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HomeMy WebLinkAbout23 - Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization Conceptual Plan_PA2011-223�aE`vroR� = CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Fow, City Council Staff Report Agenda Item No. 23 February 28, 2012 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Community Development Department Kimberly Brandt, AICP, Director 949- 644 -3226, kbrandt @newportbeachca.gov PREPARED BY: Dennis Stone, Consultant APPROVED: G l I TITLE: Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization Conceptual Plan (PA2011 -223) ABSTRACT: Approval of the Conceptual Plan developed by the Corona del Mar Citizen Advisory Panel and recommended for consideration by the Ad -Hoc Neighborhood Revitalization Committee (NRC) for street and pedestrian improvements for East Coast Highway, between Dahlia and Avocado Avenues. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Corona del Mar Entry Conceptual Plan and direct the staff to include the project for consideration in upcoming Capital Improvement Program prioritization and budgeting reports, deliberations, and actions. FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: There is no fiscal impact related to approval of this concept plan. However, subsequent implementation actions considered as part of the upcoming Capital Improvement Program budget could include detailed design costs of approximately $100,000 and construction costs preliminarily estimated to be $1.2 million to implement the entire project. The cost of maintaining the completed project is estimated to be $43,500 per year. DISCUSSION: Public Participation The City Council's Ad -Hoc Neighborhood Revitalization Committee created a five - member Citizen Advisory Panel (CAP) to guide the development of the Corona del Mar 1 Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization Conceptual Plan February 28, 2012 Page 2 Entry Revitalization Conceptual Plan and to encourage public participation in the process. The volunteer citizen members of the CAP were: • Sandie Haskell • John Hyatt • Lisa Jordan • Bernie Svalstad • Ron Yeo The CAP's City Council Liaison was Councilmember Hill. Each contributed their insight and expertise throughout the course of the public CAP process. The attached Conceptual Plan presentation (Attachment CC -1) reflects the input and deliberations of the CAP and testimony received from the public during four noticed public meetings / working sessions conducted from August 2011 to December 2011. CAP and Ad -Hoc Neighborhood Revitalization Committee Actions At its December 21, 2011 public meeting, the CAP voted to approve a recommended Conceptual Plan for Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization. The CAP also voted to pass all recommendations on to the NRC for the Committee's consideration. Following the CAP's actions, the NRC reviewed the CAP's recommended Conceptual Plan and heard public comments during two public meetings conducted on January 12, 2012 and February 16, 2012. Following presentations on the plan and public comment, the NRC voted unanimously at its February 16, 2012 meeting to recommend Council approval of the Conceptual Plan. As part of the NRC's recommendation to Council, the Committee directed staff to include several items discussed during public comment and the Committee's deliberations. These items include potential issues related to on- street parking within the MacArthur /East Coast Highway intersection, traffic circulation changes entering the MacArthur /East Coast Highway intersection, and potential view impacts from additional tree planting. Preliminary issue identification summaries prepared by Staff related to parking and circulation are attached (Attachments CC -2 and CC -3). Minutes from all CAP meetings are also attached (Attachments CC -4) which further document the nature of the issues identified. Minutes from the January and February NRC meetings are provided as Attachment CC -5. The Committee members reiterated that the Conceptual Plan is a starting point that has helped identify the types of issues listed and if additional actions are contemplated on 2 Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization Conceptual Plan February 28, 2012 Page 3 the Conceptual Plan, the issues and potential solutions will be extensively vetted as part of an ongoing public process. Conceptual Design The Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization Conceptual Plan recommendations apply to a section of East Coast Highway bounded by Avocado and Dahlia Avenues, and a section of the East Coast Highway median immediately S/E of MacArthur Boulevard. The City's engineering and landscape architect consultants worked with the CAP and City staff to create a conceptual plan that reflects the unique characteristics of the area and neighborhood, improves the aesthetic for residents and visitors, identifies and acknowledges concerns related to parking and safety, and acknowledges existing constraints. The existing Corona del Mar Vision Plan, formulated in collaboration with CdM residents and businesses during an extensive previous public process, was used as a foundational document for the CAP. In keeping with the CAP charter, the recommendations were prepared to a level of detail appropriate to conceptual planning documents. Additional levels of engineering, design, analysis and public review — including possible coordination with other public and regulatory agencies — would be expected as part of any additional design and /or potential implementation considered. While not specifically tasked with considering a budget, the CAP, City staff and consultants were mindful of existing landscape and hardscape investments in the area and the life cycle cost of various improvement alternatives. The Conceptual Plan documents included in the attached presentation (Attachment CC- 1) include schematic, rendered and photo - simulated design views; and sample planting, hardscape, and furnishing palettes. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ( "CEQA ") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. The approval of a conceptual plan does not authorize any specific 3 Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization Conceptual Plan February 28, 2012 Page 4 development or project and the conceptual plan only provides non - regulatory design guidance for future projects that would be subject to CEQA. Projects funded as a result of this Corona del Mar Entry Conceptual Plan may be subject to environmental review. NOTICING: 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). In addition, courtesy notices were mailing to residents and tenants in the surrounding area. Attachments: Kimberly Brandt, A P Community Development Director CC -1 Concept Plans CC -2 Discussion of Relocation of On- street Parking Spaces CC -3 Discussion of Relocation of Drop Lane CC -4 CdM CAP Meeting Minutes August 31, 2011 October 5, 2011 November 16, 2011 December 21, 2011 CC -5 NRC Meeting Minutes January 12, 2012 February 16, 2012 C9 ATTACHMENT C -1 0 NO TREES AS H I FA SHRUBS CONCEPTUALLANDSCAPE PLAN CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA CORONA DEL MAR ENTRY y Tcr.n,� 0 SCALE 1-=S' atH :SID;, 3»" 'm;'t °l��3n THE gE11E �-� ANTIQUES —k9 BUNGALOW GOLDEN SPOON c Do �`-�S'� .. .. :�� • �. o ��, -�� �! ' � �. � ., ��� � � �`� 0 I IN S r d�\ \�z �% ALL '' \ , : � F-t I IN r � n � r S F-�, Dl� is. ft 20 Attachment C -2 Corona del Mar Entry Project Relocation of on- street parking spaces — Various concerns have been raised regarding the loss of approximately nine (9) on- street parking spaces associated with the proposed Corona del Mar Entry Plaza at MacArthur Blvd and Coast Highway. Staff recognizes that parking in this segment of town is a challenge at times. There is a high parking demand which may require a broader based solution to remediate this lost parking if the project is to proceed. Fortunately, staff already has a lot of information to assist with analyzing and developing alternatives to address the overall parking concern. The City- commissioned Walker Parking Study from December 2008 included detailed block -by -block parking data collection. The data collected identified the areas where there are existing parking deficits. The blocks between Avocado and Dahlia, south of Coast Highway, were noted as the high parking demand areas. This data should be sufficient and further parking counts would probably not yield significantly different results. The residents in these blocks have fundamental parking concerns with the current conditions. An effort to simply replace nine parking spaces may not be satisfactory to the residents or businesses. It is noted in the Walker Study that the community and the City jointly created a set of parking policy recommendations to be included in a one -year test program for this area. Should the City Council choose to fund and move this project into the Environmental review phase, staff will need to review and discuss the community recommendations and other options to address parking deficiencies as part of the project review and mitigation, including: • longer time limits on Coast Highway • residential parking permits • changes to the parking meter operations in the public lot on Carnation • parking directional signage • development of additional public parking in the area, etc. These recommendations will then need to be discussed and approved through the public review process, and may also require Coastal Commission review and approval (particularly a residential permits option). 