Item 31 - 2020 General Plan Annual Progress Report

Home Browse Search

21 owners to upgrade landscaping, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the program was not held in 2020. • In 2020, the City continued to require into property maintenance agreements to be executed with property owners as part of applicable land use development project entitlements. • The Planning Division identified nine historically sensitive neighborhoods to protect and improve the area’s character through enhanced design review. • The City is engaged in a variety streetscape and theme enhancements and related street improvement plans. In 2020, community outreach and physical improvements continued on the South Main Corridor Plan to improve the public realm and streetscape amenities. The South Main Corridor Plan construction is slated to begin 2021. OC Streetcar construction improvements continued throughout 2020, transforming various major arterial corridors and enhance the streetscape throughout the route. • As part of the OC Streetcar project, decorative sidewalk treatments were approved for installation along the streetcar path in Downtown, and landscape plantings and medians are planned to enhance the aesthetics and setting around the stops. In addition, 2020 marked the implementation of part of the Downtown Complete Street Plan to provide protected bike lanes, new roundabouts, and landscape bulb- outs to improve safety, reduce traffic speeds, and enhance the pedestrian and cyclist experience. • As part of the South Main Corridor Plan improvements, efforts are underway to replace bus shelters with design detailing in keeping with the historic South Main character, and complement the historic street lights. • Two public realm plans have been completed for the Harbor Mixed Use Transit Corridor Specific Plan and the Metro East Mixed Use Overlay area. The Plans will create a uniform design and aesthetic for the two areas, improve the pedestrian and cyclist experience, and facilitate coordination with private property development. • Coordination of the design of on-site and off-site vehicle and pedestrian circulation in ongoing through the interagency City’s Development Review Committee. • Per the City’s Median Master Plan, the Public Works Agency continues to support the installation of water efficient landscaping and infrastructure in the City street medians • In November 2020, State Housing and Community Development (HCD) granted the City of Santa Ana funding through the Local Early Action Program (LEAP) to update the Zoning Code reevaluate and create addition zoning development and design standards to facilitate residential development. A Request for Proposal (RFP) for consultant assistance is anticipated to be presented to City Council in Spring 2021 for consideration. • Through the City’s Development Review process, the Planning Division coordinates with architects and landscape architects are to promote creative, high