Reso 2001-021 RDA 2001-003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of San Leandro Downtown Plan In January of 1998, the City Council of San Leandro authorized the prepa- ration of a new Plan for the Downtown core area. At the direction of Coun- cil, a twenty-member committee was approved by the City Council, includ- e ing representatives from the Downtown business community, retailers and surrounding residential neighborhoods. Over the last fourteen months, the Committee has met on ten occasions, and has worked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Downtown San Leandro, to establish the goals and objec- fives to be achieved by the Plan, and to weigh alternative financing and implementation methods to accomplish the Plan's objectives. The Plan is intended to provide policy and guidelines for the City's Gen- eral Plan fox Downtown San Leandro, and to serve as a "stand alone" mar- keting tool for attracting new uses to the Downtown. In addition, the Plan serves as a conceptual urban design element for Downtown, with an effort toward preserving the historic richness and diversity of existing Downtown architecture and uses, with an aim toward recapturing the pedestrian vitality and retail choices evident within Downtown San Leandro. Goals and Objectives of the Plan The Downtown Plan Committee discussed at length the many strengths and weaknesses that Downtown currently exhibits, past planning and rede- velopment efforts, and the financial and logistical impediments that may be ahead in creating a revitalized community center. There were several goals and objectives identified by the Downtown Plan Committee. Goals • Recognize the Downtown as a City-wide community resource that requires the nurturing and attention afforded other retail areas in the City. • Create a safe, friendly physical environment in which to shop, eat, and do business. ~. Re-emphasize the important retail and service connections be- tween Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. • Preserve and enhance Downtown's architectural heritage in the context of economic development. Objectives • Create a more pedestrian friendly environment in the Downtown so that residents will want to shop, walk and eat in the area. San Leandro Downtown Plan & Urban Design Guidelines October2000 page 7