21 22 Attachment C -3 Corona del Mar Entry Project Relocation of drop lane on Coast Highway — To date, staff has completed a Level of Service (LOS) analysis to determine if the elimination of a third eastbound travel lane on Coast Highway would negatively impact the LOS at the intersection. In the General Plan Build -Out condition, a loss of the third eastbound through -lane at the intersection does not change the calculated level -of- service. The General Plan Build -Out Level of Service at the intersection of Coast Highway and MacArthur is "C in both the AM and PM peak hours. The change in the lane drop location is a traffic flow issue, not a capacity issue. Additionally, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has noted that a lane drop in this segment may require a Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) amendment. Staff has provided the latest proposed Corona del Mar Entry Plaza plans at MacArthur Blvd and Coast Highway to OCTA, along with traffic counts and Level of Service calculations. OCTA is continuing to review the project. Residents have raised concerns regarding possible traffic backing up in the eastbound Coast Highway through lanes, as well as the southbound MacArthur left turn lanes as a result of moving the lane drop. Approximately two to three years ago, the City completed a trial lane drop between Avocado and MacArthur using traffic cones in a transition to close the lane. At that time, observations did not indicate any traffic flow issues. Should City Council desire to move this project forward, staff could set up another trial lane closure to mimic the planned lane drop. If another trial lane closure were implemented, more observations of the traffic flow could be made over the course of a week or two using the existing CCTV camera at the intersection. 23 24 ATTACHMENT C -4 215 M APPROVED Citizen Advisory Panel Meeting Corona del Mar Entry Improvements - Design Guidelines Meeting Minutes Newport Beach OASIS Senior Center Room 4 801 Narcissus, Corona del Mar Wednesday, August 31, 2011 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Rush Hill - Council Member Liaison Kimberly Brandt — Community Development Director Jim Campbell — Principal Planner Ben Zdeba — Planning Technician Dave Webb — Deputy PW Director /City Engineer Mike Sinacori — Assistant City Engineer Dennis Stone — Project Consultant The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. All Committee Members were present. Dave Webb was absent. 1. Welcome and introductions Committee Members: Sandie Haskell John Hyatt Lisa Jordan Bernie Svalstad Ron Yea Dennis Stone, consulting project manager, provided a brief introduction of the process and overview of the Brown Act. Committee Members and staff were introduced. Council Member Rush Hill gave a brief introduction the committee's purpose and encouraged public participation. 2. Distribution and walk- through of background information Dennis Stone provided a brief project background, noted the CAP was formed as part of the efforts of the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee (NRC), and also discussed the interrelationship of the project with the Vision Plan of the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (BID). 27 Corona del Mar Citizens Advisory Panel Meeting Minutes August 31, 2011 3. Overview of Corona del Mar Entry Improvements Guidelines Process Dennis Stone introduced Dave Bacon, Consultant at Walden & Associates, who discussed the process of creating plans by distinguishing between concept and construction plan. Dave Bacon and Mike Sinacori gave a PowerPoint presentation of the existing conditions on East Coast Highway and discussed some of the previous conceptualization (i.e., initial designs and studies) that were completed during the designing of the BID'S Vision Plan. 4 Citywebsite— http:// www .newportbeachca.gov /index.aspx ?page =1959 The project schedule was discussed and the website address was provided where the updated agendas and meeting information will be posted. 5. Public Comment and Roundtable Discussion A general discussion ensued and several key points were made: • The project has an "academic" aspect and an "aesthetic" aspect — the traffic engineers and other professionals should create well - planned, hard -lined options for moving drop lanes and curbs while the CAP members should help create a beautified look for the Corona del Mar entryway. • The impact of increased traffic generated by the future City Hall project as well as increased traffic on residential neighborhoods should be considered when moving or altering the infrastructure. • Although previous studies were conducted during the creation of the Vision Plan, new technology exists to provide better, quantified data to ensure traffic impacts are mitigated. • The expansion of sidewalk area does not guarantee the restaurant owners' additional outdoor dining as City permits and use permit amendments will be required. • Planning principles such as livable communities and walkability should be considered to create a safe corridor and to improve business traffic through the area. • On- street parking for businesses should be maintained and included in the design. • Several costly obstacles exist within the project area and should be considered in the project design. These include relocation street lights, fire hydrants, and utility vaults. 6. Next Meeting — October 5, 20114:00 p.m. — 5:30 p.m., OASIS Senior Center 7. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. go CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APPHOVrn Citizen Advisory Panel Meeting Corona del Mar Entry Improvements - Design Guidelines IVi Tif TUM,. Newport Beach OASIS Senior Center Room 4 801 Narcissus, Corona del Mar Wednesday, October 5, 2011 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Rush Hill — Council Member Liaison Committee Members: Kimberly Brandt — Community Development Director Sandie Haskell Jim Campbell — Principal Planner John Hyatt Ben Zdeba — Planning Technician Lisa Jordan Dave Webb — Deputy PW Director /City Engineer Bernie Svalstad Mike Sinacori — Assistant City Engineer Ron Yea Dennis Stone — Project Consultant The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. Lisa Jordan and Bernie Svalstad were absent. Council Member Nancy Gardner attended the meeting in place of Council Member Liaison Rush Hill. Staff members Kimberly Brandt and Dave Webb were absent due to other commitments. 1. Procedural Items Dennis Stone, Project Consultant, gave a brief introduction which retouched on the project background and discussed the Vision Plan of the BID as its basis. He also reminded the committee that the meeting was subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Bernie Svalstad arrived at 4:15 p.m. 2. Approval of August 31, 2011, meeting minutes Seeing no discussion on the minutes from the CAP members, Dennis Stone opened up the floor for public comment. Jim Mosher, resident, expressed three concerns: 1) the presentation from the initial CAP meeting was not found on the website; 2) the Ralph M. Brown Act allows for public comments after each agenda item; and 3) the minutes should contain more detail to ensure the public is well- informed. Another member of the public requested that her comments regarding bicycle safety and bike lane extensions should be included in the minutes. Dennis Stone closed the public comment. 29 Committee Member Ron Yea motioned to approve the minutes with the addition of the comments regarding bicycle safety and the bike lanes. The motion passed with four ayes and one absent. Lisa Jordan arrived at 4:36 p.m. 3. Presentation of Engineering Exhibits by Mike Sinacori and Dave Bacon Dennis Stone introduced Mike Sinacori, Assistant City Engineer, and Dave Bacon, Project Engineer from Walden & Associates, to provide a presentation of the engineering drawings depicting two schematic options for altering the entry area. Mr. Sinacori began the presentation with a brief background of the Vision Plan and discussed what the BID was aiming to accomplish with the plan. He also presented two main problems with the Vision Plan: 1) the rendering of the plan appears to eliminate most, if not all of the street parking in front of the businesses and it is unclear as to whether or not the input of the businesses losing parking was considered; and 2) the plan was not engineered properly as it depicted the fast lane merging into the left -turn pocket with insufficient distance to do so. Mr. Sinacori presented a slide showing the existing conditions including narrow medians as well as street parking that may need to be eliminated to achieve the beautification. Mr. Bacon and Mr. Sinacori provided an overview of two engineering exhibits depicting options for altering the project area. Study "A" included only enhancements to the medians with merging occurring prior to the intersection of Avocado Avenue and East Coast Highway. Study "B" included only enhancements to the parkway and widened sidewalks with no alteration of the medians. 4. Roundtable Discussion Committee Member Yea suggested placement of a right- turn -only lane at Avocado Avenue to lessen the impact on the intersections at Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard. Committee Member Sandie Haskell stated her support for this suggestion. Mr. Sinacori expressed his concerns of impacting two intersections rather than the single intersection at MacArthur Boulevard. Dan Purcell, resident, urged the Committee to discuss the project with the individuals who previously worked on this project and the Vision Plan. Committee Member John Hyatt voiced a concern regarding the cost of the project versus the gain. A discussion ensued regarding previous cone studies and the possibility of a new cone study with a different drop lane. In addition, Don Webb, resident, discussed the potential implications on the Circulation Element of the General Plan as well as the environmental impacts. Jim Campbell, Principal Planner, confirmed that the environmental impact needs to be measured and the changes may be challenging, but a closer look is required. He also indicated that the changes to the drop lanes and intersections would need to be carefully considered in order to prevent any negative environmental impact. A member of the public questioned the purpose and drive behind the CAP. Dennis Stone reviewed the project background and stated the driving factors include a better street for the community as well as a beautification of so the intersection or entry. He proceeded to advise the Committee to come up with a strategy or study plan rather than focusing on all details. Mr. Campbell reiterated that the loss of parking should be considered and Mr. Hyatt stated a concern with losing revenue from the removal