channels for the community to participate in the Update of
the General Plan. The composition of the GPSC includes representation from each of the
ITEM No ...... 5 ... A __
2City Council Staff Report October 8, 2020 --Page 2 General Plan Limited Update five Council Districts, as well as representatives from other City organizations and a representative from the Tribe. The GPSC also provides input and recommendations to City staff, the consultant team, and the Planning Commission, on key components, such as the vision, opportunity areas, and land use plan. To date, the GPSC has met on three occasions. ANALYSIS: The first step to updating the General Plan is to ensure the 2007 Vision and Priorities reflect the future of Palm Springs. According the 2007 General Plan, the vision statement serves as the foundation for all of the General Plan goals and policies, and the "common ground" from which all decisions are made. It defines priority areas where resources should be focused to ensure that Palm Springs continues to be a great place to live, work and recreate. The Priority statements are values and themes that require more focused attention and future direction above and beyond that mandated by the State. Focused issues become features of the Plan, and can be used to prioritize use of staff resources and allocation of budget. Updates and changes to the Vision and Priority statements need to reflect the community's values to guide planning efforts for the next 20 years. In order to gain an understanding of these values, a community-wide survey (Survey #1) was administered from February 24, 2020 through March 13, 2020. The survey was available in online and hard copy formats in both English and Spanish versions. Below is a summary of efforts made to gather responses to the survey. • Public Workshop #1: On February 24, 2020, the City held an open house/community-wide workshop on the General Plan Update. The meeting was a hybrid of both a presentation and interactive stations. Survey #1 was administered at this workshop via handouts and at computer stations. The community was also invited to provide feedback on matters related to land use, housing and circulation. • Outreach to Organizations: Development Services Department staff attended various community organizations to present the Update and seek responses to the survey, although staff was only able to do limited outreach as the pandemic prevented attendance to some of the meetings that were scheduled. • Social Media: The City made posts on its social media sites and requested input from the public. • General Plan Website: While the survey was open, the website dedicated to the Update of the General Plan (www.psgeneralplan.com) provided a continued platform for allowing members of the public to participate in the survey at any time, day or night. A total of 338 responses were submitted by participants of the survey. A summary of the survey results is included as Attachment 2 to this report. The GPSC held meetings to discuss the Vision and Priority statements on June 9, 2020
3City Council Staff Report October 8, 2020 --Page 3 General Plan Limited Update and July 20, 2020. The Steering Committee considered the survey results in its review and update recommendations of the 2007 Vision and Priorities. At the latter meeting, the GPSC made final revisions and forwarded to the Planning Commission for review. The Planning Commission reviewed the GPSC recommendations on July 29, 2020 and September 9, 2020. In general, the Commission agreed with most of the GPSC recommendations, but provided some additional changes. Prior to the Planning Commission making its final revisions on September 9th, a subcommittee of the Sustainability Commission provided additional comments which the Planning Commission incorporated. Vision. The Vision required updates to guide the future of Palm Springs. The Steering Committee and Planning Commission agreed that Vision needed adjustments to be resident-focused (as compared to tourist-focused) and to identify the importance of being an inclusive and diverse community that fosters equity. The table below compares the 2007 Vision with the proposed updates that were recommended by the Planning Commission: Original Vision A world-renowned desert resort community where residents and visitors enjoy safe neighborhoods, an exciting social environment and a relaxing leisure experience. We enhance our natural, cultural, and historical resources with sustainable economic growth and high style. We provide responsive, friendly and efficient public services within a government that fosters unity among all our citizens. Planning Commission Redline Changes Palm Springs is a vibrant and inclusiveA 'Norld renowned desert resort community where year-round and seasonal residents and visitors enjoy safe neighborhoods, an exciting social environment and a relaxing and positiveleisure experience. The City values its architectural, V\/e enhance our natural, cultural, aoo--historical, cultural and natural resources and balances resident priorities with economic and sustainable economic growth-aM high style. Planning Commissionf Proposed Vision Palm Springs is a vibrant and inclusive desert resort community where year-round and seasonal residents and visitors enjoy safe neighborhoods, an exciting social environment and a relaxing and positive experience. The City values its architectural, historical, cultural and natural resources and balances resident priorities with economic and sustainable growth. We celebrate our diversity and We celebrate our diversity and foster foster equity and unity among all equity and unity among all of our of our residents. residents. The City providesVVe provide responsive, friendly and efficient public services fQ[Within a go,,ernment that f-osters unity among all our residents and businessescitizens. The City provides responsive, friendly and efficient public services for all our residents and businesses.
4City Council Staff Report
October 8, 2020 --Page 4
General Plan Limited Update
Priorities. The Priorities have been modified to address changes in community values, including an expansion on issues related
to the aforementioned Vision revisions. Two new priorities were added to the ten that were revised. Additionally, with the
establishment of the Sustainability Office, Sustainability Commission and many efforts and programs related to sustainability
since 2007, the Priorities were updated to reflect that the City continue to lead in the field of sustainability. The importance of
open space preservation is also highlighted with the revisions to the Priorities. All changes to the Priorities are shown in the
table below and included in Attachment 1.
•,-Iii' """"'o··"' I ) • ;;: ra ~.:· · "' 1,-.,,,, r1.91na ,
1 • Support Palm Springs as one ol the world's
premier desert resorts. Strengthen and
promote those things that make Palm
Springs a one-of-a kind resort destination,
including its natural resources, eco-tourism,
its pedestrian-oriented shopping and
entertainment districts including Downtown,
its unique architecture, the convenience of
its airport and convention center, and its
wide array of lodging and recreational
facilities.
NEW PRIORITY 1 •
Planning Commission Redline "Changes
Support Palm Springs as ge11e el the weFffl's
premier desert resort communityres&F#s .
Strengthen and promote those things that
make Palm Springs a one-of-a kind resort
destination, including its natural resources,
eco-tourism, its pedestrian-oriented
shopping and entertainment districts
iAel1:1eliAg De\1AtewA, its unique architecture,
the convenience of its airport and
convention center, and its wide array of
lodging and recreational facilities.
Fi'na t PC~Proposed
Support Palm Springs as a premier desert
resort community. Strengthen and promote
those things that make Palm Springs a one-
of-a kind resort destination, including its
natural resources, eco-tourism, its
pedestrian-oriented shopping and
entertainment districts, its unique
architecture, the convenience of its airport
and convention center, and its wide array
of lodging and recreational facilities.
Foster and enhance opportunities lor open
space retention and expansion that allows
neighborhood access throughout Palm
Springs and its adjacent areas. Open spaces
should include passive and active forms of
recreation where possible.
5City Council Staff Report
October 8, 2020 --Page 5
General Plan Limited Update
_, · ,. : · ""' "·Original :····,-,
2. Establish the City as a leader in efficient use
of resources: land, water, and energy.
Promote energy efficiency and the efficient
use of natural resources. Promote the
development of alternative energy
industries and use of alternative energy
sources such as wind and solar in new and
existing construction to minimize resource
depletion and conserve resources for
future generations.
3. Diversify the City's economic foundations
and promote Palm Springs as the "first
choice" for businesses.
Create employment opportunities that will
maintain a stable and diverse economy,
including opportunities for workers to live
in the communities in which they work.
Through land use and other policies,
promote Palm Springs as the first choice
for businesses such as tourism,
entertainment, retail, office, medical,
educational, professional, financial,
technical, industrial, and other economic
and employment generators.
Planning Commission Redline Changes :final PC Proposed '
Continue to advance Palm Serings' role as a Continue to advance Palm Springs' role as a
sustainabilitr_ leader. Promote the sustainability leader. Promote the
sustainable use of materials, energx 1 land, sustainable use of materials, energy, land,
water, air and other natural resources to water, air and other natural resources to
enhance the long-term livabilitx of our enhance the long-term livability of our
communitx. Reduce greenhouse gas community. Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and groactivelx anticigate and emissions and proactively anticipate and
mitigate the imgacts of climate change. mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Reduce wastes going to landfill through Reduce wastes going to landfill through
source reduction, reuse, recxcling and other source reduction, reuse, recycling and other
methods. methods.
Diversify and strengthen the City's Diversify and strengthen the City's economy
economyeeonomie lounelefions and promote and promote education and innovation.
education and innovation. Develog and Develop and encourage new businesses,
encourage new Palm SpFiAgs as the "fiFst employment and education opportunities
eheiee" foF businesses". CFeate employment that will maintain a stable and diverse
and education opportunities that will economy and workforce. Promote
maintain a stable and diverse economy businesses that will provide a living wage.
and workforce. Promote businesses that Invest in improving public and private
will grovide a living wage. Invest in infrastructure for a digital future. Promote
imgroving gublic and grivate infrastructure employment opportunities in renewable
for a digital future. Promote , iAeh:1aiAg energy and other green businesses.
eppeFtt:1Aities feF weFIEeFs te liYe iA the
eemmt:1Aities iA \11hieh they 1w1eFIE. +hfet:1gh
laAa t:1se aAa ethef pelieies, pFemete Palm
SpFiAgs as tRe fiFst eReiee foF et:1siAesses
st:1eR as tet:1Fism, eAteFtaiAmeAt, Fetail,
eHiee, meaieal, eat:1eatieAal, pFefessieAal,
fiAaAeial, teehAieal, iAat:1Stfial, aAa ethef
eeeAemie aAa employment oggortunities in
renewable energx and other green
businessesgeAe FateFs .
6City Council Staff Report
October 8, 2020 --Page 6
General Plan Limited Update
._, • ~~'.i • -
7 Original -'-'
14. Develop a lull range ol retail opportunities
lor local, regional, and tourist markets.
Encourage diverse and appealing
shopping opportunities for residents,
tourists, and the regional market that will
generate sales tax revenues, attract
customers from neighboring communities,
and enrich the quality of the life for those
living in and visiting Palm Springs.
l.5. Provide lor a broad range ol housing
opportunities. Encourage development of
housing units for varying life stages and
styles and all economic levels.
16. Create unique places that strengthen
community identity, oiler visual interest, and
support lively activity. Concentrate and
promote areas of rich community activity
served by efficient multimodal
transportation and parking.
P.lanning Commission' Redline Changes
Maintain and enhance a diverseDe·,elep a
#vii range ol retail, dining and entertainment
opportunities lor local, regional, and tourist
markets. Encourage diverse and appealing
shopping opportunities for residents,
tourists, and the regional market that will
generate sales tax revenues, attract
customers from neighboring communities,
and enrich the quality of the life for those
living in and visiting Palm Springs.
Provide lor a broad range ol housing
opportunities. Encourage development of
resource efficient housing units at a range
of densities for QJ1¥aryiAg life stages-et=te
5ty4es and all economic levels.
Create, maintain and enhance unique places
and lacilities that lostersfFeAgtheA community
interaction and engagement. Improve parks
and other open spaces. community
facilities. arts/cultural centers and
landmarks in order to promote the City's
rich historyieleAtity, offer visual interest,
and support lively activity. Ensure
community facilities provide services and
amenities that meet the needs of families in
Final PC Proposed
Maintain and enhance a diverse range ol
retail, dining and entertainment opportunities
lor local, regional, and tourist markets.
Encourage diverse and appealing
shopping opportunities for residents,
tourists, and the regional market that will
generate sales tax revenues, attract
customers from neighboring communities,
and enrich the quality of the life for those
living in and visiting Palm Springs.
Provide lor a broad range ol housing
opportunities. Encourage development of
resource efficient housing units at a range
of densities for all life stages and all
economic levels.
