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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/1/2010 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.F. �O p A L M SAP .ti hCb4oRA1F0`nt F 1,0vt CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: November 17, 2010 SUBJECT: INITIATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN TO INCORPORATE THE NON MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION PLAN FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Planning Department and Office of Sustainability SUMMARY The Sustainability Commission recently adopted a recommendation to the City Council to initiate a General Plan amendment to incorporate the Non Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP). The NMTP was recently completed and adopted by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. The NMTP is a region-wide plan for bicycle ways, trails and other non-motorized circulation routes. Based on Council direction, staff will proceed with a General Plan amendment. RECOMMENDATION: Initiate an amendment to the City of Palm Springs General Plan to incorporate the Non Motorized Transportation Plan. An amendment would result in a public hearing before the Planning Commission for its recommendation and a City Council hearing for final action. STAFF ANALYSIS: At a November 2, 2010 special meeting of the City of Palm Springs Sustainability Commission, the Commission members voted unanimously to pass a resolution in support of the adoption of the NMTP into the City's General Plan. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) recognized the value of providing opportunities for local residents and visitors to bicycle for work and recreation, as well as to use off-road trails for hiking, equestrians and jogging. Such opportunities help to reduce auto trips, improve the environment, promote healthy lifestyles and create livable communities. ITi,li 'NO. _ --- City Council Staff Report November 17, 2010 -- Page 2 General Plan Amendment NTP The Non-Motorized Transportation Plan updates a plan for bikeways and trails that was completed in 2001. It includes updates of a bicycle plan for each jurisdiction as well as revisions to plans for hiking and equestrian trails. The individual bicycle plans for each jurisdiction are prepared to comply with California Streets and Highways Code 891.2 that specifies what must go into a bicycle plan to be eligible for Bicycle Transportation Account funds. ALTERNATIVES: No alternatives are recommended. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the initiation of the General Plan amendment procedure. The adoption of the plan will make the City of Palm Springs eligible for Bicycle Transportation Account funds and will also improve chances of receiving funds for the trails on this Plan. Plans for all of the facilities contained herein provide opportunities to include them along with future development. t � Michele Mician, r i . Eweling ICP Sustainability Manager Director of Services David H. Ready, City er Thomas J. Wilso , Assistant City Manager Attachments: None