of parking meters. Mr. Stone stated that regardless of the study plan or schematic chosen, the lane drop is still important and would need to be evaluated. Mr. Yeo questioned whether or not a traffic study could be conducted to consider all of the variables. Mr. Campbell confirmed that the traffic study could be conducted by a consultant and would consider all potential impacts. Committee Member Bernie Svalstad motioned that staff bring back additional information regarding a traffic study to consider moving the lane drop further down East Coast Highway towards Irvine Terrace and Mr. Yeo seconded the motion. Mr. Stone opened up the public comment. A member of the public questioned whether or not the traffic study would take future projections into consideration to account for full build -out of the Civic Center as well as other projects. It was verified that the City maintains data for build -out that could be utilized in the traffic study. Mr. Webb asked if the lane alterations would affect the City's Traffic Phasing Ordinance (TPO). Mr. Campbell stated that it would need to be considered and would also need to be determined whether or not the alterations affect only two intersections or if the impact is cumulative and would affect more intersections. Dick Nichols, resident, stated his concern that everything that has been done to East Coast Highway has been done without making it larger. Mr. Mosher expressed concern that the motion or vote was not on the agenda. Further concern was discussed regarding the consideration of future projects (i.e., Civic Center and Irvine Company projects). Additionally, the appropriate type of bike lane should be determined and bike lanes should be incorporated into lane alterations of the traffic study. The public comment was closed and the motion carried unanimously (5 — 0). Mr. Stone stated that the next meeting would have a list of policy implications as well as potential roadblocks. 5. Public Comment Scott Palmer indicated that there are no metered spaces in that area, so there would be no loss of revenue from removal of parking meters. He also added that 85% of the businesses in that area have off - street parking behind the buildings. Another member of the public questioned whether or not destinations were included in the traffic studies to determine how much of the traffic is through- traffic down East Coast Highway. It was clarified that little data would be available to identify destinations. 6. City website — http:// www .newportbeachca.gov /index.aspx ?page =1959 7. Next Meeting — November 16, 2011, 4:00 pm — 5:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. 31 S2 APPROVED n )44- x 0 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Citizen Advisory Panel Meeting Corona del Mar Entry Improvements - Design Guidelines Meeting Minutes Newport Beach OASIS Senior Center Room 4 801 Narcissus, Corona del Mar Wednesday, November 16, 2011 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Rush Hill — Council Member Liaison Committee Members: Kimberly Brandt— Community Development Director Sandie Haskell Jim Campbell — Principal Planner John Hyatt Ben Zdeba — Planning Technician Lisa Jordan Dave Webb — Deputy PW Director /City Engineer Bernie Svalstad Mike Sinacori — Assistant City Engineer Ron Yeo Dennis Stone — Project Consultant The meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m. Bernie Svalstad was absent. Staff member Dave Webb was absent due to other commitments. 1. Approval of October 5, 2011 meeting minutes Committee Member Ron Yeo noted that the minutes should reflect that COUnCilmember Nancy Gardner attended the meeting in place of Councilmember Rush Hill. Dennis Stone opened up the floor to public comment. No comments were provided and Mr. Yeo moved to approve the minutes with the noted attendance change. Committee Member Sandie Haskell seconded the motion and the minutes were approved as amended unanimously (4 — 0). 2. Review of referral from October 5, 2011 CAP meeting and staff recommendation Project Consultant Dennis Stone provided a brief project background and reviewed the project's relation to the previous efforts of the Vision Plan created by the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (BID). Mr. Stone proceeded to discuss the policy implications of relocating the lane drop further west beyond Avocado Avenue. It was stated that moving the lane drop westward past Avocado Avenue would not be consistent with the County of Orange Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) and would jeopardize funding for the project. Additionally, the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan would also be affected and would require amendments as well as additional environmental studies. Committee Member Bernie Svalstad questioned whether or not the Vision Plan of the BID would have the same implications. Mr. Stone clarified that the Vision Plan would be consistent with the MPAH as well as the Circulation Element of the General Plan. It was further stated that staff researched the policy implications 33 and possibility of relocating the lane drop and would not recommend making said change. As such, a traffic study to analyze that change is not necessary unless the committee would like to pursue the earlier lane drop. 3. Entry Design Guideline discussion and direction to staff Assistant City Engineer Mike Sinacori presented the footprint of a proposed plan created by Walden & Associates that includes a 21- foot -bulb -out at Begonia Avenue to encourage merging by eliminated roughly 13 on- street parking spaces. Councilmember Rush Hill added that the bulb -out would provide an enhanced pedestrian experience with signage and landscaping. Project Consultant Dennis Stone invited the committee to discuss the proposed plan. Committee Member Ron Yea inquired whether or not the proposed plan would require a traffic study. City Traffic Engineer Tony Brine clarified that the southbound through -lane on East Coast Highway is not a critical movement at the intersection and the proposed bulb -out at Begonia Avenue would not affect the level of service of the intersection. He further stated the northbound through -lane and turn lane are the critical movements at the intersection and they would remain intact. Committee Member Lisa Jordan inquired about the median between Gulfstream and Ruby's to see whether or not improvements could be completed. Mr. Sinacori pointed out that there is not much potential for landscape improvements in that particular median unless the lane drop is relocated west of Avocado Avenue. Councilmember Hill asked Committee Member Bernie Svalstad how the proposed plan as shown compares to the original Vision Plan of the Corona del Mar BID. Mr. Svalstad noted the plan is exactly what the BID was proposing. Committee Member Sandie Haskell added that she thought the plan was a good proposal. Seeing no further comments from the Committee, Mr. Stone opened up the floor for public comment. frank Peters, resident, urged the Committee to continue pursuing moving the lane drop west of Avocado Avenue and commented that the Committee Members have a major improvement opportunity. Scott Palmer, resident, commended the plan and noted that the proposed plan could be a starting point for a future project to move the drop lane further west. Len Hendrickson, resident, commented that the widening of the medians gives way to better plantings. Bob Hawkins, resident, noted that 50 parking spaces were waived for Avilas El Ranchito and the loss of on- street parking is a problem. He added that cumulative traffic impacts should be closely looked at and that environmental analysis should be required. Jim Mosher, resident, questioned whether or not the proposed plan involved widening of sidewalks, medians, or both and also requested clarification as to whether or not moving of the lane drop east of Avocado Avenue is not a problem. City Traffic Engineer Tony Brine confirmed if the lane is dropped eastward of Avocado Avenue and west of MacArthur, no amendment to the MPAH would be required as dropping a lane within a segment does not augment the way the Master Plan views lanes. Novelle Hendrickson, resident, commented on whether or not the business owners would appreciate 21 feet of additional landscaping in front of their businesses. Mr. Svalstad stated the merchants are in favor of the plan as landscaping can be implemented without hiding the storefronts. Mr. Palmer noted that parking for many businesses is also located behind the store buildings and Mr. Svalstad further added the BID is looking into the efficiency of use for public parking lots. Seeing no further comments from the members of the public, Mr. Stone closed the floor for public comment. Committee Member Ron Yee moved to 13` S4 adopt the proposed footprint plan to design and refine the landscaping elements. Committee Member Bernie Svalstad seconded the motion and the vote passed unanimously (5 — 0). 4. Roundtable Discussion The Committee members were invited to provide ideas for concepts to include in the design process for the recommended footprint. A discussion ensued and several ideas were put forward including: 1) incorporation of a low wall /structured walkway to prevent pedestrians from crossing in undesignated places; 2) placement of benches and tiled walls in the bulb -out area similar to streetscapes in Palo Alto or San Clemente; and 3) utilization of local landmarks for inspiration in landscape architecture. Project Consultant Dennis Stone indicated that a landscape architect would be engaged and conceptual ideas would be provided at the next meeting. S. Public Comment Ron Hendrickson; resident, questioned who the landscape architect would be and urged the Committee to broaden thinking to landscaping styles of successful pedestrian streetscapes in other cities such as Santa Barbara's State Street or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Bob Hawkins, resident, commented that the potential outdoor dining on the additional sidewalk area would create a parking problem that would be exacerbated by the reduction of the on- street spaces. Frank Peters, resident, added that the additional pedestrian area might draw more foot and bicycle traffic which would not require parking spaces. Mr. Peters also expressed concern for the next meeting date of December 21, 2011 due to the holidays. After discussion amongst the Committee, no decision was made to change the next meeting date and it was noted that meeting materials would be posted online. Members of the public would be able to submit written comments if unable to attend. 