Create, maintain and enhance unique places
and facilities that foster community
interaction and engagement. Improve parks
and other open spaces, community
facilities, arts/ cultural centers and
landmarks in order to promote the City's
rich history, offer visual interest, and
support lively activity. Ensure community
facilities provide services and amenities
that meet the needs of families in Palm
Palm SpringsCoAeeAtrate aAel promote I Springs.
areas of rieh EOffiffil:IAity aeti • ity serve a ey
effieieAt m1:1ltimoelal traAsportatioA aAa
parl<iAg .
7City Council Staff Report
October 8, 2020 --Page 7
General Plan Limited Update
Original
17. Encourage the creative mixing of land uses
to promote vibrant neighborhoods and
reduce the need for vehicle use. Combine
residential, retail, office, and other land
uses within the Downtown and other key
locations, to create active, full-service
neighborhoods that are less dependent on
the automobile.
NEW PRIORITY 2 .
a. Preserve and uphold the high quality of
architecture and the unique visual and
aesthetic form in buildings and neighborhoods
that distinguish Palm Springs from other cities.
Promote the identification of unique
neighborhoods while encouraging new and
characteristically different neighborhood
types to develop. Recognize the
importance of adaptive reuse for
architecturally and historically significant
resources.
1 Planning co·mmission Redline Changes
Encourage the creative mixing of land uses
to promote vibrant and walkable
neighborhoods and commercial areas.reeh:1ee
tl=le Reee fer vel=liele ttse. Combine
residential, retail, office, and other land
uses within commercialtl=le DewRte•,•,cR and
other key locations, to create active, full-
service neighborhoods that are less
dependent on the automobile.
Preserve and uphold the distinct ltiglt quality
el-architecture and-#he unique visual and
aesthetic form in buildings and neighborhoods
that distinguish Palm Springs from other cities.
Promote the identification of unique
neighborhoods while encouraging new and
characteristically different neighborhood
types to develop. Recognize the
importance of adaptive reuse for
architecturally and historically significant
resources.
Final PC Pro_p_osed
Encourage the creative mixing of land uses
to promote vibrant and walkable
neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Combine residential, retail, office, and
other land uses within commercial and
other key locations, to create active, full-
service neighborhoods that are less
dependent on the automobile.
Nurture retail opportunities for residents in
all neighborhoods. Strengthen and promote
equitable and convenient access to a variety
of retail opportunities that serve the needs
of daily lives in close proximity to all
residential neighborhoods.
Preserve and uphold the distinct architecture
and unique visual and aesthetic form in
buildings and neighborhoods that distinguish
Palm Springs from other cities. Promote the
identification of unique neighborhoods
while encouraging new and
characteristically different neighborhood
types to develop. Recognize the
importance of adaptive reuse for
architecturally and historically significant
resources.
8City Council Staff Report
October 8, 2020 --Page 8
General Plan Limited Update
trallic, encourages sale bicycle and
pedestrian movement, and presents
attractively landscaped corridors. As the
City develops, street and roadway
improvements will be necessary to ensure a
safe and functioning network of circulation
corridors and intersections. The streets will
be attractively developed and maintained
to encourage bicycles, pedestrians, and
alternative forms of transportation. Trails,
bikeways, and other forms of circulation
linkages through the city and into
surrounding areas must also be developed
and maintained.
Planning Commission Redline Changes
Provide a circulation system that
accommodates the smooth llow ol vehicular
trallic and public transportation, encourages
sale bicycle and pedestrian movement, and
presents attractively landscaped corridors.
As the City develops, safe~ and
complete streets with transitreaeh,·ay
iffipre•,effients will be necessary to ensure a
safe and functioning network of circulation
corridors and intersections. protecting
residential neighborhoods from commercial
traffic to the extent possible.-;-The streets
will be attractively developed. designed
with adequate parking and maintained to
encourage bicycles, pedestrians, and
alternative forms of transportation. Trails,
bikeways, and other forms of circulation
linkages through the city and into
surrounding areas must also be developed
and maintained.
1 0. Promote development that enhances EnhancePreme#e fleye#epmeAf fhaf eAhaAees
scenic views and provides both visual and seeAie Yiews &Ad pre·1ides both visual and
physical access to the City's surrounding physical access to the City's surrounding
mountains, washes, open space, and other mountains, washes, open space, and other
scenic and natural resources. scenic and natural resources. Unparalleled
Unparalleled natural resources can be natural resources ean be fe1:1ne in and near
found in and near Palm Springs. These Palm Springs. These rese1:1rees add value to
resources add value to the City's quality of the City's quality of life and are an
life and are an important contributor to the important contributor to the City's image as
City's image as a destination resort. a destination resort.
Final PC' ProDosed
Provide a circulation system that
accommodates the smooth llow ol vehicular
trallic and public transportation, encourages
sale bicycle and pedestrian movement, and
presents attractively landscaped corridors.
As the City develops, safe and complete
streets with transit will be necessary to
ensure a safe and functioning network of
circulation corridors and intersections,
protecting residential neighborhoods from
commercial traffic to the extent possible.
The streets will be attractively developed,
designed with adequate parking and
maintained to encourage bicycles,
pedestrians, and alternative forms of
transportation. Trails, bikeways, and other
forms of circulation linkages through the
city and into surrounding areas must also
be developed and maintained.
Enhance both visual and physical access to
the City's surrounding mountains, washes,
open space, and other scenic and natural
resources. Unparalleled natural resources
in and near Palm Springs add value to the
City's quality of life and are an important
contributor to the City's image as a
destination resort.
*It is important to note that while the above Priorities are listed by number, they are weighted equally in terms of importance.
9City Council Staff Report October 8, 2020 --Page 9 General Plan Limited Update The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the above revisions to the Vision and Priority statements. Once the City Council approves the revisions to the Vision and Priorities, the GPSC will use these statements as the guiding principles as they work on recommending updates to the goals, policies and other specific revisions to the Land Use, Circulation, Housing and Safety elements. SUBMITTED BY: f:o< Flinn Fagg, AICP Development Services Director Attachments: Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, P.E., P.L.S. Assistant City Manager 1. Vision & Priorities -Planning Commission Recommendations 2. General Plan Vision & Priorities Survey -Summary of Results 3. Public Comment Letters
10Attachment 1 Vision & Priorities -Planning Commission Recommendations
11~ ~ .--.. I,
Original
~f
A world-renowned desert resort community
where residents and visitors enjoy safe
neighborhoods, an exciting social
environment and a relaxing leisure
experience.
We enhance our natural, cultural, and
historical resources with sustainable
economic growth and high style.
We provide responsive, friendly and efficient
public services within a government that
fosters unity among all our citizens.
10/8/2020
Vision and Priorities
Planning Commission Revisions
Planning Commission Redline Changes
Palm Springs is a vibrant and inclusiveA
world renowned desert resort community
where year-round and seasonal residents and
visitors enjoy safe neighborhoods, an exciting
social environment and a relaxing and
positive~ experience._
The City values its architectural. We enhance
01:JF nat1:Jral, C1:Jlt1:Jral, and historical . cultural
and natural resources and balances resident
priorities with economic and sustainable
economic growth and hi~h stvle .
We celebrate our diversity and foster equity
and unity among all of our residents.
The City providesWe pro11ide responsive,
friendly and efficient public services forw+tRffi
a government that fosters unity among all our
residents and businessescitii!ens .
Final PCiProposed
Palm Springs is a vibrant and inclusive desert
resort community where year-round and
seasonal residents and visitors enjoy safe
neighborhoods, an exciting social
environment and a relaxing and positive
experience.
The City values its architectural, historical,
cultural and natural resources and balances
resident priorities with economic and
sustainable growth.
We celebrate our diversity and foster equity
and unity among all of our residents.
The City provides responsive, friendly and
efficient public services for all our residents
and businesses.
1
12Original "",
11. Support Palm Springs as one of the world's
premier desert resorts. Strengthen and
promote those things that make Palm Springs
a one-of-a kind resort destination, including
its natural resources, eco-tourism, its
pedestrian-oriented shopping and
entertainment districts including Downtown,
its unique architecture, the convenience of its
airport and convention center, and its wide
array of lodging and recreational facilities.
NEW PRIORITY 1.
12. Establish the City as a leader in efficient use
of resources: land, water, and energy.
Promote energy efficiency and the efficient
use of natural resources. Promote the
development of alternative energy industries
and use of alternative energy sources such as
wind and solar in new and existing
construction to minimize resource depletion
and conserve resources for future
generations.
10/8/2020
Planning Com'mission Redline Changes
Support Palm Springs as g_eRe e-f Uie vJeFhJ'&
premier desert resort community,=e&er:t&.
Strengthen and promote those things that
make Palm Springs a one-of-a kind resort
destination, including its natural resources,
eco-tourism, its pedestrian-oriented shopping
and entertainment districts including
Dovmtovm , its unique architecture, the
convenience of its airport and convention
center, and its wide array of lodging and
recreational facilities.
Continue to advance Palm Springs' role as a
sustainability leader. Promote the
sustainable use of materials, energy, land,
water, air and other natural resources to
enhance the long-term livability of our
community. Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and proactively anticipate and
mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Reduce wastes going to landfill through
source reduction, reuse, recycling and other
methods.
Final PC Proposed
Support Palm Springs as a premier desert
resort community. Strengthen and promote
those things that make Palm Springs a one-of-
a kind resort destination, including its natural
resources, eco-tourism, its pedestrian-
oriented shopping and entertainment
districts, its unique architecture, the
convenience of its airport and convention
center, and its wide array of lodging and
recreational facilities.
Foster and enhance opportunities for open
space retention and expansion that allows
neighborhood access throughout Palm
Springs and its adjacent areas. Open spaces
should include passive and active forms of
recreation where possible.
Continue to advance Palm Springs' role as a
sustainability leader. Promote the
sustainable use of materials, energy, land,
water, air and other natural resources to
enhance the long-term livability of our
community. Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and proactively anticipate and
mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Reduce wastes going to landfill through
source reduction, reuse, recycling and other
methods .
2
13;''"••:?·.~,--t, ~,,.., .• , .. >'-·Original, ;1 ~ ~, ,:,_ 'it;
3. Diversify the City's economic foundations
and promote Palm Springs as the '1irst
choice" for businesses.
Create employment opportunities that will
maintain a stable and diverse economy,
including opportunities for workers to live in
the communities in which they work. Through
land use and other policies, promote Palm
Springs as the first choice for businesses such
as tourism, entertainment, retail, office,
medical, educational, professional, financial,
technical, industrial, and other economic and
employment generators.
4. Develop a full range of retail opportunities
for local, regional, and tourist markets.
Encourage diverse and appealing shopping
opportunities for residents, tourists, and the
regional market that will generate sales tax
revenues, attract customers from neighboring
communities, and enrich the quality of the life
for those living in and visiting Palm Springs.
10/8/2020
Planning Commission Redline Changes
Diversify and strengthen the City's
economyeEeRemiE JewA"8tieA5 and promote
education and innovation. Develop and
encourage new Palm Springs as the "first
choice" for businessesL. Create employment
and education opportunities that will
maintain a stable and diverse economy and
workforce. Promote businesses that will
provide a living wage. Invest in improving
public and private infrastructure for a digital
future. Promote , incl1:Jding opport1:Jnities for
11;1orkers to liYe in the comm1:Jnities in which
they work. Thro1:Jgh land 1:Jse and other
policies, promote Palm Springs as the first
choice for 01:Jsinesses s1:Jch as tot:1rism,
entertainment, retail, office, medical,
ed1:Jcational, professional, financial, technical,
indt:1strial, and other economic and
employment opportunities in renewable
energy and other green
businesse!::generators .
