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13 <br />Mr. Nishikawa noted they have previously done hotel projects and after conducting <br />studies and speaking to hotel partners, they did not feel it is ready for a hotel at this <br />point; noted they reviewed all options and see a demand for good institutional grade <br />apartments; noted a hotel would be a great amenity for the city in the future; and <br />noted project financing is important and are proposing something they believe could <br />be financed. <br />Vice Chair Martinez noted they would like something signature and iconic, noted <br />initial conversations of wanting to look at a boutique hotel with 100 -150 rooms which <br />would be a community benefit, noted the city is the County seat with the jurors and <br />legal services that come adding downtown business owners have commented they <br />would like to see a hotel. <br />Chairman Sarmiento commented the committee is happy to talk about doing <br />something exciting in the downtown and discuss additional pedestrian and fixed <br />guideway traffic; provided background information on the RFQ; noted they were <br />looking at a project that had muti -uses to it and multi - levels with one being a hotel; <br />asked that Mr. Cavazos continue discussions with OliverMcMillan and city's <br />consultant Larry Kosmont to see if something can be adjusted. <br />COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE {Strategic Plan No. 5, 3A} <br />Vince Fregoso provided brief update on the Community Engagement Plan noting it is <br />a tool to help expand information and create opportunities for stakeholders to be <br />involved in the public decision making process for projects. Proposals were received <br />last year and assembled external and internal raters to review with interviews in <br />February, met with the top two firms in March, and based on interviews staff <br />recommends Katherine Padilla & Associates (KPA) as the firm to prepare the <br />Engagement Plan adding they have a wide variety of experience in community <br />engagement and has worked with various municipalities including the LA Transit <br />Authority, CalTrans, USG and as well as cities of LA, Pasadena, Glendale & South <br />Gate. Mr. Fregoso noted they have also worked on Santa Ana's Complete Streets <br />Plan on the outreach component and are looking to bring the contract to Council in <br />May and complete the document by the fall of this year. <br />Vice Chair Martinez advised staff to get the scope of work prior to verify what they <br />will be doing, noting community engagement goes beyond development and how we <br />communicate & engage and use technology; and requested to review the work plan. <br />DISCUSSION ON THE EXTENSION OF THE METRO EAST MIXED USE <br />OVERLAY ZONE {Strategic Plan No. 5, 1A; 5, 1 H; 3, 2A; 3,213) <br />Vince Fregoso noted there has been some discussions on parcels on East First <br />Street and the options of rezoning the corridor. He provided background information <br />on the Metro East Mixed Use Overlay Zone that was approved in 2007 which <br />includes East First Street with the boundaries of First Street on the south to 6th <br />Street to the north, the 1 -5 Freeway to the west and Tustin Avenue to the east; noted <br />an overlay zone means the current zoning stays in place and current uses continue <br />to operate and if someone proposes a residential project they can activate this <br />Development & iransp. Council Committee Minutes 13X-9 April 2, 2015 <br />