6. City website — htti):// www .newpoitheachca.gov /inclex.aspx ?page =1959 7. Next Meeting — December 21, 2011 from 4:00 — 5:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. 3 S,5 so CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH UNOFFICIAL Citizen Advisory Panel Meeting Corona del Mar Entry Improvements - Design Guidelines Meetina Minutes Newport Beach OASIS Senior Center Room 4 801 Narcissus, Corona del Mar Wednesday, December 21, 2011 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Rush Hill — Council Member Liaison Committee Members: Kimberly Brandt — Community Development Director Sandie Haskell Brenda Wisneski — Deputy CD Director John Hyatt Jim Campbell — Principal Planner Lisa Jordan Ben Zdeba — Planning Technician Bernie Svalstad Dave Webb — Deputy PW Director /City Engineer Ron Yeo Mike Sinacori — Assistant City Engineer Dennis Stone — Project Consultant At 4:05 p.m., Committee Members, consultants and staff were introduced. Committee Members Ron Yeo and Bernie Svalstad were present. Committee Members John Hyatt, Lisa Jordan, and Sandie Haskell were absent. Additionally, Council Member Liaison Rush Hill was absent due to prior commitments. Project Consultant Dennis Stone announced that there was not a quorum for the meeting and further suggested that a presentation and discussion of the materials may occur; however, no action can be taken. Mr. Stone and Assistant City Engineer Mike Sinacori provided a brief presentation regarding the background of the project and how it relates to the previous work completed by the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (BID). Mr. Sinacori detailed the new concept would widen the sidewalk an additional 21 feet in some areas while maintaining a bike lane from Avocado Avenue to MacArthur Boulevard. He also added that an aerial survey and ground survey have been completed to provide accurate hard -lines for the landscape architect to complete the design work. Landscape Architect Harry Kobzeff of TCLA was introduced and he presented the design concept for the improvements. The concept presentation was described as "bringing a sense of casualness" and included a green, planted area between the street and the expanded sidewalk area with a low seat wall amongst several lower plantings. The intersection of East Coast Highway and MacArthur Boulevard was defined as the focal point of the project area and would 37 UNOFFICIAL be used to establish community identification. Additionally, the area would be framed by numerous Date Palms and King Palms which are tall enough to allow visibility for the numerous storefronts in the project area and the medians would be planted with various, meandering low -level plantings (i.e., Birds of Paradise). Lastly, Mr. Kobzeff noted the opportunity to include furniture such as bike racks and benches. Dan Purcell, resident, questioned the effects of the proposed plantings on the environment and expressed concern regarding the potential of installing invasive species of plantings. Mr. Kobzeff stated the plantings are cross- referenced with the invasive species listing; however, further environmental impacts were not researched at this point. Committee Members Sandie Haskell and Lisa Jordan arrived at 4:25 p.m. and Dennis Stone announced there was a quorum and the formal meeting could begin. 1. Approval of November 16, 2011 meeting minutes Public comment was opened and no member of the public wished to provide comment. Public comment was closed and Committee Member Ron Yea motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Committee Member Bernie Svalstad seconded the motion and the Committee unanimously approved the minutes (4 -0). 2. Current Business Landscape architect Harry Kobzeff reviewed the material covered in the discussion above and added that the sidewalk could have accent paving with different colored pavers that meander throughout the walkway. Discussion amongst the Committee Members followed and several items were brought forth. Community Development Director Kim Brandt stated determining the land use of the expanded sidewalk area would be a different process involving additional public hearings. It was further noted that the expansion would provide for a "flexible space" that could be used for many different uses including, but not limited to additional walking space, parkway seating, and art exhibits. Assistant City Engineer Mike Sinacori discussed the options of incorporating signature lighting beneath the trees and also stated the existing traffic signal on the south side of the MacArthur Boulevard and East Coast Highway intersection would need to be relocated. Mr. Sinacori estimated a cost of 1.2 to 1.3 million dollars to complete the construction work. Committee Member Sandie Haskell commented that the design would differentiate the highway from the village and would serve as an important transition. Committee Member Lisa Jordan questioned whether or not the bike lane would be maintained and it was further clarified that it would actually be extended from where it is currently through MacArthur Boulevard. Ms. Jordan also requested clarification on the location of the "pork chop" at the corner of Carnation Avenue and East Coast Highway as well as the proposed retaining walls along go UNOFFICIAL the expanded sidewalk. Mr. Sinacori stated the pork chop would be pushed out further towards East Coast Highway and that the retaining walls would be between the pedestrian side and the street side in order to ensure a safe design that protects pedestrians. Committee Member Ron Yea commended the conceptual plan for its flexibility of space and requested the palm trees be squeezed such that they are planted closer together. Ms. Jordan questioned if the proposed entry sign visible from MacArthur Boulevard upon turning onto East Coast Highway would replace the entry sign in the median on East Coast Highway. It was clarified that both signs would remain since each sign is visible from a different direction. The floor was opened for public comment and several members of the community provided input. Scott Palmer stated for the record that the proposed plan fulfills the Business Improvement District's Vision Plan. Frank Peters requested that bicycle racks be considered in early conceptual stages rather than a last minute addition since placement of bicycle racks is crucial. Ron Hendrickson commented that the residents located in Harbor View Hills might be opposed to the height of the proposed palm trees, but further stated that the palm trees are important to make a strong statement. Mr. Sinacori assured that as the plan developed further it would remain sensitive to view impacts. Mr. Hendrickson also requested clarification on the amount of expanded sidewalk area as well as the height of the proposed seat wall. Landscape Architect Harry Kobzeff stated the additional sidewalk would vary with a maximum expansion of 21 feet and the seat wall would be between 18 and 24 inches high. Mr. Hendrickson further questioned whether or not storeowners had been educated about the proposed concept. Committee Member Lisa Jordan commented that she had personally informed almost every business in the area of the CAP's work and where they could review the documentation from the meetings. Committee Member Bernie Svalstad added that he would send literature to storeowners within the area. Mr. Sinacori commented that the previously stated number of 12 to 13 parking spaces lost would actually only be 9 spaces. Project Consultant Dennis Stone Stone reiterated that parking impacts will be considered as a key part of the detailed design and review process. Mr. Sinacori also added that the parking spaces located within the MacArthur Boulevard and East Coast Highway intersection are dangerous and it would be a benefit to have them removed. Mr. Svalstad questioned what the process would be if the CAP were to approve the concept plan as presented. The process was outlined as follows: 1) The concept plan would be reviewed by the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee; 2) If the concept plan were approved by the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, it would be presented at a City Council meeting for consideration and ultimately for consideration in the budget process. It was noted that the Committee could vote to direct staff to proceed with the plan and bring back a refined plan to the next CAP meeting. Dan 39 UNOFFICIAL Purcell, resident, provided the following comments and questions: 1) how will the left - turn lane at Dahlia Avenue be improved? 2) the scope of work for this project is too narrow and the job is being rushed; 3) the clock tower at the intersection of East Coast Highway and Marguerite Avenue is atrocious; 4) be mindful of clutter when placing the furniture in the expanded sidewalk area; 5) quantify the expanded public area; and 6) a parking study should be considered due to the loss of parking. Committee Member Lisa Jordan expressed concern that the CAP would be acting without John Hyatt who was absent due to other obligations. After a discussion amongst the Committee, Ron Yeo motioned to approve the conceptual plans and to take the package to the January 12, 2011 Neighborhood Revitalization Committee meeting. Sandie Haskell seconded the motion. Public comment was opened. Resident Jim Mosher commented that the Tidelands meeting conflicted with this CAP meeting, so not all interested parties could attend. He further questioned how the traffic issues would be resolved as the plan progresses. Resident Dan Purcell questioned whether or not the resident associations had been notified. Committee Member Bernie Svalstad requested that staff send information to the residents and business owners within the area before the next Neighborhood Revitalization Committee meeting. Public comment was closed and a vote ensued. The motion carried with a three to one vote with Lisa Jordan dissenting due to John Hyatt's absence. 