Maintain and enhance a diverscoe.,.elep B
/fl# range of retail, dining and entertainment
opportunities for local, regional, and tourist
markets. Encourage diverse and appealing
shopping opportunities for residents, tourists,
and the regional market that will generate
sales tax revenues, attract customers from
neighboring communities, and enrich the
quality of the life for those living in and
visiting Palm Springs.
"" Final PC Proposed
Diversify and strengthen the City's economy
and promote education and innovation.
Develop and encourage new businesses,
employment and education opportunities
that will maintain a stable and diverse
economy and workforce. Promote businesses
that will provide a living wage. Invest in
improving public and private infrastructure
for a digital future. Promote employment
opportunities in renewable energy and other
green businesses.
Maintain and enhance a diverse range of
retail, dining and entertainment
opportunities for local, regional, and tourist
markets. Encourage diverse and appealing
shopping opportunities for residents, tourists,
and the regional market that will generate
sales tax revenues, attract customers from
neighboring communities, and enrich the
quality of the life for those living in and
visiting Palm Springs.
3
14!!:'" : Original ~u Planning Commission Redline Changes ., ,l , ,. ~: •• < Final . PC.Proposed · .,
... ·.•.:"i
5. Provide for a broad range of housing Provide for a broad range of housing Provide for a broad range of housing
opportunities. Encourage development of opportunities. Encourage development of opportunities. Encourage development of
housing units for varying life stages and styles resource efficient housing units at a range of resource efficient housing units at a range of
and all economic levels. densities for fill•oiar>ting life stages anel styles densities for all life stages and all economic
and all economic levels. levels.
6. Create unique places that strengthen Createi maintain and enhance unique places Create, maintain and enhance unique places
community identity, offer visual interest, and and facilities that foster5t+'eRg#leR and facilities that foster community
support lively activity. Concentrate and community interaction and engagement. interaction and engagement. Improve parks
promote areas of rich community activity Improve parks and other open spaces 1 and other open spaces, community facilities,
served by efficient multimodal transportation community facilities 1 artsL cultural centers and arts/cultural centers and landmarks in order
and parking. landmarks in order to promote the City's rich to promote the City's rich history, offer visual
historyielentity, offer visual interest, and interest, and support lively activity. Ensure
support lively activity. Ensure community community facilities provide services and
facilities provide services and amenities that amenities that meet the needs of families in
meet the needs of families in Palm Palm Springs.
SpringsConcentrate anel F3roA=1ote areas of rict:i
COA=IA=ll::IAit•t actii,ity ser>oieel 0¥ efficient
A=ll::lltiA=loelal transF3ortation anel F3arlEing .
7. Encourage the creative mixing of land uses Encourage the creative mixing of land uses Encourage the creative mixing of land uses
to promote vibrant neighborhoods and to promote vibrant and walkable to promote vibrant and walkable
reduce the need for vehicle use. Combine neighborhoods and commercial areas. reell::lce neighborhoods and commercial areas.
residential, retail, office, and other land uses tl=le neeel for YeRicle l::lse . Combine residential, Combine residential, retail, office, and other
within the Downtown and other key retail, office, and other land uses within land uses within commercial and other key
locations, to create active, full-service commercialtRe Downtown and other key locations, to create active, full-service
neighborhoods that are less dependent on locations, to create active, full-service neighborhoods that are less dependent on
the automobile. neighborhoods that are less dependent on the automobile.
the automobile.
10/8/2020 4
15"':fir·.•. /~~-~ Original
NEW PRIORITY 2.
8. Preserve and uphold the high quality of
architecture and the unique visual and
aesthetic form in buildings and
neighborhoods that distinguish Palm Springs
from other cities. Promote the identification
of unique neighborhoods while encouraging
new and characteristically different
neighborhood types to develop. Recognize
the importance of adaptive reuse for
architecturally and historically significant
resources.
10/8/2020
Planning Commission Redline Changes
Preserve and uphold the distinct J:iigh 'fll&lit-y
et-architecture and-#Je unique visual and
aesthetic form in buildings and
neighborhoods that distinguish Palm Springs
from other cities. Promote the identification
of unique neighborhoods while encouraging
new and characteristically different
neighborhood types to develop. Recognize
the importance of adaptive reuse for
architecturally and historically significant
resources.
Final PC Proposed .11:.1-,
Nurture retail opportunities for residents in
all neighborhoods. Strengthen and promote
equitable and convenient access to a variety
of retail opportunities that serve the needs of
daily lives in close proximity to all residential
neighborhoods.
Preserve and uphold the distinct architecture
and unique visual and aesthetic form in
buildings and neighborhoods that distinguish
Palm Springs from other cities. Promote the
identification of unique neighborhoods while
encouraging new and characteristically
different neighborhood types to develop.
Recognize the importance of adaptive reuse
for architecturally and historically significant
resources.
s
16---Original
~ ...
9. Provide a circulation system that
accommodates the smooth flow of vehicular
traffic, encourages safe bicycle and
pedestrian movement, and presents
attractively landscaped corridors. As the City
develops, street and roadway improvements
will be necessary to ensure a safe and
functioning network of circulation corridors
and intersections. The streets will be
attractively developed and maintained to
encourage bicycles, pedestrians, and
alternative forms of transportation. Trails,
bikeways, and other forms of circulation
linkages through the city and into surrounding
areas must also be developed and
maintained.
10. Promote development that enhances
scenic views and provides both visual and
physical access to the City's surrounding
mountains, washes, open space, and other
scenic and natural resources.
Unparalleled natural resources can be found
in and near Palm Springs. These resources
add value to the City's quality of life and are
an important contributor to the City's image
as a destination resort.
10/8/2020
Planning Commission :Redline Changes
Provide a circulation system that
accommodates the smooth flow of vehicular
traffic and public transportation, encourages
safe bicycle and pedestrian movement, and
presents attractively landscaped corridors.
As the City develops, safestfee.t and complete
streets with transitroadwa11 iFRproveFRents
will be necessary to ensure a safe and
functioning network of circulation corridors
and intersections . protecting residential
neighborhoods from commercial traffic to the
extent possible.~ The streets will be
attractively developed , designed with
adequate parking and maintained to
encourage bicycles, pedestrians, and
alternative forms of transportation. Trails,
bikeways, and other forms of circulation
linkages through the city and into surrounding
areas must also be developed and
maintained.
Enhancellr-omete det1e1B,,me,:,t that
e,d:iaAGes &GeAiG views a,:,d ,r:evides both
visual and physical access to the City's
surrounding mountains, washes, open space,
and other scenic and natural resources.
Unparalleled natural resources can ee found
in and near Palm Springs . These resources
add value to the City's quality of life and are
an important contributor to the City's image
as a destination resort.
END
Final PC Proposed
Provide a circulation system that
accommodates the smooth flow of vehicular
traffic and public transportation, encourages
safe bicycle and pedestrian movement, and
presents attractively landscaped corridors.
As the City develops, safe and complete
streets with transit will be necessary to
ensure a safe and functioning network of
circulation corridors and intersections,
protecting residential neighborhoods from
commercial traffic to the extent possible. The
streets will be attractively developed,
designed with adequate parking and
maintained to encourage bicycles,
pedestrians, and alternative forms of
transportation. Trails, bikeways, and other
forms of circulation linkages through the city
and into surrounding areas must also be
developed and maintained.
Enhance both visual and physical access to
the City's surrounding mountains, washes,
open space, and other scenic and natural
resources. Unparalleled natural resources in
and near Palm Springs add value to the City's
quality of life and are an important
contributor to the City's image as a
destination resort.
6
17Attachment 2 General Plan Vision & Priorities Survey -Summary of Results
18Background GENERAL PLAN 2040 General Plan Vision & Priorities Survey Summary of Results March 31, 2020 The Palm Springs Vision and Priorities provide an aspirational description of the type of community Palm Springs desires to become in the future and serves as the foundation for the goals and policies in the City's General Plan. As one of the first steps in the process of updating the City of Palm Springs' General Plan, the City administered a survey to solicit feedback on the existing (2007) General Plan Vision and Priorities to determine if they are still working well or if they need to be updated to guide planning efforts for the next 20 years. A total of 338 responses were submitted by participants. The survey was administered in both online and hard copy formats from February 24th, 2020 through March 13th, 2020. English and Spanish versions of the survey were made available in both formats. Input collected will be used by the City and the General Plan Steering Committee (GPSC) to inform their recommendations to update the Vision and Priorities and will also be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council. Following is a summary of the information collected from participants. Who Participated? The largest number of respondents to the survey were residents; full time residents comprised 67% of respondents and part-time residents followed at 16% of survey responses. Eleven percent (11%) of all respondents both live and work in the City, and those who work in the city (only) comprised 5% of respondents. Only one respondent identified themselves as a visitor to Palm Springs. Nearly all of the City's recognized neighborhoods had residents participating in the survey (45 of 48 neighborhoods), with the highest percentage of responses coming from residents in the Little Tuscany neighborhood (7%). The Escena, Gene Autry and Lawrence Crossley neighborhoods were the only ones without any identified respondents. The overwhelming majority of respondents identified themselves as over 40 years of age (89%), with the 40-64 age bracket accounting for 54 percent of total participants. Conversely, only 9 percent of respondents identified themselves as younger than 40-years-old. While few of the respondents claimed an expert-level familiarity with the existing General Plan (5%), a high percentage of participants were either aware of the document or somewhat knowledgeable about it (87%). City of Palm Springs 1 March 31, 2020 . ~-··-·---------· -····----··-·--• -----• --·---·-----------·--•• ---------------· __ I
19What Did We Hear? i:lJm,~ BY DESIGN Participants in the Survey were asked to identify whether the Vision statement and ten distinct Priorities articulated in the City's existing General Plan were 1) fine as is, or need to be revised; and 2) if they need to be revised, what changes they would suggest. The majority of respondents (52%) indicated that the Vision statement is fine as it is and does not need to be revised. Participants provided 132 comments for the City's consideration for possible refinements or edits. The community generally supported the ten existing priorities, with seven of them exceeding 70 percent in positive feedback (acceptable as written). Priorities addressing the efficient use of resources and preservation of the unique and high quality of the built environment were identified by the highest number of respondents as requiring no changes (79% and 83% respectively). Survey respondents had a lower support rate of the way the priorities advocating a range of housing opportunities and retail opportunities were currently written (59% and 65% respectively). Although the percentage of positive responses for the existing Vision and Priorities leaned toward support of the way they are currently worded, it should be noted that quite a few comments (740) were submitted with suggested changes to the existing Priorities. After reviewing the comments, it appears several are general comments about things the City should consider versus specific revisions suggested for a particular priority. In the coming months, the Steering Committee will be reviewing the comments and helping to make suggestions of how to incorporate them into the updated Vision and Priorities. Out of the comments received, some consistent themes emerged: • Desire to address Climate Change • Importance of preserving/conserving natural beauty and lands • Add language regarding Equity, Diversity and lnclusivity • Embrace and prepare for technological change • Better balance between needs of residents and tourists; expand economic base beyond tourism • Preserve and protect the City's Modernism design roots • More services and amenities geared towards to families • Expand image of Palm Springs beyond "high style" to embrace its more approachable, "laid back", relaxed atmosphere The remainder of this document summarizes the key themes that emerged out of the comments associated with the Vision statement and each Priority. A complete list of all responses collected is also attached for those that are interested in reviewing the explicit feedback received by the City in its entirety. City of Palm Springs 2 March 31, 2020 --------_.... -----·---·-------------------------------~ -,,_,,-___ .,..... ___ ----··--------------
