3A Public Hearing 2011 0321 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning Code Amendments -5- March 21, 2011 DA Uses, Definitions and Parking; S82 Downtown Area (DA) Amendments The proposed General Plan designation for the DA Zones is either Downtown Mixed Use or Transit - Oriented Mixed Use (proposed concurrently with these amendments.) The General Plan contains a lengthy discussion of policies for improvement of the downtown district (pages 3 -44. 3 -55 through 3 -58, and 3 -80 through 3 -84). Specifically, page 3 -44 states, "To succeed in the East Bay's highly competitive retail market, Downtown San Leandro needs to distinguish itself from other retail centers in the region...the emphasis should be on specialty businesses, particularly those that can thrive in a unique pedestrian- oriented environment." Additionally. the following policies are applicable to the proposed Zoning Code Amendments: 6.03 Finance and Banking Support the Downtown area as San Leandro's financial and banking center, working with the banks to identify creative reuse options for vacant bank buildings. 6.05 Pedestrian - Friendly Environment Provide public and private improvements that create a safe, friendly. and pleasurable environment for pedestrians to Downtown. 6.10 BART Station Area Revitalization Foster the development of the BART Station area as a mixed use "transit village" with a full complement of office, high - density residential and retail uses. along with pedestrian plazas, open space, BART parking and other transit facilities (possibly including a Capital Corridor rail station). 8.02 Retail Diversity Encourage a diverse range of commercial uses in the City, offering goods and services that fully meet the needs of San Leandro residents and businesses. The City should recruit new businesses that: (a) fill the gaps in the range of goods and services currently available; and (b) act as catalysts for attracting other retailers to the City. With incorporation of the proposed zoning amendments, the DA zones will allow for more flexible reuse of vacant commercial space for a variety of uses. Permits and /or Variances Granted Not applicable. Environmental Review A Negative Declaration has been prepared for these proposed Zoning Code Amendments. A Notice of Public Review and Intent to Adopt a Proposed Negative Declaration was filed on February 9, 2011 and the public review period on the Negative Declaration period extended from February 10, 2011 to March 10, 2011. Code Compliance Review Not applicable.