3. Current Business No public comments were offered on non - agenda related items. Project Consultant Dennis Stone stated that this meeting concludes the work of the CAP and he thanked everyone for the participation in the process of developing the conceptual plan. The meeting was adjourned at 5:37 p.m. IN ATTACHMENT C -5 41 42 APPROVED Action Meeting Minutes NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE Location: Council Chambers Thursday, January 12, 2012 - 4:00 p.m. 1. Call Meeting to Order Council Member Henn convened the meeting at 4:05 p.m. The following persons were in attendance: Committee Members • Council Member Michael Henn (Chair) • Council Member Ed Selich • Council Member Rush Hill was absent City Staff • Kimberly Brandt, Community Development Director • Brenda Wisneski, Deputy Community Development Director • Jim Campbell, Principal Planner • Dave Webb, Deputy Public Works Director • Ben Zdeba, Planning Technician • Leonie Mulvihill, Assistant City Attorney • Monika Goodwin, Administrative Assistant • Dennis Stone, Project Consultant • Todd Larner, Project Consultant • Mike Sinacori, Assistant City Engineer 2. Approval of Minutes for December 15, 2011 An amendment to the minutes of December 15, 2011 was noted and Council Member Henn moved to approve the amended minutes of December 15, 2011, with the exception of agenda item E regarding the Lido Village /City Hall, and Council Member Selich seconded; and the minutes were approved unanimously. Mr. Mosher stated that page four of the minutes notes incorrectly that Duda Company will pay $60,000 toward the Lido Village project, and he stated that all but $60,000 was supposed to be paid by stakeholders. Director Brandt indicated that the minutes will be corrected appropriately. Mr. Hawkins objected to amending the minutes since he believed that Council Members Hill and Henn did not specifically state the details mentioned in the proposed amendment. Council Member Henn stated that he said exactly what was contained in the amendment to the minutes. Ms. Mulvihill said there was no reason not to approve the amended minutes. 3. Status of CAPS A. Balboa Village Council Member Henn stated that during the Balboa Village CAP meeting of November 15th, the economic development and parking consultants' presentation were viewed and the CAP members deliberated regarding a future vision for Balboa Village's revitalization. He noted that a joint meeting of the NRC and Balboa Village CAP took place on December 20`h at the Newport Beach Nautical Museum. The following meeting on January 17 will focus on a presentation by Code Enforcement staff. The February meeting will include two presentations regarding economic development and parking in the area of the CAP's purview. He noted that two of the CAP members have formed a working group to work with 'Visit Newport Beach' to further explore the idea of a brand promise for Balboa Village, such as art, marketing, etc. Council Member Selich asked what the final product was for Balboa Village, and Council Member Henn said it was a new vision brand promise, including economic development recommendations and general recommendations regarding parking, parking rates, management of the rates and parking revenues to benefit the area. Council Member Selich understood the results to be a policy document, not guidelines; and Council Member Henn agreed. ijim Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 2 Action Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2012 Mr. Hawkins asked about the parking recommendations and Ms. Brandt said it was discussed as a concept only. Mr. Hawkins expressed concern over the elimination of minimum parking requirements for non- residential uses and imposition of infrastructure improvements, and asked for clarification. Council Member Henn said the discussion of conceptual alternatives will be further explored. Ms. Brandt stated that the parking consultant will finalize the recommendations to bring before NRC, and then to the City Council. She noted the information is available on the Balboa Village revitalization website. She commented that there will be a combination of parking solutions appropriate for specific areas in Balboa Village. Answering questions from the audience, Ms Brandt opined these parking recommendations may be applied to other areas on the peninsula with area specific changes, but were not recommended specifically for Corona del Mar. Mr. Dan Purcell was concerned about the impact of these improvements on the residents and about spill over parking. Council Member Henn noted his awareness of concerns from residents living west of Balboa Village regarding spillover parking and their needs for resident parking permits. He noted the importance of residents' participation and mentioned the active involvement of the Central Newport Beach Community Association with CAP member Mr. Stratton also being a member of that organization, who completed a substantive parking study ahead of the consultant study. CAP member Mr. Pasquale is president of the Balboa Peninsula Organization that is also very involved. No further public comments were provided. B. Corona del Mar Entry It was noted that Council Member Hill was unable to attend the NRC meeting due to previous obligations. Ms. Brandt introduced consultant Dennis Stone for the presentation. Mr. Stone acknowledged the hard work of the CAP members and involved City staff. He noted that the engineering consultant David Bacon of Walden & Associates and landscape architect Harry Kobzeff of TCLA, Inc. were present at the meeting and available to answer questions. He presented the conceptual landscape plan that the CAP recommended after five meetings and defined the purpose of the CAP as developing a conceptual landscape plan as basis for further planning to become a capital improvement project. The CAP members worked with the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District's (BID) 2004 Vision Plan; and noted the BID has already invested in many improvements throughout the area. It was further stated that the items depicted in the plan are only building blocks, not specific design elements. During the process of developing the conceptual plan, many items are identified that need to be addressed as the plan goes through the public process, such as tree spacing, bike rack spacing, modification to site lines, cross walk spaces, etc., that are not items of this conceptual plan. He noted that the removal of nine parking spaces is an issue to be resolved later by experts, not by the CAP or this committee. Moving the drop lane from Acacia to Dahlia will be reviewed by the Orange County Transportation Authority. He continued with the presentation by showing a rendering of before and after photos and pointed to the improved sidewalk area to be enhanced with plantings, low walls, date palms, public art, etc. He noted the preliminary cost estimate of $100,000 for design consulting, $1.2 million for construction, and $43,000 for annual maintenance. Council Members Selich and Henn expressed support for the plan. Public Comment A comment was made about the existing limited parking for residents and business patrons and the impact of this plan as parking availability is more important than beautification. Mr. Stone reiterated that this is only a conceptual plan and no change has been decided yet. These issues will be addressed, but it is not the role of the CAP. Council Member Henn asked if CAP discussions had included any mitigation for parking and Mr. Stone said the CAP members expected the experts to resolve this issue. CAP Member Bernie Svalstad said he has been dealing with this parking matter for a long time. Mr. Webb indicated that a comprehensive parking review will be conducted before any changes are implemented. Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 3 Action Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2012 A Dahlia homeowner mentioned she had heard about a planned two -level parking structure. She noted parking was a big problem and worried about it worsening with more people drawn to this area. Two audience members asked when this plan will be addressed. Council Member Henn stated that the next step for this plan is a review by City Council with another opportunity for the public to speak up about parking. At that time staff will thoroughly evaluate a plan prior to any approvals. California Coastal Commission approval is required. He noted this is an evolving process that will return to Council for consideration. If this plan is forwarded to the Council's February meeting, Mr. Campbell explained the item will be public noticed to the three -block surrounding area. He also stated that a two -story parking structure was not being contemplated for that area. In response to a comment about the area getting denser and the wish not to become a West Hollywood type density, Council Member Henn said the concerns regarding parking and noticing were duly noted. Mr. Hawkins asked procedural questions and opined the CAP concluded their meetings without many residents' knowledge of its conclusion and there was no notice of this anywhere. He expressed his concerns regarding the required approvals and the project's inconsistency with the City's Master Plan of Streets and Highways. He believed that an amendment will be necessary for the Circulation Element of the General Plan. He asked when draft environmental studies will be completed for this project. Plans to eliminate nine public parking spaces are very specific and therefore there is a need to know when these analyses will be done. Ms. Mulvihill said this committee is an advisory committee to have discussions about conceptual plans to be brought before the Council who will make the ultimately decision after receiving all required reports, including environmental reviews. The City's master plan then will be taken into account if necessary. Council Member Henn reiterated that after Council's review and if so decided, this