20~~ BY DESIGN GENERAL PLAN 2040 Feedback on the Existing Vision Statement • In response to the current Vision statement: A world-renowned desert resort community where residents and visitors enjoy safe neighborhoods, an exciting social environment and a relaxing leisure experience. We enhance our natural, cultural, and historical resources with sustainable economic growth and high style. We provide responsive, friendly and efficient public services within a government that fosters unity among all our citizens. o A slight majority of respondents (52 percent) felt that the current vision statement was appropriate but nearly 47.3 percent believed it needs to be revised. Among those revisions several themes emerged: • Strong desire to replace phrase, "high style" with something else; wasn't reflective of the community sentiment • Desire to acknowledge the importance of the city's cultural, architectural and historic resources. • Include a reference to inclusiveness and the diversity of the community. • Refer to the city's natural environment, parks and recreation facilities and include concepts of sustainability or renewable energy. • Dislike for the vision statement's reference to the city as a "resort community"; there should be much less focus on leisure and tourism and more focus on local business, a diversified economy and residents of all ages. • Prioritize localized, controlled growth and planning and reflect the city's "village feel". • Future development should focus less on hotels and convention centers and more on affordable housing. • Add references to the city's working population, educational opportunities and embrace of new technologies. Feedback on the Existing Priorities (order does not indicate importance) • In response to Priority 1: Support Palm Springs as one of the world's premier desert resorts. o 76 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 24 percent wanted it revised. Those suggested revisions discussed: • Less focus on being "premier" or a "world" destination. • Recognition of City's identity as a small city with a local population. • More economic diversity away from service and tourism. • Removal of the reference to the "desert". • Removal of the word "resort" ("destination", "community" suggested as replacements). • Addition of "place to retire". City of Palm Springs 3 March 31, 2020 --·----~----·-~·-----------------.. ---------·-----·---· ~·-·-· ------·------
21,------------------~ ....... (~~ ...... ~ ~-~ ~--=----~ ~ BY DESIGN • In response to Priority 2: Establish the City as a leader in efficient use of resources: land, water, and energy. o 79.4 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 20.6 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • Additional reference to natural resource preservation. • Additional text for climate change. • Include more specific goals. • In response to Priority 3: Diversify the City's economic foundations and promote Palm Springs as the 'first choice' for businesses. o 66.4 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 33.6 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • More economic diversity and variety in business types. • Confusion about what is meant by "promote" and "first choice". • Defining the specific types of businesses the City wants to promote. • Focusing less on being a "first choice" (implying outside businesses) and more on nurturing local businesses. • In response to Priority 4: Develop a full range of retail opportunities for local, regional, and tourist markets. o 64.6 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 35 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • Ensuring that visitors to Palm Springs have unique destinations and businesses that cannot be found elsewhere. • Adding businesses that are not related to tourism or hospitality and appeal to all socio-economic groups. • Discouraging chain businesses. • Encouraging more experiential retail. • Removing the reference to tourists. • Concerns about the place of retail in the age of internet shopping. • In response to Priority 5: Provide for a broad range of housing opportunities. o 59.2 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 40.5 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • Discouraging vacation rentals in the city. • Encouraging more multi-family housing. • Encouraging more affordable housing developments. • Supporting housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. • Making the vision statement less vague by clearly defining what the phrase "broad range" refers to. • In response to Priority 6: Create unique places that strengthen community identity, offer visual interest, and support lively activity. o 77.6 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 21.7 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • Additional references to accessibility. • Clarifying the language to clearly define what "unique" means. • Creating spaces that are more focused on locals. • Support underserved communities. City of Palm Springs 4 March 31, 2020 ----·------------•.• ----~-------~--------~~-~------~ ····-I
22"'t ,· --,---------------,-~~"'., ~~-.;:~:.:.=:-==---,_--~--=:----------------. ~~ BY DESIGN ••••-••-••-•-ll!ft • In response to Priority 7: Encourage the creative mixing of land uses to promote vibrant neighborhoods and reduce the need for vehicle use. o 72.7 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 26.9 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • Improved infrastructure and safety for non-automotive uses: biking, walking, bus system, golf carts • Concerns about whether the reduced "need for vehicle use" is attainable. • In response to Priority 8: Preserve and uphold the high quality of architecture and the unique visual aesthetic form in buildings and neighborhoods that distinguish Palm Springs from other cities. o 82.8 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 15.7 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • Clarifying the language and being more specific about what "high quality architecture" means. • In response to Priority 9: Provide a circulation system that accommodates the smooth flow of vehicular traffic, encourages safe bicycle and pedestrian movement, and presents attractively landscaped corridors. o 72 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 27.7 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • More emphasis on mass transit. • Additional reference to safety in this priority. • Reference parking. • In response to Priority 10: Promote development that enhances scenic views and provides both visual and physical access to the City's surrounding mountains, washes, open space, and other scenic and natural resources. o 77.6 percent agreed that the priority is relevant and 21.6 percent wanted it revised. These suggested revisions discussed: • Concerns that this priority would conflict with other priorities relating to development and growth. • Exchanging the word "promote" with "support." • Replace "wash" with "ephemeral stream." • Change to "enhances and protects". City of Palm Springs 5 March 31, 2020 ' ----~---------------.......--..--., -=~~~~--------~~-----------------______ ... ,,. __ ~ ~ ... ..----.----.-..........--...........-------.-~T"" ,,-~-.------•• -------------~-'
23Attachment 3 Public Comment Letters
24David Newell From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Hi Patrick, Roy Clark Tuesday, August 11, 2020 3:55 PM Patrick Tallarico David Newell General Plan Revision During the July 29 Planning Commission meeting about the General Plan, I took a screen shot of the "sustainability priority". I typed it below. Looking at it again, I see that there is a lot of room for improvement. Climate change came up in the meeting and will be added. My comment about adding waste reduction came later. "Sustainability" is generally understood (ref: definition in the brochure we have as a hand-out). "Livability" is fuzzy. Thanks. Roy Priority 2 2007 Priority Establish the City as a leader in efficient use of resources: land, water, and energy. Promote energy efficiency and the efficient use of natural resources. Promote the development of alternate energy industries and use of alternate energy sources such as wind and solar in new and existing construction to minimize resource depletion and conserve resources for future generations. GPSC Revision Continue to advance sustainability and livability in the City of Palm Springs. Promote the efficient use of energy, land, water and other natural resources to enhance the sustainability and livability of our community. Support sustainablefalternatii.·e energy industries and tl=le use of alternafa•e energy sourees in nev, and e>Eisting eonstruction to minimiie resouree depletion and eonser>Je resourees for future generations. 1
25David Newell From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Hi David, David Freedman Wednesday, July 29, 2020 7:03 PM David Newell Flinn Fagg; Patrick Tallarico Climate change language for GP Priority #2 I'm watching the PC meeting live. I'm glad to see that Chair Weremiuk's climate change language will be included in Priority #2, as this was noted in the survey results and climate change adaptation and resilience must be addressed in the safety element of the GP, as per Government Code Section 65302(9)(4). This issue is addressed in the guiding principles on page 1-4 of the draft Ventura County General Plan I sent you last week as follows: Climate Change and Resilience Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve all adopted targets, proactively anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote employment opportunities in renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gases, and increase resilience to the effects of climate change. Using the Ventura County text as a guide, you may want to consider the following additional language (underlined) for Priority #2: Promote the efficient use of energy, land, water and other natural resources to enhance the sustainability and livability of our community, and anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Best, David Freedman David Freedman Member, Palm Springs Sustainability Commission Email. David.Freedman-ABM@palmspringsca.gov Home: (760) 832 8268 Cell: (347) 634 2723
26David Newell From: Sent: To: Subject: Hi Commissioners, michele johnson <33mich@sbcglobal.net> Friday, July 24, 2020 2:54 PM David Newell planning special meeting 7 /29 2A Regarding item 2A on the7/29 agenda, I haven't seen the changes, but please no rezoning of open spaces. Do NOT turn Bel Air Greens into wall to wall condos. We need open spaces and we need them where they are, not off in the mountains! Keep developers hands off golf courses. Turn them into parks or nature preserves. And please stop turning commercial districts into housing ie. S Palm Canyon at Mesquite. Thank you, Michele Johnson Palm Springs 1
27David Newell From: Sent: To: Subject: Attention of: Nickie Mclaughlin < nixmac1@icloud.com > Monday, July 20, 2020 11 :39 AM Flinn Fagg; David Newell Comments for GP Update -Friends of Palm Springs Mountains Director of Planning Services, Principal Planner Newell, Planning Commission General Plan Update: On behalf of the board of directors of Friends of Palm Springs Mountains (Friends) we would like to add comment for your consideration in regards to open space. Boulders and Crescendo have recently been the center of discussion by the city council as a way to assist with the financial shortage of the annual budget due to COVID 19. While we understand and appreciate the difficulties ahead we feel that selling these properties is a shortsighted approach to solving the problem. As I am sure you are aware, both these properties have been a source of controversy for many years and it was with great pleasure that the opportunity arose to preserve these locations at the beginning of the year. In discussions with the property owner and the council, the council accepted these parcels with the intent of preserving them in perpetuity. While Boulders and Crescendo may be considered by some to be infill locations, the fact is, the development of these areas will have a permanent effect on not only the neighborhood but also the surrounding views from a myriad of locations across the valley. The Little Tuscany neighborhood was developed with sensitive guidelines that created the neighborhood you see today. Sadly Racquet Club from N Palm Canyon now resembles a mini highway as opposed to the meandering road that used to exist, reflecting the same design enjoyed in the Chino Canyon neighborhood. The point is it is very easy to destroy a natural setting, even with the best intentions. Case in point, Pedregal, the now abandoned housing development that has forever ruined the scenic portion now only seen on the north side of Tramway when entering the city. As you move forward with updating the General Plan, Friends respectfully requests that you consider retaining these properties as open space and include them in the Chino Canyon Natural Preserve created by Friends after acquiring Angel Cove, Shadowrock and surrounding properties. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely,
28Nickie McLaughlin Chair Friends Palm Springs Mountains 2
29David Newell From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: E Mr. Fagg and Mr. Newell, Liz Loomis <liz@llpa.biz> Monday, July 20, 2020 7:50 AM Flinn Fagg; David Newell 'Kathleen Weremiuk'; Claudia/Tallfellow; Michael Fleming; Fred Balduini; Bob Doren; Dan Hall; David Anderson; Eric Dutton; Liz Loomis; Ned Barker; Tony & Denise Hoetker; Tyler Burton General Plan Update -Comments for Today's Meeting The Little Tuscany Neighborhood Organization understands that the Committee is meeting to develop language for goals associated with the General Plan Update. Many of our neighbors participated in the online surveys and meetings to ask that the City change the land use designation for Boulders and Crescendo from residential development to open space. We ask that protecting and creating open spaces be a priority for the Committee in its recommendations. These open spaces on the hillsides and in the City provide habitat for wildlife, recreation opportunities for residents and visitors, and combats climate change. These vistas are part of what make Palm Springs unique and have environmental significance being part of the Chino Cone alluvial fan. We respectfully request the Committee use language in its goal-setting work that communicates to Council this objective. Thank you in advance for considering our request. May I also ask that you share this communication with all the Committee members? Sincerely, LIZ LOOMIS Public Affairs (425) 308-6236liz@llpa.bizwww.llpa.biz
