HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210121_PC_Staff ReportCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT January 21, 2021 Agenda Item No. 2
SUBJECT: General Plan Circulation Element Update (PA2017-141) SITE LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT: City of Newport Beach
PLANNER: Jim Campbell, Deputy Community Development Director
jcampbell@newportbeachca.gov, (949) 644-3210
PROJECT SUMMARY
A brief status report on the update of the General Plan Circulation Element.
DISCUSSION
On November 23, 2020, the City conducted a virtual workshop as an introductory “Circulation Element 101” educational session. The workshop had two objectives. The first was to introduce the existing Circulation Element of the General Plan Update,
focusing on key themes and the reason for the update. The second objective was to
provide information on additional opportunities for continued community engagement throughout the update process. A number of participants noted an interest in regional transportation coordination, bicyclist and pedestrian safety, emerging technology and newer modes of mobility such as rideshare services and autonomous vehicles.
On December 15 and 16, 2020, the City conducted two separate virtual workshops focusing on three objectives. The first objective was to provide a more detailed discussion of the goals and policies of each theme of the current General Plan Circulation Element. Those themes are: Mobility, Roadway System, Regional
Transportation, Public Transportation, Alternative Transportation Modes, Transportation
Systems Management/Travel Demand Management, Parking, and Transportation
Funding. The second objective was to seek input from the community on these current themes, goals, and policies and how they can better be addressed in the update. Both sessions also included time to identify any missing topics of interest. The third and final
objective was to provide information on additional opportunities for continued
community engagement throughout the update process. Participants took interest in several topics including the inclusion of pathways through a community to create livable neighborhoods for pedestrians and bicyclists and knowing how technology will impact transportation needs.
On January 27, 2021, the City will conduct a third virtual visioning workshop focusing on a future vision of community mobility. The session will begin by focusing on what has
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Circulation Element Update (PA2017-141) Planning Commission, January 21, 2021 Page 2
been heard so far, and a presentation of possible update ideas from the consultant and staff. Participants will then be encouraged to provide their own thoughts for future change that might be incorporated in modified or new goals and policies.
On February 4, 2021, staff will again provide a brief status report to the Planning
Commission.
The City’s traffic and transportation consultant will be preparing the initial discussion draft of the update in February. Once the initial draft is available, staff and the consultants will schedule and conduct an outreach effort with the community and the
Planning Commission to receive feedback and guidance. Once that outreach effort is completed, the draft would be further refined during the Summer in preparation for the public hearing process leading up to adoption in the Fall.
This is a discussion item and no action will be taken and as a result, it is not subject to
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item) and it was posted at City Hall and on the City website.
Prepared and submitted by:
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