conceptual plan becomes a project and any required additional analyses and CECA approval will be completed at that time. An audience member mentioned he had attended several CAP meetings and that there was no indication of concluding their efforts on the last meeting agenda. In his opinion the CAP's work is incomplete with many open questions remaining. The graphic presentation was only shown during the last meeting without any discussion regarding potential users of these enlarged sidewalks; also no input from the restaurant owners and no economic input was included. Mr. Stone said the majority of the CAP members voted to forward the documentation to the NRC for review as a completed conceptual plan. Now it is the NBC's decision to either move the conceptual plan forward to the City Council or return it to the CAP. A concern was voiced about the impact of the lane drop of MacArthur Boulevard going south to Coast Highway. Council Member Henn stated this would be taken into account. Mr. Mosher questioned the agenda as not meeting the standards of the Brown Act. He noted the same problem with the CAP's meeting agenda that did not include specifics. He believed the CAP moved forward by concern of missing being included in the capital projects budget; and he believed the parking issues need to be addressed. In answer to Council Member Henn's question whether this agenda and the previous CAP agendas were properly structured and noticed, Ms. Mulvihill stated that today's agenda was properly stated and legal to forward to Council, and noted that she did not attend the CAP meetings. She added that the Brown Act contradicts Mr. Mosher's statement regarding agenda requirements. An agenda requires a description of actions to be considered and that this NRC was not formed as a Brown Act body, but it provides notice and an agenda for public information; the CAP meetings are following Brown Act requirements. She noted that today's agenda could have been more specific in content and explanation, but she confirmed its compliance. Ilf Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 4 Action Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2012 Mr. Hawkins noted that Mr. Mosher had pointed out that the agenda at the bottom stated that the meeting was covered by the Brown Act. Mr. Mosher asked about clarifications regarding bike routes and if restaurants will be getting free outdoor table space. Council Member Henn replied that riding bikes on walkways was illegal and the restaurant question was not part of the CAP's purview. Mr. Hawkins said this NRC agenda indicated that it is covered by the Brown Act and asked for clarification. He stated that neither Mr. Stone nor any graphics or discussions mentioned the potential removal of nine parking spaces. He hoped that the fact of this project losing nine parking spaces will at least be mentioned at the Council meeting. Mr. Allen communicated his significant experience with the Coastal Commission and believed they will probably not approve removing nine parking spaces; however, he noted that they may take into consideration the fact that it is a visitor - serving improvement. Ms. Debbie Allen expressed her support of the plan and noted its similarity to the 2004 Vision Plan. She added that the parking issue needs to be resolved. She expressed her concern with the height of the date palms that will impact the views in Harbor View Hills. The residents prefer a shorter tree or palm, not taller than 32 feet. She produced a memorandum from the former City Manager Homer Bludau promising palms no higher than 32 feet to be planted in that area and handed the memorandum to Jim Campbell. Council Member Henn promised to include the condition as the project moved forward. Ms. Novelle Hendrickson complained that no prints of today's rendering were available at the last CAP meeting and that residents were unaware of the CAP's conclusion. She is concerned about incorrect hearing documents and missing notices on the website for the public, especially in regards to the reduction of one traffic lane and removal of nine parking spaces. She highlighted the need for residents to receive more information and notice prior to the meetings. Mr. George Schroeder was concerned about the large sidewalk expansion for restaurants to receive free table spaces and the removal of nine parking spaces. Nonetheless, he stated his great support of the City's revitalization efforts. Mr. Svalstad announced that he will present the concept plan to all attending Corona del Mar residents at the upcoming Corona del Mar Residents Association meeting. Following questions about timelines, Mr. Campbell explained that the environmental review and other required reports will be started after Council authorizes the conceptual project to move forward at a publicly noticed meeting. He indicated that the review would take several months. He asked to forward any written input on this matter to his attention. Council Member Selich believed that additional questions have surfaced regarding the parking and lane transition and he requested that the existing traffic study and additional studies for solutions regarding the parking loss issue be forwarded in conjunction with the concept plan to Council. He also expressed the need to identify clearly presented solutions for the intersection issue. Council Member Henn suggested scheduling another NRC meeting in approximately two weeks to arrive at a more detailed concept plan with an outline of the process to present to Council and to provide public noticing of this meeting. He expected the agenda to state clearly that this project is being considered to go before Council. Council Member Selich agreed. Public Comment Mr. Dan Purcell discussed a Harbor Commission item regarding an illegally berthed boat that has been docked at the Newport Harbor for some time. He asked how this violation can be stopped. Council Member Henn said the comment is noted. The next NRC meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2012. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. jar DRAFT Action Meeting Minutes NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE Location: Council Chambers Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 4:00 p.m. 1. Call Meeting to Order Council Member Henn convened the meeting at 4:05 p.m. The following persons were in attendance: Committee Members • Council Member Michael Henn (Chair) • Council Member Ed Selich • Council Member Rush Hill City Staff • Kimberly Brandt, Community Development Director • Brenda Wisneski, Deputy Community Development Director • Dave Webb, Deputy Public Works Director • Leonie Mulvihill, Assistant City Attorney • Monika Goodwin, Administrative Assistant • Dennis Stone, Project Consultant 2. Approval of Minutes for December 15. 2011 Chairman Henn left the room at this time. Council Member Selich moved to approve the minutes of December 15, 2011 meeting, regarding Item E. Lido Village /City Hall, and Council Member Rush seconded; and the minutes were approved (2 -0; Council Member Henn absent). 3. Approval of the Joint Minutes for December 20, 2011 Chairman Henn returned to the room at this time. Council Member Selich moved to approve the minutes of the joint December 20, 2011, Balboa Village Advisory Panel (CAP) and NRC meeting, and Council Member Henn seconded; and the minutes were approved unanimously. Approval of Minutes for January 12, 2012 There were several requests for amendments to the minutes. Council Member Henn moved to approve the amended minutes of the January 12, 2012, meeting, and Council Member Selich seconded; and the amended minutes were approved unanimously. 4. Status of CAPS A. Balboa Village Chairman Henn reported on the activities of the CAP noting it formed a subcommittee to consider branding opportunities with the assistance of staff and Visit Newport Beach. He expects an update at the upcoming CAP meeting of February 21, 2012, regarding its progress. He added that at the last meeting the CAP viewed a presentation on Code Enforcement. The next CAP meeting will include an update on the subcommittee's findings on branding, presentation of the initial recommendations on parking issues, and an update report from the economic consultants. Public Comment Mr. Dan Purcell asked about the carousel sale and Chairman Henn reported there was no discussion on that issue at the last CAP meeting. 47 Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 2 Action Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2012 Public Comment closed. B. Corona del Mar Entry Consultant Dennis Stone provided a PowerPoint presentation including an overview of the process and concept plan resulting from recent CAP deliberations. He acknowledged CAP members, staff and others who participated in the process. He addressed potential changes for improved areas, such as landscaping, widening the sidewalk, pavement materials, signage, safety improvements, preliminary costs estimates and ideas for potential secondary uses. Chairman Henn asked and Ms. Brandt responded that this is an action item for NRC recommendation. Council Member Hill stated the plan speaks to the vision, addressed parking issues and measures to mitigate. Council Member Hill moved to present the item to Council, and Chairman Henn seconded the motion. Council Member Selich stated he would like to hear what others have to say about the item before taking action, noting there are some issues relative to parking and circulation to address. Public Comment Mr. Dan Purcell expressed concerns regarding the existing clock tower and felt that whatever is done in the area should be top - quality. He asked Council to review all commercial refuse storage areas in Corona del Mar and suggested the possibility of consolidating trash areas. Ms. Debbie Allen reiterated her support for the plan and noted the neighborhood is concerned about the height of the palm trees and requested the addition of a condition stating that palm trees are not to exceed thirty -two (32) feet in height. Chairman Henn stated the issue will be included. Mr. Dick Nichols wondered as to the benefits of the project, opined the sidewalk is not useable as a place