30Flinn Fagg Subject: FW: Boulders -----Origi na I Message-----From: John Young <sacret@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 2:41 PM To: CityClerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Boulders E To General Plan Steering Committee, We all are ready to pitch in to help in a time where we know we face budget challenges. However, Trashing the few remaining environmentally preserved and precious resources Is not the answer. The Boulders, for example, is culturally and historically relevant to the very core of Palm Springs long time appeal to residents and visitors alike. It is also crucial to already inherent and threatened plant and wildlife. More than these, I have been witness to such similar thoughts of quick solutions in other communities that did not offer return as expected. Worse, they became eyesores, and even a drag on city resources for years and even decades. Again, I believe Palm Springs residents accept the reality, and are ready to step forward. Sacrificing such as Boulders on the other hand is doubly wrongheaded. It will destroy beauty and quality that cannot be recovered. Once gone is forever gone. And it's economic promise for the city could prove dubious, counterproductive, and even worse. My respect and thanks for listening in this important matter. John Sacret Young Sent from my iPhone 1
31David Newell From: smartinez3@dc.rr.com <smartinez3@dc.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:34 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: SAVE OPEN SPACE E Save "Open Space" on the General Plan PLEASE!!!!! No Variances!!!!! No giant hotel in the Demuth Park Neighborhood ....... NO EXCEPTIONS!!! Thanks, Stephanie
32David Newell From: slime time <superslimey420@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:32 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: OPEN KEEP OPEN SPACES OPEN!!!!!!!! Do NOT CHANGE the general plan KEEP OPEN SPACES OPEN Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
33David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Fire <rsmsfire@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 3:47 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: PROTECT OPEN SPACE E Hello thank you for your good service As a public servant please join me in protecting the best interest of our citizens and visitors by protecting our open space in our area. We cannot allow a single variance. Not one exception.PROTECT OPEN SPACE The citizens have made their voice and intention very clear over the long journey last few years open space on the creation of the parameters for such. Please we must Preserve Open space it is the number one reason residents n visitors come tops. We must protect our greatest natural resource. Thank you Ruth Sinfuego 760-534-4581 1
34David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Diane Ross <artaiva@icloud.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 7:38 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Open Space E This is a request that you NOT change the designation of land that is open space. It must remain as Open Space for the sake of the next generations. Please do not do something that we will all regret. Thank you, Dr. Diane Ross Sent from my iPhone
35David Newell -----Origi na I Message-----From: Robin Rodriguez <rkrsp@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 3:51 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Saving the Desert E Please save what's left of open space here in Palm Springs. Enough mistakes have been made to the city already. I was born here 60 years ago and have never left. It's still beautiful. ....... Please don't ruin it. Sincerely,Robin Rodriguez Sent from my iPhone
36David Newell From: tanya petrovna <tanya.petrovna@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 3:48 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Keep Open Space Open E Dear Planning Commissioners, I am writing to ask to please keep what is designated Open Space on the General Plan as Open Space. I understand you are doing work on updating the plan and I must speak up for nature and its necessity in our community. I was born in Palm Springs and still a resident here. After college I started and grew my businesses from here, still do. I love it here, I love my community, my mountains, my desert. I also have enjoyed my childhood home here in the Las Com padres neighborhood for 56 years. The last 25 years I have watched most of the wildlife disappear and it is tragic. The nature we enjoyed as children so shaped our lives. We learned how to play in it and how it relieves stresses of life regardless of age. We also learned about the wildlife first hand. Quail, roadrunners, horned lizards, desert iguanas, beetles, jack rabbits, the smell of creosote after a rain and the aroma and sights of the purple verbena in springtime were everywhere. We even knew what our soil felt like. Not any longer. We also had an indoor outdoor cat for 20 years and coyotes were never in our yards, they had their natural diet available readily. Now it is different. The last 25 years I have not enjoyed the added traffic and condensed housing units in the vicinity of my home. The plowing down of ancient native desert plant life and the subsequent removal of wildlife pains me daily. I have just completed the California Naturalist class at UCR in Palm Desert and it was full, packed with people who share a love for the desert, people from origins from all over the country and different walks of life expressing their interest in our natural desert. I have also been on the Health and Wellness Advisory Committee with the CVB and their statistics show time and time again that the NUMBER ONE reason people come to visit here is for our hiking trails and the great outdoors. Most of the valley floor is developed, not all species of plants and animals live in the hills. So please don't consider the mountains as enough. It is completely different, also not everyone can climb hills but they can enjoy our valley floor. Once our open space is gone, it's gone forever. There is a chance to keep a nice chunk of what is left for ALL the residents of Palm Springs and beyond. No matter what neighborhood they live in. Please do the right thing. Nurture nature, nurture your residents, it's all we have left to enjoy now, and to leave for future generations. Sincerely, Tanya Petrovna Chef and Founder www.cheftanyaskitchen.com @cheftanyaskitchen 1
37Life is short, do it (t)a/1! 2
38David Newell From: Melissa Menchaca <mmenchaca001@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:36 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: O-P-E-N E I am a concerned citizen. I am the youth of Palm Springs. I demand the city of Palm Springs to keep open spaces OPEN. Do NOT change a thing. You don't speak to the future generations of this city to be aware of what is needed in Palm Springs. STOP IT!!!! KEEP OPEN SPACES OPEN!!!!! Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone 1
39David Newell From: Melissa Menchaca <methlissa@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:32 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Keep it open E Keep the open space on general plan Do not change it Keep open spaces open!!!!! Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
40David Newell From: Melissa Menchaca <melissam001@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:33 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Don't change E Boyyyuuy Keep open spaces OPEN You better not change We the people want open spaces OPEN WE DEMAND THEM OPEN Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
41David Newell -----Origi na I Message-----From: Marina J Briggs <marinabriggs7S3@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Born and raised in Palm Springs E Please keep open spaces available in Palm Springs! As more and more building has taken place over the last 30 years the lovely town I grew up in had gradually disappeared. PS was barely recognizable this last February when I came 'home'. Open space is needed for the well being of humans, it gives the mind and eye a place to rest. It gives us a sense of space that all the surrounding buildings negate. Let Palm Springs keep some breathing space! Thank you for listening. Sincerely, Marina Macavinta Briggs Desert Hospital July 1953 PSHS Class of '71 Sent from my iPhone 1
42David Newell From: Chrisi James <clamb16@shaw.ca> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:57 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: The Boulders & Crescendo To Whom it may concern, I am writing this letter to share my view of the Vision/Priority plan for Palm Springs. The material collected and presented at the workshop was extremely reader friendly and informative. Thank you! Firstly, we love the village feel that Palm Springs has alway radiated and hope that it will continue to grow by supporting locally owned shops and restaurants. Second, the history and architecture is world renown, evident by the thousands of people who come to share in modernism week and other unique festivities. I believe these buildings and homes need to continue to be protected to preserve as a visual part of the original 1930-development of Palm Springs. Third, moving toward a greener planet by making better use of the solar and wind energy that Palm Springs so readily has access to. Stricter rules on any development to ensure the building plans have exercised every possible means to support the environments sustainability. We purchased our property in Little Tuscany specifically for a combination of rural, raw, rough landscape as well as the proximity to "old Palm Springs". By that I mean, the original architecture and atmosphere of what Palm Springs stands for. Having said that, The area of The Boulders and Crescendo is not only beautiful to admire, hike and wonder through they are unique to several forms of vegetation and animal life. Some plants and cacti grow all year while other small annuals depending on the moisture, result in beautiful but short-lived additional vegetation. These plants leave behind a crop of seeds essential for over 375 different birds, animal and insect population. The ones who live in this area all year benefit from this unique selection of seeds while others may migrate through feeding before on route to other destinations. In regards to selling assets, I realize during these very difficult Covid times Palm Springs, like every other city in the world is trying desperately to financially stay afloat. Perhaps the idea to expand the north end from Indian Canyon to Hwy 62, south of the 1-10 is a viable option. All I'm asking is please exhaust all other options before destroying the beauty of the unique Boulders and Crescendo, because once it's gone ... it's gone. :( Best regards, Chrisi Lamb
43David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Michael Johnson (Demuth Park NOrg) <demuthparknorg@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 5:21 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Public Comment to June 9, 2020 meeting of PS General Plan Steering Committee E Chairperson Weremiuk and Committee Members: As a Palm Springs resident and current Chair of the Demuth Park Neighborhood Organization, I relocated to the city after having worked over 20 years in management in the corporate sector, in business development, licensing, strategic planning and management consulting. I have participated in and led numerous planning exercises, analogous in many ways to the General Plan update exercise in which you are now engaged. I offer the following comments to the items on this evening's meeting agenda. Item 1: OVERVIEW OF FEBRUARY 24, 2020 PUBLIC WORKSHOP AND FEEDBACK RECEIVED FROM SURVEY #1 AND SURVEY #2 While I commend these efforts and personally responded to both surveys, the number of responses and demographic representation of the respondents as summarized in the reports on this General Plan Update website are grossly insufficient as to provide meaningful insight into the perspectives and priorities of the average Palm Springs resident. Based on population figures utilized in the City's 2018 Districting Project, the cumulative reported survey response rate was less 0.8% of Palm Springs residents with no respondents at all from the Escena, Gene Autry and Lawrence Crossley neighborhoods (suggested an unacceptable level of input from residents in District 1). The February workshop was attended, as would be expected, by far fewer residents. I know that the Planning Department was attempting to solicit further input from Neighborhood Organizations, and an agreement to host a Planning Department representative (D. Newell) at the next Demuth Park NOrg meeting was unfortunately postponed by the City's Stay at Home Order. I urge the Committee to proceed with further efforts to secure input from a greater and more demographically representative group of residents, via community and NOrg meetings as soon as practicable or via other remote means. Item 2: REVIEW AND CONSIDER REVISING THE 2007 GENERAL PLAN VISION STATEMENT AND PRIORITIES The 2007 General Plan identified its first Priority to "Support Palm Springs as one of the world's premier desert resorts", and the City has certainly been successful in establishing itself as a resort destination. But that Plan also highlighted a Priority to "Diversify the City's economic foundations and promote Palm Springs as the 'first choice' for businesses", and, with the possible exceptions of the hospitality and real estate industries, that goal has been largely unrealized. The catastrophic economic impact of the current pandemic and the tactics the City has and is contemplating implementing to offset the loss of City revenue argue more strongly than ever that the City aggressively prioritize solicitation and securement of more diversified revenue sources. The City has established a very significant base of year-round residents, and the City must develop additional corporate and industrial investment and jobs in the City. Children growing up in the City should have employment and career opportunities locally outside of hospitality, real estate and residential property development. Any update to the General Plan should shift priorities more toward the welfare and quality of life of residents while maintaining support for tourism and real estate development. The City should strive to be a highly desirable and rewarding place to live, not just to visit as a tourist or a part-time resident. Economic development efforts should be greatly increased and expanding beyond tourism, real estate and cannabis cultivation
