Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/15/2011 - STAFF REPORTS - 00 CH ATTEN-BRONN N & CARSTENS 201 OCEAN I'aRIti.BOULEVARD SUITE 201 L .1�It TFI EPHn\F(3 1 01 1 1 4-9040 S\NT•1 NIONIC %,C Ni-1FORNIA 00405 �i `1. F rT1.1 .,I F-V NMILr i31n(314-hn611 vkw. .cbcearthlan.coin June 14. 2011 I!ci Heald Delh'er't' I onorable City Council City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Wa} Palm Springs, CA 92263 Re: Redex elopment of the Desert Fashion Plaza Honorable Council N'lembers: On behalf of the Palm Springs 'Modern Committee, we urge you to focus the current scope of the redeN elopment of the Desert Fashion Plaza to Blocks A through G of the NIUSeum Market Plaza Specific Plan (NINIPSP). Demolition of the Tovvn and Country Center should not be included in the current proposal. Excluding the demolition and redex elopment of the Town and Country Center site (Block K) from the redevelopment project would not x iolate the l\i`,IPSP. While the NINIPSP sets forth the maximum development standards and development goals for the dow ntoii n area, it does not require the concurrent approval of redevelopment projects for the entire plan area. The N1111PSP contemplates the redevelopment of Block K. including the construction of a roadx;•a�- throu�vh this block. as the last phase of downto,wil redevelopment. ApproN ing a specific project to redevelop Blocks A through G before approving a specific project to redex elop Block K would thus follow the phasing plan included in the NUMPSP. Further, the environmental impact report for the NINIPSP concluded that the level of,en ice for downtown roadv,ays would remain acceptable «hether or not Museum Wad is constructed, thus allowing development of Blocks A through G prior to the construction of a roadway through Block K NN ould not negatively impact downtown traffic. (NIMPSP Final E I R p. 22.) Moreover, despite the City Council"s decision not to list the To«'n and Country Center as a Class One Historic Site, there is substantial evidence that the Town and Country Center is, in fact, an important historic resource. The Town and C ountrl Center was found to be a rare and excellent example of the late Itloderne style of architecture b-v numerous expert sources, including: the City"s historic resources survey, National Trust for Historic Preser,,ation. California Preser\ation Foundation, National Organization of Minority architects. and noted author and architectural critic elan Hess. Based oil the ovenflielming evidence of the Center's historic importance, the environmental impact report for the NINIPSP found the demolition of the To«n and C ountrN Center to be a BI Palm Springs Cite Council June 14, 2011 Page ? of significant adverse impact. To mitigate this significant impact, the City has prohibited the demolition of the Town and Country Center until building permits haN e been issued in furtherance of the redevelopment of the Desert Fashion Plaza and substantial work in conformance with those building permits has commenced. (Resolution No. 22625. Exhibit A, P. A-0.) Limiting the scope of the current redevelopment proposal would comply with the requirement of this mitigation measure. Further, taxpayer funds should not be used to demolish this important historic resource. Excluding Block K from the current redeN elopmcnt project w ould ensure demolition of the Tow n and Countr} Center could onIN moti e for,,vard if a privately funded project for Block K is proposed after substantial progress on the redevelopment of the Desert Fashion Plaza has finallti taken place. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Sincerel}. Amy Minteer .Vtornev at Law Cc: Palm Springs Modern Committee Palen Springs AsP June 15, 2011 Mayor Steve Pougnet Palm Springs City Council Members City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Re: The Revitalization of Downtown Dear Mr. Mayor and City Council, My name is Marna Van Horn and as President I am speaking to you on behalf of Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation. We support the revitalization of Palm Springs. As you know, our mission is to identify and advocate quality economic development in the greater Palm Springs area. The development and the revitalizing of downtown will benefit Palm Springs and promote economic development on a number of different levels. Downtown is the economic center of our City and as we all know, it needs to be revitalized. This revitalization will first bring construction jobs. It will then bring retail jobs. It will lead to an increase in tourism and TOT revenue for our City. We will finally be able to offer the complete "shop, dine and stay" package that the brand name "Palm Springs" promises. We hope the discussions will continue to progress between John Wessman and the City of Palm Springs and will culminate in a responsible, sustainable, pedestrian oriented revitalization of downtown. Making the vision of a vibrant downtown a reality is vital to the economic well-being of Palm Springs. Sincerely, Marna Van Horn President Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation "To identify and advocate quality economic development in the greater Palm Springs area" P.O. Box 3205 - Palm Springs,CA 92263 - psedc(d,psedc.com - 760-880-3205 ©blWzo