for meetings because there is not enough space, and inquired regarding bicycle lanes. He felt that not all of the restaurants in the area are being considered and stated that traffic will be impacted by the removal of the lane. Chairman Henn inquired regarding the bicycle lane and Mr. Stone responded by illustrating the location of the bike lane. Discussion followed regarding the lack of room for bicycle lanes. Mr. Tom Gray stated his opposition to eliminating lanes along Coast Highway. He reported alternate routes that he takes to avoid Coast Highway and expressed concerns regarding backed up traffic and opined the plan will result in increased traffic congestion and accidents. Mr. Tony Brine, City Traffic Engineer, stated it is an operational issue rather than a level of service or capacity issue. He reported that a temporary lane closure to simulate a lane drop prior to MacArthur had been done previously, similar to what is being proposed and there were no real issues observed with traffic flow. He suggested repeating this at this location to monitor impacts on traffic. Chairman Henn asked regarding the triangle near Golden Spoon and Mr. Brine reported the attempt there is to channelize the traffic for better definition. Council Member Selich agreed with Mr. Gray's idea and suggested also restriping before hard improvements are completed to see how it works and what adjustment, if any, is necessary. Chairman Henn directed staff to include this in the agenda report. Council Member Hill noted there are arguments on both sides regarding this project. Mr. Mike Nolan expressed concerns over traffic and parking with the increased density. Chairman Henn indicated he respects Mr. Nolan's passion regarding the issues, but stated that before the concept plan can be enacted, additional public input will be gathered and consideration will be given to resolving the parking problems and whether or not there will be an exacerbation of traffic problems. ■ Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 3 Action Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2012 Mr. Jim Mosher expressed confusion over seven (7) Corona del Mar items listed on the agenda. Chairman Henn noted there is material attached to the presentation that addresses each individual item. Mr. Jim Mosher suggested an alternate concept including keeping the traffic configuration as it currently exists and extending the sidewalk to where the parking is currently. He addressed capacity and expressed safety concerns relative to the pedestrian sidewalk on Carnation Avenue and opined there is a safety issue with the bicycle lane. Mr. Steve Nellis felt that focusing on technicalities contributes to losing the beauty of the plan. He expressed support for the plan, felt the wider sidewalks would be improvements for restaurant owners and felt that having a merging lane and parking spaces in the middle of an intersection is confusing but felt that the parking issue can be resolved. Mr. Tony Brine affirmed that moving the parking would be an improvement. Mr. Jim Walker stated this has been a long time coming and that the concept provides a real enhancement for Corona del Mar because it encourages people to walk. He felt there is a safety issue with parking near the Golden Spoon and noted people will try to go across Carnation while others are merging from three lanes to two lanes. He addressed traffic flow and noted the existing restaurants have concerns regarding lack of parking. He suggested a compromise to resolve the parking issue and stated support of the project. Mr. Ron Hendrickson indicated that striping will be a problem since people will ignore them and cross anyway. He expressed concern with elimination of a lane and that widening the sidewalks, allowing for outside dining by existing restaurants, was secondary to the reduction of the size of the intersection. He opined there could be a safety issue relative to sidewalk activities that could distract drivers and felt that better and more communication is needed before the item goes before Council. Ms. Theresa Powers agreed that communication needs to be improved; addressed increased traffic at the new City Hall which will impact the proposed project and noted that business cannot be conducted on public property such as sidewalks. Chairman Henn reiterated that no final action will be taken at this time as this is a concept plan recommendation to Council and will be subject to much more public input before finalization. Assistant City Attorney Mulvihill stated the City often allows private businesses and citizens to use public properties through an encroachment permit. She added that outdoor dining on public property can be conducted through a similar process. Mr. Bernie 5valstad supported the idea of striping and placing cones, referenced various meetings regarding the subject project, and felt there are ways to resolve some of the issues brought up. He commented in support of the project. Ms. Karen Jacoby spoke in opposition to the lane closure and suggested the City provide resident permits or other compensation for their side of the street. Chairman Henn stated that the before mentioned ideas are valued. Deputy Public Works Director /City Engineer Webb reported staff received one email comment from Mr. Ernest Schroeder expressing support for the project but also concerns regarding removing parking in front of his property. Mr. Ernest Schroeder spoke in favor of the project, but not removing the parking. Mr. Helmut Reis indicated support for the concept, referenced other coastal cities and challenges with finding parking spaces. Mr. Robert Hawkins supported the concept but felt the project needs environmental analysis and studies of various alternatives before discussing specific features. �-9 Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 4 Action Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2012 Ms. Mulvihill noted this is a concept plan and that at the time it goes before Council, the staff report will identify the appropriate environmental analysis or exemption which the Community Development Department will make. Ms. Novell Hendrickson noted the CAP meeting was reminiscent of a previous plan in 2000, referenced a Walker parking study and felt that Corona del Mar has plenty of parking. She felt the concept is premature and that more outreach and input is necessary before the item goes to Council. Mr. Gary Picket expressed appreciation for the information, correspondences and notices issued by the City to keep him informed. Mr. Robert Hawkins commented on waiving a 50 -space parking requirement for Avila's Restaurant and now deletion of nine (9) parking spaces is being proposed. He reiterated the need for further analysis. Public Comment Closed Council Member Hill commented this is a worthwhile project for the Council to consider and noted the City's wish for improvements. Council Member Selich provided a brief history of the project including ideas generated by resident input, the vision plan and presentations made to various groups and people. He stated one of the major goals of the vision plan was to make Corona del Mar more pedestrian - friendly. Council Member Hill moved, Chairman Henn seconded, to direct staff to forward the concept plan to Council for its meeting on February 28, 2012, subject to additional recommendations and including the minutes of this meeting. The motion carried, unanimously. Council Member Hill thanked the CAP. S. Public Comment Mr. Dan Purcell inquired regarding the status of the carousel. Chairman Henn did not have comments on this issue, but if the community wants to raise it that would be alright. Mr. Dick Nichols spoke on the benefits of undergrounding three lanes on Coast Highway. Chairman Henn noted that public comments were closed. 6. Next Meeting on March 15, 2012, at 4:00 pm 7. The meeting was adiourned at 5:50 p.m. 50 To: Newport Beach City Council 2/28/12 From: Ron Hendrickson Subject: Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization Plan 2/28/12 City Council Meeting, Current Business Item No. 23 It's interesting that on the one hand our City is considering the addition of a third lane west bound on PCH under the bridge over Newport Blvd., and on the other hand we're planning to revitalize CdM by diminishing the size of the MacArthur /E.Coast Hwy intersection purportedly to reduce the length of pedestrian crossings, eliminate traffic congestion ??, and allow for a focal point entry to CdM at this tee intersection. There is, however, little demand for pedestrian crossings at this intersection. (During a 50 minute noon hour observation of both the MacArthur and Avocado intersections on Friday 2/3/12, one person was observed crossing Coast Hwy during this period, and observations at other times were similar) In order to accomplish the above, and revitalize the CdM business district, the current proposal is to relocate the merge of the third lane on the south side of Coast Hwy to west of the MacArthur /Coast Hwy intersection. We understand that secondarily, as a result of the elimination of the 3rd lane and 9 parking places on south side of Coast Hwy, the sidewalk at this location can be widened from 12 ft. to 33 ft., allowing for extensive landscaping, outdoor dining, art displays and musical events, across from where south bound MacArthur traffic is turning left on to Coast Hwy. It's difficult to believe these proposed changes to accommodate outdoor dining, part of the vision of the last decade, are not the real reason for the relocation of the third lane. It should also be noted that Calif. ABC requires that dining tables which include serving of alcoholic beverages must be in a defined area, ie., enclosed by a railing or planter. How would this affect the flexibility of this sidewalk area with outdoor dining? Also, we do already have a town square at Marguerite for outdoor events. What is unfortunate is that only a small portion of CdM businesses will benefit from this significant million dollar plus, expenditure. I believe the entry statement could still be accomplished without relocating the third lane, and therefore funds could be available for additional landscape