44and sale. Educational and employment opportunities for families raised in the City should enable them to succeed and live well while staying in the City. I appreciate the Committee's efforts to date, and I expect recommendations emerging from these efforts will indeed be robust, thoughtful and representative. But I know well that a Plan is a living document that must be fully endorsed and 'lived' by the organization's management in order to be effective. I can only hope that the City's leadership more fully endorse and 'live' the recommendations you make. Thank you for your work, your civic commitment and your time. Michael Johnson Chair, Demuth Park Neighborhood Organization demuthparknorg@gmail.com 2
45David Newell From: Craig James <craig.james2@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:56 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Boulder and Crescendo El Dear Council Members, I am writing this letter to share my thoughts on the future development plan for Palm Springs. The information provided in the workshop was helpful. I have owned in the valley for 7 years and 5 were in Palm Desert. When I found our property in Little Tuscany I fell in love with the beauty and space of this neighborhood. It was a significant departure from the gated communities in the cities in the valley. The eclectic village atmosphere made our move and our decision to resurrect a derelict 1960's rancher into a beautiful home. Palm Springs represents the original meaning of the Cochella Valley. It's charm and beauty make coming to Palm Springs a unique experience. Maintaining and preserving the Boulders and Crescendo individually as individual green spaces serves as a message to our visitors how much we treasure the importance of sustainability. The land between 111 and 10 up Indian Canyon would best serve future development and assist reducing the impact of desert windstorms. We appreciate the challenges that face the council and recognize that dealing with the reality that Covid 19 has created. Saving this beautiful natural habitat is paramount and I hope that my brief note provides thought towards other options that would assist the council in the reducing of city deficit. Beat regards. Craig James, Managing Partner CAJames Investment Group Cajfg.com Cell: 6046440703 Craig James M6046440703
46David Newell From: Big Sai45 Productions <millmika3@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 5:07 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Open spaces E Hello Planning Board, My name is Mika Iniguez and I am writing to you today to put forth my request to: SAVE OPEN SPACES NO VARIANCES I understand that development is important but at some point enough is enough. The natural beauty of Palm Springs that it has always been famous for, is all but disappearing. The streets are now congested with traffic that adds 15-20 minutes to each trip that once were easy breezy to maneuver. I am but one of many, many residents that implore you to SAVE OPEN SPACES. Thank you, Mika Iniguez 1
47David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Kelly Erwin <lilykins24@live.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:01 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Keeping open space E To whom it may concern, It is imperative that Palm Springs and the surrounding cities keep as much open space as possible. I'm sure the city is concerned about where the funds are going to come from, but let's not forsake our environment in exchange for tax dollars. I'm from a city in Los Angeles that was once a sweet, unique and uncrowded community. The city has built up so many concrete towers, and invited in so many people and so many cars, but now it's just Anytown USA. Please don't let Palm Springs become Anytown USA. Then you will truly lose money, because people won't want to come here anymore. I beg you to keep open spaces. Sincerely, Kelly Erwin Sent from my iPhone -
48David Newell -----Origi na I Message-----From: Alida Betts <alidabetts@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 3:26 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov>; Ruth Sinfuego <rsmsfire@yahoo.com> Subject: Palm Springs open spaces E I, as a Palm Springs Native, Implore you to keep the spaces OPEN. Don't let money Override life. Sincerely, Alida Marie Betts Sent from my iPhone
49David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Thomas Benedetti <tombenedetti@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 8:37 AM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Greenspace E Dear Steering Committee Members, I am a home owner here in Palm Springs and value our green space. Please do not reduce existing requirements, in fact, public green space is a valuable component in tourism and should be maintained, if not increased. Thank you for your consideration, Tom Benedetti 2958 E. Alta Loma Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 Sent from my iPhone
50David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Erlinda Bearman <ebearman@me.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 3:58 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Open space E Please save open space. Growing up in Palm Springs was the ultimate childhood. Please don't spoil other children's chance at wonder. Thank you, Erlinda Macavinta Bearman Sent from my iPhone
51David Newell From: Ned Barker <barkerned@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 2:51 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Comments for Steering Committee Meeting June 09 E Dear General Plan Steering Committee, Thank you for the important work that you're doing. I've completed the survey, and look forward to learning the overall results. I am a homeowner in the Little Tuscany neighborhood, and a member of the LTNO board. I am writing to ask you do what you can to designate the Boulders and Crescendo properties as natural spaces, not to be developed. The long-term value of significant natural open spaces within the City would seem to significantly outweigh the short-term "fire-sale" value the city might receive for these properties. On a personal note, the wear-and-tear resulting from development of these properties (and already, Palisades) will likely bring disruptions to all of us for years, if not decades. Thank you for your consideration, Ned Ned Barker 2360 N Palermo Dr. Palm Springs 92262 (404) 547-1900
52David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Daniel <Dbarber872@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 11:36 AM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov>; Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>; grace.gardner@palmsprings.ca.gov; Dennis Woods <Dennis.Woods@palmspringsca.gov>; Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Changes to the General Plan E Dear Planning Commissioners, My name is Dan Barber, I've had a home in Palm Springs since 1991 and have been a permanent resident since 2005. am currently the chair of the Los Compadres Neighborhood Organization and have been active in ONE-PS and it's activities. The residents of my neighborhood, Los Compadres has been very concerned with the issue of open space since the Bel Aire Greens golf course went defunct in 2014. You have heard many comments and concerns on the importance of open space from emails, surveys, letters and public meetings on development. You also can look at any of the social media platforms (FB, Nextdoor etc.) that residents love this desert paradise and want to keep some open spaces. It's one of the major factors residents moved here and chose the location of their homes. They want to be close to natural vistas, hiking, and other outdoor activities. However, just in the last few years, a developer has tried three different ideas of developing Bel Aire Greens. Currently, what concerns me is the Golf Course Conversion Ordinance was adopted on September 18, 2019 yet seven months later the same developer submitted another Notice of Intent to develop the property on April 30, 2019. In the Notice of Intent the developer stated "the Affordable Housing Committee members provided enough feedback for the applicant to feel comfortable to begin moving forward with submitting an Intent to Convert and eventually request for a Zone Change and General Plan Amendment to support the proposed development." Where does the developer get these ideas? Is the city talking out of both sides of it's mouth between development and open space? Does the Planning Department tell the developers about existing open spaces and city ordinances about land use? Needless to say the residents of my neighborhood and probably others are outraged that after all the efforts made in getting the golf course conversion ordinance passed. This developer thinks it's as easy to do as change order in a construction project. I urge you to keep open spaces in any changes made to the General Plan. I urge you that in Planning Department and other Committee meetings with developers to ensure that the developers know of the General Plan and existing city ordinances that pertain to potential development. This could save a lot of time and effort on the planning department, neighborhoods and developers if they had this information up front before they submitted any Notice of Intent. The residents of Los Compadres and all of Palm Springs are watching these actions. I know that the city needs to provide housing for the homeless. I know the city needs to increase it's tax base but we should do this wisely. I know there are hard decisions to be made in this time of short term budget cuts. But remember, we are in this for the long haul to keep this desert wonderland our paradise.
53I can make myself available to meet virtually or in person at a safe distancing meeting if you would like more information. Sincerely, Dan Barber Los Compadres Sent from my iPad 2
54David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Fred Balduini <fbalduini@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 12:30 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Boulders and Crescendo Parcels E I would again like to voice my sentiments about the fate of these parcels. After being obtained as part of a settlement with Grit development the council was in agreement that the parcels should be preserved as undeveloped lands for the purpose of open space for enjoyment and utilization by the citizens of Palm Springs. I would urge the council to dedicate itself to such preservation as this is a unique geologic alluvial fan that feeds both fauna and flora along the San Jacinto foothills. I recognize the difficult situation that the economy poses this year but let us not be shortsighted about the critical asset that these parcels represent in their pristine beauty. I look forward to hearing what other novel approaches the council explores as a means to gradually overcome the budget shortfall. Sincerely Fred Balduini Sent from my iPhone 1
55David Newell From: Jesse Archer <jesseonthebrink@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 7:13 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Please ... add my voice to keep open spaces open El Hello steering committee, please keep designated green spaces green. A plan for restoration could really galvanize the community and citizen volunteers to come together to maintain and restore open spaces to show off the natural, enviable beauty of progressive Palm Springs. Thank you! Jesse Archer Sunmor 1
56David Newell From: Beverly Anderson <bever1yanderson93@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 3:31 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Open space in general plan. E Please keep an open mind about space in your general plan. Open space is available and is important for the future.
57David Newell Subject: FW: Keep open spaces open -----Original Message-----From: Paula Waldoch <paulainps@icloud.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 12:24 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Keep open spaces open E > > Please continue to keep Palm Springs a progressive city! > Please keep our open spaces OPEN! > Thank you, > Paula > 30 year PS Resident > > Sent from my iPhone
58David Newell From: Joan Temple <joanie.tee@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 1:56 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: please: E : leave open space open in the Palm Springs area. Thank you. Joan Temple joanie.tee@gmail.com 1
59David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Laura Temkin <lauratemkin@gmail.com> On Behalf Of Laura Temkin Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 4:20 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Open Space E Please insure that land designated as open space remains that way. I know the city needs money but giving up the reason we live here for short term funds is wrong. Sent from my iPad 1
60David Newell From: brawnbear8@aol.com <brawnbear8@aol.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 12:39 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Maintaining open spaces in central Palm Springs Planning Commission, I'm a resident of Palm Springs living in the Vibe Community. I want to strongly urge you to support and protect our open spaces in Palm Springs, specifically the defunct Bel Air Greens Golf Course and the Mesquite Golf Course. Currently the only significant large open spaces (parks) are Dumuth Park which is mainly for organized activities and Ruth Hardy Park which is great for picnics or small group gatherings. However, there are no open spaces for walking, biking, or just enjoying our natural desert habitat. There is a horse trail on the north side of Tahquitz Creek Bed which is also a great walking/hiking trail. Recently when the palo verde were in full bloom, the beauty of the creek bed swathed in brilliant yellow was incredible. I have come to realize how beautiful this area is and see the huge importance of keeping it natural and undeveloped for everyone's use and enjoyment. While walking there it is quite amazing to see and hear the amazing wildlife. We regularly see rabbits, lizards, ground squirrels, even coyotes and more. We also see a large variety of birds, and to hear them singing their multitude of songs convinces me that nature is thriving in an area untouched by man for many years. This is a rare opportunity to provide a natural setting for more than sports and small group activities. Please don't let it be converted to housing in any form as once it is gone, it will be lost to all residents of Palm Springs forever. The current closed clubhouses could be repurposed to make a great visitor and interpretive nature center! Schools could use this preserve as a hands on learning experience about desert wildlife and management for students. I really am begging you to keep this unique open space available for the enjoyment, health and well being of all Palm Springs residents. There are other areas of Palm Springs for housing development, i.e. the north side. What a great opportunity this is to provide natural open spaces in the heart of our city for everyone's benefit and enjoyment, now and in all the years to come. Thank you for your consideration of an issue important to all of us living in Palm Springs. Donald Sund 2725 Sunrise Sonata Ln Palm Springs, CA 92262 1
