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overlay zone which requires the demolition of buildings on the site and construction of a new building. He discussed two projects in the zone, the Lyon Project at "Nineteen 01" at the old Racquetball World site and the other north of the Xerox building, The Madison; noted the three different districts which include the Active Urban District, Village Center District and Neighborhood Transitional District. He noted inquiries of development which include the Elks and Zoo and the vacant Saddleback Lodge parcel and the possibility of residential at the location; noted our Housing Element considers these areas viable for residential and can accommodate by establishing an overlay zone. He commented the need to get a consultant on board to prepare a study to determine if standards are still applicable and the need for an environmental impact report, noting with the various outreach meetings and public hearings the process would take approximately 12 -18 months. Chairman Sarmiento recommended looking at extending the Metro East Overlay Zone to incorporate the First Street Corridor from the 1 -5 Freeway to Grand Avenue which will address many issues with respect to problems with spot zoning and having to create special districts; noted to use whatever tool to accelerate the process; and for those who have applications submitted to consider a competitive bidding process for affordable housing developments with an RFQ or RFP, and to include housing for veterans. Vice Chair Martinez inquired how this would play into the big picture in our land use and zoning as General Plan is updated and noted as we move forward the need to be careful how we plan our future, land use and zoning will dictate that and to look at fiscal and infrastructure impacts as we move forward; noted the need to have a balance of residential and commercial owners; and noted the importance of having the discussions with developers on making sure their projects will be bike, pedestrian and dog friendly. Mr. Fregoso noted anything done with the zoning needs to be consistent with the General Plan, adding the overlay zone is consistent with the General Plan which is a District Center high intensity area that was designated years ago, noted the overlay zone and the density fits in perfectly with the project; the fiscal and infrastructure impacts part of a document will be prepared in conjunction with the EIR which will capture all types of impacts such as traffic, parking, circulation, public safety, and public services. Committee member Benavides agreed moving along with the overlay zone and suggested to consider extending the overlay zone towards the downtown to Broadway; also noted Fourth Street has older residential homes that can be grazed and reused and also Fourth Street west of Grand Avenue has underutilized parcels. i. DROUGHT UPDATE {Strategic Plan No. 5, 6F} George Garcia, Republic Homes Neighborhood Association representative, noted the city should remove all the grass from all the medians in order to conserve water and suggested the city create a free seed program so residents can grow their own food and use water to their best benefit and noted the city is also losing water in the jails. Development & Transp. Council Committee Minutes 13A -10 April 2, 2015