features throughout the CdM business district, benefitting a majority of CdM businesses, not just a few. Another factor which I believe is not being accounted for is the continued increase in traffic throughout our area, and recognition that Coast Hwy (Hwy 1) is still Newport Beach's main east /west transportation artery. If our new City Hall and park turn out to be an architectural tourist attraction, which is likely, how much more traffic will there be? In conclusion, I recommend that this project be reconsidered to see how the dollars can be spent to increase the beauty of a more extensive portion of Coast Hwy and benefit more businesses in corona del Mar, rather than only half a dozen restaurants. Feb 28 2012 2:1OPM Hawkins Law Offices (949) 650 -1181 P.2 "RECEIVED ARE AGEN A IAW OFFICES OF ROBERT C. S EIVED a� February 28, 2012 2U12 FEB 28 PM 2; 10 Via Facsimile �r 'CE OF Nancy Gardner, Mayor TF= C i,," CLERK Members of the City Council CITE' =C4T EEACH City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: Agenda Item No. 23: Corrections to the Minutes for the Committee Meeting on February 16, 2012 Dear Mayor Gardner and Members of the City Council: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the captioned agenda item. The Staff Report for this item contains an error in the minutes for the captioned committee meeting. Given that you are considering this matter tonight and the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee appears on hiatus, I write to correct the error. Please forward these comments to the NRC so that, when they next meet, they can correct the minutes. At thebottom of page 3 of the captioned minutes (Council packet handwritten page no. 49), the draft minutes incorrectly states that I "supported the concept." This is serious error: I have opposed this project from the outset. However, what I said was: "A concept plan may be fine, but with all of these details, the City needs to conduct environmental analysis before considering approval of the Project." The captioned Project needs environmental analysis for several reasons: First, the Project will adversely impact traffic along Pacific Coast Highway ( "PCH ") and will adversely affect traffic along the residential side streets including Dahlia and Carnation. Second, the Project will adversely affect parking in that the City will lose nine public parking spaces on PCH. This will be exacerbated due to the waiver of parking for restaurant uses in the area including the fifty (50) space parking waiver for Avila's El Ranchito restaurant. Third, the Project may have adverse impacts on safety, both vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian. Likely, other impacts will emerge. As I have said, a concept plan may be fine, but there is many a slip between the concept (the cup) and the implementation of the Proj ect (the lip). The City must conduct full environmental review to address these slips between the cup and the lip. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. ly: ly, C. HAWKIINS RCH /k ert . aw ns w cc: Leilani Brown, City Clerk 110 Newport Center Drive, Suite 200 Newport Beach, California 92660 (949) 650.5550 Fax: (949) 650.1181 Feb 28 2012 2:1OPM Hawkins Law Offices (949) 650 -1181 P -1 Law Offices of Robert C. Hawkins 110 Newport Center Drive, Suite 200 Newport Beach, California 92660 (949) 650 -5550 Fax: (949) 650 -1181 TRANSMITTED TO: NAME FAX NUMBER PHONE NUMBER Leilani Brown, City Clerk (949) 644 -3039 From: Robert C. Hawkins Client/Matter: Firm Date: February 28, 2012 Documents: Comments on 2/28/12 Agenda Item No. 23 Pages: 1 ° COMMENTS: Original will follow as indicated. The information contained in this facsimile message is information protected by aaorney-clietl and /or the attorney /work product privilege. /t is intended onlyfor the use of the individual named above and the privileges are not waived by virtue of This having been sent by facsimile. !f the person actually receiving this jocsimile, or any other reader of the facsimile is not the named recipient or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the named recipient, any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you hrrve received this communication in error, please immediately notify us by telephone and return the original message to us at the above address via U.S. Postal Service. * NOT COUNTING COVER SHEET. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ALL PAGES, PLEASE TELEPHONE US IM M EDI ATELY AT (949) 650.5550. Corona del Mar Entry Revitalization ,V CONCEPTUAL PLAN W* Citizen Advisory Panel City Council Liaison - Rush Hill Committee Members Sandie Haskell John Hyatt — Lisa Jordan — Bernie Svalstad — Ron Yeo • City Staff Mike Sinacori, Ben Zdeba, Jim Campbell • Engineering Consultant Dave Bacon • Landscape Architect Harry Kobzeff, TCLA, Inc. F \IF0 Background Neighborhood Revitalization Committee One of five CAP's formed by Council action Corona del Mar Entry Improvements Gateway / Beautification / Pedestrian \'FOP-% CAP Purpose — Develop conceptual plan as basis for potential Capital Improvement Project and make recommendations to NRC OP Four CAP meetings conducted to complete and prepare design plan and recommendations , NRC Approval on February16, 2012 4* J/ Cd M Vision Plan y ` Extensive Public Outreach and Consensus Community Support Significant Business Improvement District (BID) Investment in Improvements Current BID Funding Available 4* Conceptual Plan c Look and Feel Major elements Flexible use of space Building blocks t Identifies areas that need to be addressed if planning progresses 1! 4 or't ne< z, VISION 2004: A Plan for Corona del Mar's Centennial yM. ; o� .�......... imp m. w..n�.... «.n.. m�• .........w., u.,..w.. o,.,,.,,im.m....o.�.e w c...,. awm, a«.. u. u... m�... wro.., e..,.... n...... .,,,,..�,,........��.....�, „... www.mmm�aµe .ao e" -f .�......... imp m. w..n�.... «.n.. m�• .........w., u.,..w.. o,.,,.,,im.m....o.�.e w c...,. awm, a«.. u. u... m�... wro.., e..,.... n...... .,,,,..�,,........��.....�, „... www.mmm�aµe .ao O Contra Del Mar Plaza • Additional street trees In accordance with prevlaus sight plane agreemerds rf • Enhance pedestrian entry "• j I "'Mad pis rm sw --I y„ O g J Eas`CaastNs8nWa7 Ij Q CDM Wllage West Gateway at Avocado MlerseRtan • Enhanced paving • Landscaped medians - Curbtaperwith planter at gas station • Entry signage • Color concrete bands � � MarAMUrlMerseclbn • Enhanced paving �\qs •Expand medians /enhance landscape � \.. in a h ce with previous sight e ogre � •Realign south curbfrorr[ing restaurant rowto widen sidewalk Colorconcrete bands . Foi -y =rpoage "Restaurant Raw " - Begonia and Coast Highway looking East to MacArthur ® Oahia Intersection - Enhanced paving • Curb tapers to expand curbside landsca pe Seating I / _ kr k jM ` n ® RestwarK ROW •Create garden -walk with outdoors dining by widening sidewalk g • Enhanced landscaping along t. - garden walk and at outdoor dining • Enhanced garden walk paving • Special outdoor lighting for Enhance landscope in from yard storefroMS and outdoor dining CORONA DEL MAR ENTRY IMPROVEMENTS STUDY 'C' PARKWAY AND MEDIAN ENHANCEMENT I WITH STREET PARKING ICI m i IS AL SOC k ASSOCIATES -Y(If OWN`' nm w -nn m nn ue.nn AVC ADo AVENUE _ 1 BCIAEVAfb ]B G0.5 HOPWP -] CPpO W T SMG Ml- ms naex wLSrA mxux � - � AHIgIhS — 5'0DP'I AVBAS\EL � \ PxHLHRD \ I I I I I wrxs ACACIA PE-WWA Q~ AVENIE AVE" SNP 4 DAHJA AV@AE __ � � 1 1 i �. � � ...� ♦ 1 • � _.. TREES ROjNCNILDS PAC�F1c COA81 MICMpAY _nxum_ Aft�. 4 [rtwwa �\�aomiw w O 7tM GALLERY CONS RUCTION SHRUBS CONCEPTUAL LANDSCAPE PLAN CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA CORONA DEL MAR ENTC?V 3 s 6UNAow GOLDEN SPOON s . s Dennis Stone Consulting, Inc. 2012 f "X- I • <A# 1 1 Ak, pr c f "X- I • <A# 1 1 IN- o" MLa-.,*A. r, TAA -0 L. -:7, ,000- / L I ill -,Ll f "X- I • <A# 1 1 , w im- - 111 Preliminary Cost Estimate Complete Design Construction $100,000 $1,200,000 Annual Maintenance $43,500 F r t Parking Issues • Concept Plan identifies potential displacement of 9 on- street parking spaces • Recognition that parking in CdM is already a challenge • Existing detailed Parking Study for the area was jointly created by the community and the City in 2008 — Block by block parking data collection — Existing parking deficits identified — Joint community /City parking policy recommendations — Suggested one -year test program • If Concept Plan is accepted, Staff recommends that displaced spaces be considered in context of broader parking solutions as part of an overall strategy for improving parking availability and management in CdM Lane Drop on Coast Highway • Distinction between capacity and traffic flow issues • Previous simulation of lane drop did not indicate traffic flow issues • If Concept Plan is accepted, Staff recommends a more comprehensive simulation that would: — Be designed based on the specific relevant elements of the Concept Plan • Lane configurations • New curb location • Elimination of intersection parking — Be in place long enough to provide valid data — Include delineators (cones) and temporary lane striping — Utilize existing CCTV to monitor and assist in the identification and analysis of issues • Public discussion of the information and results • Coordination with other agencies Preliminary Process & Time Table 2/16/2012 Ad -Hoc Neighborhood Revitalization Committee meeting 2/28/2012 City Council meeting— consider concept plan March - June Fiscal year 2012 -2013 budget development. Consideration by the City Council which projects will be included for funding in next years budget. Budget Adopted in June with Funds available in July. 6 months Review and develop alternatives to Relocation /Replacement of parking spaces to be displaced by project. Work with Community on concurrence for parking solutions. Perform cone trial run lane drop relocation to study effects on roadway and intersection operation. 3 months Conduct environmental review and public participation of proposed project. 3 months Prepare final engineering designs and bid package with coordination with other responsible agencies and public outreach. 2.5 months [Bid and Award the construction project Dennis Stone Consulting, Inc. 2012