61David Newell From: Lynne Samson <lsamson@sasktel.net> Subject: Support of Green Space Date: June 8, 2020 at 2:23:22 PM CST To: planninq@palmsprinqsca.gov I strongly support that land designated as open space remain open space. This includes the Mesquite Golf Course and Belair Greens area. Development (bricks and mortar) is changing the feel of Palm Springs. With this in mind, open space becomes a gem that we must respect and care for .... to loose it is to never get it back. This needs to be a time for vision and a strong yes vote to support what green space we have. This decision should be about vision not collecting more taxes from development. Lynne Samson 2700 East Mesquite Ave. A-7 1
62David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Bonnie Ruttan <bonnieruttan@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 12:21 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: General Plan E Please preserve land that is currently designated as open space Thank you Bonnie Ruttan 1111 Abrigo Rd PS Sent from my iPhone 1
63David Newell From: Joe Milner <smoothiej@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 3:36 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Keep Open Spaces OPEN!!!!! E Hello, I am a fulltime resident of Palm Springs, and I'm writing to urge the City to keep our beautiful open spaces OPEN, and to not make the lands available for either residential or commercial development. Thank you, Joe Milner Palm Springs, CA 1
64David Newell From: lala mendoza <artista la@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 1:01 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Please keep open space OPEN SPACE As a resident of Palm Springs, one of the reasons I moved here is the unique open feel to the city. We are not all crammed in like every other city! This is one of the reasons people live here and want to visit here. As such, it pains and angers me that the city is considering reneging on its duty to keep open spaces AS SUCH. City golf courses, Mesquite Golf Course and Bel Air Greens should remain OPEN SPACES. Don't let developers ruin our charming city! Laura A. Mendoza La Artista Design, Inc. ph. 323.605.9276 / laartista.com 1
65David Newell -----Original Message-----From: glogirlgram@yahoo.com <glogirlgram@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 5:46 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Keep open spaces open E Please, please do not sell this land We have become Palm Springs residents here going on 3 years. We love the spaciousness And tranquility that all the open spaces provide. Thank you Gloria and Tony Mandoza 626 607-6574 Sent from my iPhone 1
66David Newell From: Arthur Macmillan <arthurdmac@aol.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 12:20 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: General Plan Update E Hello: I am writing to advise the Planning Commission that I believe that land that is currently designated as open space, remains as open space. I am a full time resident of this City for over 31 years. Thank you. Arthur MacMillan 2001 E. Camino Parocela Unit K77 Palm Springs Ca. 92264
67David Newell -----Origi na I Message-----From: Charles Larson <charleselarson@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 12:42 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: General Plan -Open Space E I understand there I a general plan update meeting tomorrow. Palm Springs needs open space especially as we learned during the last three month. Please keep the current City golf courses, Mesquite Golf Course and Bel Air Greens designated as open space. Thank you, Charles Larson 1013 Via Dia Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-699-7306 1
68David Newell From: Erin Lareau <topaz17@mac.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 5:29 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Fwd: keep open spaces open ... Please .... E Please keep open space open!! with best wishes to you ... 1
69David Newell From: casacarmel2@aol.com <casacarmel2@aol.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 4:04 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: arthurdmac@aol.com: tamara1032@aol.com Subject: Open Space, Mesquite Golf Course and Urbanization. E Open Space Steering Committee: Palm Springs Planning Department. As a 30 year owner of a condominium unit facing Mesquite Golf Course, I urge that the Mesquite Golf Course remain as designated "Open Space" As a retired Architect who has been involved in Urban Planning in Hawaii, California, Nevada and Alaska; I have seen what the loss of open space has on good planning and the impact it has on urban population. Please retain the Cities Golf Courses and Mesquite Golf Course with its current designation of Open Space Philip Ladd Architect Emeritus Mesquite County Club Phase Ill Unit G-47. 1
70David Newell From: Gini Kast <vkast2000@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 1:50 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: One space E Please do not sacrifice the golf courses designated as open space to pay for this year's shortfall. I am a palm Springs resident and an avid hiker in my late 70s nd together with many friends need these open spaces. Do not change their designation and then sell off the land to developerrs. Virginia Kast, 1784 Stardust Plaza, palm Springs. Ca
71David Newell From: Kurt Cyr <kurt@psmodsguad.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 12:29 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Designated open space needs to remain as open space E Palm Springs City Planning, It is imperative that land that is currently designated as open space, remains as open space. This includes the City golf courses, Mesquite Golf Course and Bel Air Greens. Sincerely, Kurt Cyr Kurt Cyr Mod Squad Tour Guide kurt@PSModSquad.com 760 469-9265 PSModSquad.com 1
72David Newell From: Tammy Cox <tamara1032@aol.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 1:55 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: PRESERVE OPEN SPACE ALREADY DESIGNATED OPEN SPACE E Sadly, prior city officials have abandoned their responsibilities to maintain the charm of the city. The Village feeling is being replaced with tall buildings that darken the street and high density structures abound. We located here 36 years ago becaus Palm Springs has a historic down town, not a drive through, with lovely mountain and desert vistas, and especially the open space preserves specified long ago as one means to accommodate flood control planes. The snow melt off the mountains can be devastating, often flooding over the control channels, taking out huge chucks of sidewalk, large stone pillars that surround Mesquite golf course. For the safety of all, that is why these areas should remain in the desert preserve as open space. Mesquite golf course also enables a habitat for 100 year old mesquite trees, and all manner of colorful migrating birds, and desert critters. As well as a city owned bike/walking path the provides daily enjoyment for everyone! We urge you to continue to designate open space as OPEN SPACE for all to enjoy! Thank you, Tammy and Bill Cox 2001 Camino Parocela -H-49 Palm Springs, CA 92264 Tamara1032@aol.com
73David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Walter Baumhoff <whbaumhoff@aol.com> Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2020 12:43 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: John Ferratt Macon <jfmacon2@aol.com> Subject: Development of Boulders and Crescendo .... General Plan Uodate Ladies and Gentlemen, We have been residents of Palm Springs and, in particular, the Little Tuscany neighborhood for almost thirty years. One of the features that brought us to this neighborhood was the availability of mountain trails and open spaces. We thought the potential transition of The Boulders and Crescendo parcels to a conservancy trust or similar designation was an especially good decision in the settlement of the legal suits which have dragged on for years. May we point out that these locations are among the most popular and frequented tourist and recreational areas in the City of Palm Springs. Daily, hundreds of walkers, hikers, birdwatchers and sightseers pass through the canyons, meet the neighbors and engage with the "locals" and frequently return with the intent of investing in and purchasing lots and homes. The surrounding open spaces need to be preserved and treasured. Current members of the LTHO have worked assiduously over several decades to protect these locations, keep them free of over development, raise substantial amounts of money and purchase land to add to the open spaces. The proposal under discussion to sell these parcels to raise revenue to cover budget shortfalls we feel is shortsighted over the long haul. Please, we urge you, find other ways to raise the capital you need and avoid the infringement on one of our greatest natural resources. We look forward to working with you in exploring other alternatives to our current budget problems. Walter Baumhoff John Macon 595 Chino Canyon Road 92262 Whbaumhoff@aol.com 760.413.5293/ 408.2625 JFMacon2@aol.com
74David Newell From: David Lahti <lahtidl@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 11:50 AM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Fw: General Plan E I live in the Los Com padres neighborhood and want to ensure that the Bel Air Greens property just north of me remains open space in the general plan and not developed into affordable housing. I realize that affordable housing is desperately needed in Palm Springs, but there are other locations more suited for that; namely, near the Gene Autry and Ramon area (near commercial businesses and major bus lines). As you're aware, the group currently called "Save Oswit Canyon, Inc." has been working with a land conservation group (Trust for Public Lands) and they have already been working with the current land owner to purchase the property at fair market value -and then this land would join up potentially with Mesquite Golf Course and Tahquitz Golf Courses to become known as the Mesquite Desert Preserve - a wonderful "Central Park" for bikers, hikers, walkers, bird watchers, and tourists. This Preserve would offer pristine views of our mountains, a habitat for native flora and fauna, and enhance property values all along the perimeter of the preserve. Please note this is also a flooding area, which would present a risk to the eventual owners in this development. Feel free to call me if you would like a public statement on this ... David Lahti 1552 South Compadre Road Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-409-9369
75David Newell -----Original Message-----From: Carla <carla.coshow@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 2:12 PM To: Planning <Planning@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Crescendo E I purchased a home 16 years ago at 2760 N Vista Grande I've been in love with Palm Springs for over 45 years, and this home will be my soon-to-be retirement home When I purchased this house was a wreck, but it had an amazing view. The seller agent assured me as this was an alluvial apron, this land was not build able, and would remain so While I understand that Palm Springs, where I pay property, sales and rental tax, is in a shortfall as is the rest of the country, I beg you to find another way to rebuild our financial house. This land, when lost, is lost forever Carla Coshow Sent from my iPhone 1
76PO Box 3172, Palm Springs, CA 922636 May 18, 2020 Dear Mayor and Honorable Council Members, I am writing to you today on behalf of the board of Friends of Palm Springs Mountains (FPSM). We are deeply concerned about the current discussion of selling the properties acquired during the 1090 negotiations with Grit Development. Those properties, known as Crescendo, Boulders and Palm Hills represent the reason this organization was founded. The hard work, the donations and the thousands of hours that so many Palm Springs residents put in to arresting those developments was truly staggering to be a part of. Sixteen years ago (2004) we founded in an effort to fight tract housing, ecologically unsustainable building practices and the destruction of open space that those projects represented. Neighbors from not only Little Tuscany and Chino Canyon, but from all over the city gathered and formed groups in an attempt to bring environmental awareness to the city in order to preserve a sustainable way of life and preservation of the open space that defined the very character of Palm Springs. Fifteen long years of public referendums, initiatives, debates, lawsuits, counter-suits, compromises and several elections led to the city's acquisition of those properties. On July 24, 2019, prior to the city's vote to acquire the properties as part of the Grit Settlement, council member Holstege stated that before deciding how the properties might be used the council needed to go through the public process as the land belongs to the people and specifically how they could be of value as a public benefit. Council member Middleton reiterated the need for public input and stated that it would be her wish to preserve these properties as open space in perpetuity. And former Mayor Moon stated that it was his desire to keep the combined properties of Palm Hills, Boulders and Crescendo, totaling 115.3 acres, as open space, also adding that it would be "criminal" to develop these properties considering how hard the community fought to stop them from being developed.
77Sentiments we share. To now hear that there is consideration to possibly put them up for sale to the highest bidder to fill a budget gap, puts us back to square one again. To say it is disheartening is to understate the feeling of this organization significantly. We realize you do not need a history lesson but we beseech you to remember how bitterly those lands were fought over. The public should be allowed input prior to any decision being made by this council on the future of what is, in effect, their land. We are all acutely aware of the predicted financial loss the city is facing but implore you to seek other resources. The amount of financial loss to the city is at best, a guessing game, as no one knows how the future is going to play out, but there are alternatives that the city is considering that need only be temporary as outlined in a few examples. • Cutting city services by reducing staff -temporary • Cutting operational supply costs -temporary • A hiring freeze -temporary • Limiting hours to the swim center and library -temporary Selling Boulders, Crescendo and Palm Hills to a developer is final. While our efforts (and those of others) to preserve these areas will continue, councils will change and who knows how successful non-profits can be when challenging new developers? Private citizens are feeling the same cash crunch as the city, and in leaner times, we may not have the same potential donor base to work from. FPSM therefore strongly urges you to think hard about these scenic areas because once lost, they can never, ever, be replaced. We know you share our preservation concerns so under your watch let's get these properties preserved in perpetuity for the enjoyment of not just our generation but for many more to come. Sincerely, Nickie McLaughlin Chair
78DATE: NAME: E-MAIL: SUBJECT: WWW.PSGENERALPLAN.COM FORM SUBMITTAL April 27, 2020 Fred Balduini fbalduini@aol.com Boulders & Crescendo developments Understanding the financial pressures imposed upon the city secondary to the corona virus pandemic, I believe that it is critical that the city endeavor to preserve the afore mentioned areas as protected lands or environmental preserves. The impetus may arise to re-open these areas for development but that approach is fraught with environmental sequellae. The degree of erosion that occurs with moderate rain can be prolific ( fifteen feet of W. Via Escuela washed away with the Valentine day rain of 2019) Adding further impervious coverage in those beautiful habitats can only exacerbate that issue in addition to destroying critical floral and fauna habitat. The acquisition of these lands presents a tremendous opportunity for the city to guarantee the beauty of these regions protecting the west boundary of the entrance to Palm Springs. I would simply like to add my concerned voice that all efforts be utilized to preserve these relatively pristine lands. I believe the city may never have a chance again to gain such valuable buffer environments. Thank you Fred Balduini MD
79April 17, 2020 226720-0000101.00 General Plan Update Committee City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Subject: Requested General Plan Update Action Riverside County APN 516-110-001 Tohl Enterprises, Owner Dear Committee members, NVS Hard Copy by USPS Email: Terri.Hintz@palmsprings-ca.gov NV5 represents Toh I Living Trust1, the owner of the 94.5 acre parcel described above which lies on the south side of Interstate 10, and the Whitewater/Tipton Road east-bound off-ramp. Tohl, who has owned the parcel for over half of a century requested that we assist them to resolve a conflict which exists on the parcel between the current General Plan land-use and Zoning designations. The current General Plan designation is "Desert (1 du/10 ac)", while the current zoning is "HC (Highway Commercial). Tohl indicated that the current zoning was adopted unilaterally by the City of Palm Springs, without objection. Accordingly, Tohl hereby requests that the Committee includes an amendment to the current General Plan designation to "RC" (Regional Commercial) with the intended update so that the zoning and General Plan land-use designations are consistent after the updated Plan is adopted by the City Council. We and the property owner have requested notifications of the Committee activities and intend to follow the update process closely. We would welcome any questions, information or suggestions from the Committee or City staff which may assist in the furtherance of this request. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, NV5, Inc. . e, PE LEED AP Engineering Manager ecc: Flinn Fagg, AICP -Flinn.Fagg@palmsprings-ca.gov Director of Planning Services David Tohl -Dbtdesk@gmail.com Tohl Enterprises (Qij1_~ Bill Warner, PE Consulting Engineer 1 Non-Exempt Martial Trust under the Tohl Living Trust dated September 20, 1979 as amended and restated, Janet Tohl Trustee 42-829 Cook Street, Suite 104 I Palm Desert, CA 92211 I www.NV5.com I Office 760.341.3101 I Fax 760.469.4086 CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE -INFRASTRUCTURE -ENERGY -PROGRAM MANAGEMENT -ENVIRONMENTAL
80Issues Referred to Boards/Commissions by City Council Human Rights Commission: 1. Renaming of Streets -Martin Luther King, Jr.; Lawrence Crossley; Harvey Milk; Barack Obama (Council, January 9) Sustainability Commission: 1. Recycling and Diversion of Debris (Council, January 9) 2. Review of Smoking Ordinance (Council, January 9) 3. Evaluate impact of residential solar panels on hillside developments (CM Woods, January 30) 4. Consider a letter of support for the Regional Power Network (CM Woods, February 13) Planning Commission: 1. Evaluate bus stop locations as part of General Plan Update and in relation to future COD West Valley Campus (CM Woods, January 9 and January 30) 2. Evaluate how to make bicycling a viable transportation option, including showers and lockers (CM Woods, February 13) Public Arts Commission: 1. Review of Rainbow Crosswalks (Council, January 9) 2. Review of art in medians along Tahquitz Canyon Way (CM Woods, February 13) 3. Review of missing art on Gene Autry, south of Vista Chino (CM Woods, February 13) 3.05.2020
81March 4, 2020 Mr. Flinn Fagg Director of Planning Services City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Dear Mr. Fagg: Thank you for returning my call this week. As discussed, this letter is to share the desire of the Little Tuscany Neighborhood Organization to see the properties known as Boulders and Crescendo remain open spaces. To be more specific, we would support this land being gifted to a non-profit to preserve it as natural lands free from development. Specific to Crescendo, a portion along the north side of Racquet Club should be kept available to support future traffic calming measures (such as sidewalks). There is also support to create hiking trails with informative markers in these areas as funding permits. Perhaps a project that our neighborhood organization could partner with the City on? In addition, we request to be a party of record in the General Plan update as changes are discussed and made involving these properties by the City Council. Email communication can be sent to me at liz@llpa.biz. We also have encouraged our neighbors to fill out the on-line survey involving this issue. On another note, the Little Tuscany Neighborhood Organization also is holding an event on Wednesday, April 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Palo Verde Garden Center at 2393 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Michael Hammond, Ph.D., Retired Executive Director of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum will talk about early inhabitants of the Palm Springs area and native plants and wildlife that sustain us to this day. You had mentioned that maybe David Newell could come and share with our neighbors how to be involved in the General Plan update, and what we should be doing as a neighborhood to make our voices heard in protecting Boulders and Crescendo as open space. Would he be able to confirm his attendance so we can send out invitations to the neighborhood? We expect SO people at the event. As a final note, we respectfully request that the City Clerk copy the Mayor, City Council, and Planning Commission members on our communication. Thank you in advance for this consideration. CC: LTNO Board Members Sincerely, LIZ LOOMIS, Chair Little Tuscany Neighborhood Organization (425) 308-6236 liz@llpa.biz RECEIVED MAR O 9 2020 PLA~~~~~rti:~ICES
82RECEIVED FEB 2 4 2020 General Plan Update Ideas -Paul Lewin Member, Palm Springs Planning Commission PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT Urban Cooling -Planning for a warmer climate • Create an ideal tree canopy coverage (https:ljsustainability.asu.edu/dcdc/2014/07 /city-phoenix-cool-urban-spaces-proiect/) • Cool roofs / more reflective surfaces • Respite spots along major arterials -shade with water • Allow solar parking covers in place of trees in large commercial lots • Remember, it will take 20 years for trees to mature, so if we didn't plant them 20 years ago, we need to start planting now Pedestrian Connectivity & Safety • Identify areas which are on important arterial roads and connect sidewalks, even when there is no development on the lot • Develop higher standards for sidewalks which include ADA compliant widths, no curb cuts in the walking zone, and a street tree component for comfort (ideally, the curb cuts are within the street tree zone) -https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/street-design-elements/sidewalks/ Create areas for higher density, and a mix of housing types • Consider rezoning aging strip centers, and commercial corners to become mixed-use zones • Consider much taller building heights between 1-10 and the current northern development boundaries. • Consider density bonuses for apartments, rather than small lot houses or condominiums • Plan for twice as many units as we currently think we need to ensure the private sector has plenty of options to deliver the housing we require. Increase community amenities • Identify small parcels that the city can turn into small parks, which can offer shade and recreation opportunities, throughout the community • Commit to building at least two large community parks that offer a range of recreational options • Add public water fountains near bus routes and build large shade structures unless trees can be installed
83Flinn Fagg From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Mr. Brown, Dennis Woods Friday, December 20, 2019 3:49 PM Thomas Brown Re: Heavy trucks running on Racquet Club Rd and Farrell I understand you have been in contact with the City Manager's office on the truck route issue as recently as this past week. I am told that missing signage has been installed and the City Manager is working with the Police Department on enforcement possibilities. Seems we do need to update our code and possibly our General Plan to address truck routes and the classification of trucks. The City is in the process of updating its General Plan and I through this email will let the Planning Director know of your concern so it can be reviewed with an update to the Circulation Element. Thank you again. Cheers, Dennis Sent from my iPad > On Dec 19, 2019, at 2:45 PM, Dennis Woods <Dennis.Woods@palmspringsca.gov> wrote: > > Dear Mr. Brown, > > Thank you for writing and caring about the City. Let me check with staff on the history and status of the issues you outline. > > Cheers, > Dennis > > Sent from my iPad > »» On Dec 17, 2019, at 2:47 PM, Thomas Brown <tombrown99999@sbcglobal.net> wrote: » E » Hi Dennis, I am one of your constituents living in Racquet Club Rd between Sunrise and Cerritos (across from Calico). I don't believe we have met, just the same as I did not meet any of the other candidates who supposedly had canvassed their neighborhood "door knockjng" prior to the election. If I sound disenfranchised, it is because of my past experiences with the city. » I would like to bring to your attention the same issue which affects property values and quality of life. I'm speaking about the large number of "heavy trucks" that use Racquet Club and Farrell as if it were the truck route. » There is a defined truck route through our city as voted in our municipal codes established I believe back in the 1960s. The reason for it being to keep heavy truck use of city streets to a minimum for quality of life and because most of our streets are not designed and built to support such heavy vehicles. Unfortunately, heavy trucks cause excessive damage to the streets which, in turn, amplifies the resulting noise and causes excessive vibrations felt over 100 feet from the street. I suspect it would also impact the city's traffic plan. 1
84» As per muni codes, the PSPD is responsible for enforcement. However, I discovered in 2017 that they are unaware of their responsibility and actually laughed when I asked them about it. When I then contacted the council members, I was referred to city manager, Marcus Fuller, who could not answer my questions for another 6 weeks. However, during that 6 weeks, the existing signage citing the applicable muni codes regulating heavy trucks were removed. On 3/29/17, I was informed by City Mgr that the code is not enforceable due to lack of proper signage (ahem, loophole}, but that the Police Chief "had begun training and educating officers in truck traffic enforcement", and with the installation of truck route signage, the code can be enforced. » The city manager also described the difficulty of enforcing a code established in 1959 where any truck over 6,000 lbs is considered a heavy truck and that a Toyota Tacoma would now be considered a heavy truck. That is true, but a quad cab ford truck from 1969 also weighed over 6,000 pounds. His point was that many regular trucks would be considered heavy trucks. True, but a semi pulling a double decker car trailer or a oil tanker trailer are not making a neighborhood delivery on Racquet Club. I don't know why he chose to point out that the city and police have been derelict in upholding a antiquated muni code. I do question why the code has not been updated in 60 years and why our district has been largely ignored. I wonder how the residents of west of Palm Canyon or how business owners on Palm Canyon downtown would react and how fast the council might then respond. » Today, I made inquiries as to the progress of the police departments training and enforcement of the truck route as per muni codes 12.56.010, 12.56.020 and 12.56.030. I was directed to Officer Soloman who had been in traffic for the last 3 years. He informed me that there has not been any truck route enforcement efforts in the last 3 years. He mentioned that the CHP are the only ones that can stop commercial trucks (due to special equipment that is required}. » After describing the situation, I hope you understand why I might have a low opinion of city hall. Regardless, we have been ignored, marginalized and left to deal with poor streets, excessively loud traffic, and shaking foundations on our homes so that the rest of the city can enjoy more peace and less damage in their homes and businesses. This is not right and the time to stop it is now. » As our district councilman, I kindly ask you to take the city's abdication of responsibility seriously and to address its dereliction of duty to its residents. » As the state pays for the maintenance/repair/re-paving costs of the truck route (known as business alternate CA-111}, I might imagine they expect that the city enforce the truck route so as to justify their costs. » Presently, i know of several other neighbors who are as disgruntled as I am as our quality of life keeps eroding. The city has a chance to step up to the plate to protect the public property and the surrounding residential properties before further damage is done. It will also be cheaper than a class action lawsuit if any residents discover real damage to their property such as racks in foundations. » I have drafted a plan for additional officers necessary to enforce the plan whereby revenue from citations will cover costs for additional officers and training, as well as the inherent administrative costs utilizing established systems for collection efforts. » I look forward to discussing this in earnest with you. I have saved all of my correspondence from the city manager as well as with the engineering department. » Thank you in advance for your time and efforts. >> Best regards, >> Tom Brown » 310-498-6270 » Sent from my iPhone 2
85Flinn Fagg Subject: FW: Extension of Monte Vista to W. Via Escuela Dear Mr. Fagg: I met with Councilman Dennis Woods last Friday, who represents our district. We live at 600 W. Via Escuela and are directly adjacent to the west of a strip of land that we believe is owned by the city for the purpose of extending Monte Vista through to W. Via Escuela. This was first shown on city maps in 1965 and to this date no extension has ever taken place because there is no purpose for it. Councilman Woods indicates that the city is reviewing the General Plan and that this would be the time to reconsider the traffic necessity of the Monte Vista extension. Would you please keep me informed as to the appropriate time for discussion and input regarding this issue. Thank you for your help, and we look forward to your response. David Ormiston 600 W. Via Escue la Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: 916-622-6786 Email: nursedns@aol.com 1