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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19F - DTSA GREAT NEIGHBORHOODSREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE OCTOBER 18, 2016 TITLE; DOWNTOWN SANTA ANA GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS IN AMERICA DESIGNATION {STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 3,4F) :(22- � CITY MANAG RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For_ CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Receive and file the designation of Downtown Santa Ana as a Great Neighborhood in America by the American Planning Association and the celebratory event planned for October 20, 2016. DISCUSSION The American Planning Association (APA) is a national organization that provides leadership in the development of urban planning and communities. Since 2007, the APA has celebrated places of exemplary character, quality, and planning thorugh its flagship Great Places in America program. APA recognizes streets, public spaces and neighborhoods that represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historic interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow — and most importantly, a legacy of planning. Thanks to Santa Ana City Council's leadership and it's vision of the community, this year the Downtown was recognized as one of five Great Neighborhoods in America by APA. Past recipients of this honor include iconic neighborhoods such as Chinatown in San Francisco, Back Bay in Boston, and Roosevelt Row in Phoenix. Downtown Santa Ana is a neighborhood with prosperous local businesses, restaurants, and long-time residents that are committed to the creation of a thriving community that celebrates diversity through festivals and public celebrations. The area has a great mixture of land uses, ranging from government buildings to shops and offices, all the way to a small industrial sector in the east. Downtown Santa Ana's architecture is a unique blend of Beaux Art, Classic and Spanish Revival, Victorian, Craftsman, Brutalism, California Contemporary, and some Art Deco that makes each walk an experience. Nominations for Great Places are received from APA members, staff, professionals with experience in the planning field, and the general public. Nominations then go through a rigorous review process by a committee of APA leaders who are professional planners to determine the designees. A few factors the committee considers in identifying great places: 19F-1 Downtown Santa Ana Great Neighborhoods Designation October 18, 2016 Page 2 • Balancing the competing needs of different users; offering options for all residents of the community, regardless of age, preferred mode of transportation and provide a mixture of uses and services. • Showcases local architecture, landscaping, and urban design, and stand out from the norm. • Great places may serve as important local economic drivers. • Great places encourage social activity by serving as the host of events, community programs, festivals, and more. • Great places reflect the local culture and history of the greater community. • Great places promote sustainability. Reagrding this year's designees, APA President Carol Rhea said "The neighborhoods on this year's list are a testament to the critical role of planning in creating more dynamic, equitable, economically healthy communities. Through careful thought, foresight, innovation, and cooperation, this year's designees are building better places to live, work, play, and visit and setting an example for other neighborhoods nationwide. We congratulate them on their efforts and this worthy distinction." To celebrate this collective accomplishment, the City of Santa Ana in partnership with the American Planning Association and several downtown businesseses will hold a public celebration on October 20, 2016 in Downtown Santa Ana. The event will feature live music, samples from local restaurants, the presentation of a Certificate by APA representatives to the City and will conclude with a free screening of a documentary film about planning. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT Approval of this item allows the City to meet Goal #3 - Economic Development, Objective 4 (Continue to pursue objectives that shape downtown Santa Ana into a thriving, culturally diverse, shopping, dining, and entertainment destination), Strategy F (Partner with downtown business and merchant associations to program events that showcase restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues). FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. �''✓, o Robert C. Cortez Hassan agha'n, Al P Deputy City Manager Executive Dlrector City Manager's Office Planning tis Building Agency EXHIBIT: 1. Downtown Santa Ana - Great Neighborhoods Designation Event flyer 19F-2 THE CITY OF SANTA ANA INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE One of America' GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS: DownTown Santa Ana! rr 1 th LI me muss c , Local b1 tes, & a Free screenlrg Frida Cinema 305 E 4th St Santa Ana, CA 92701 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:OOpm tinyurl.com/dtsa-urbanized 004 go LTIJ 3: A14 "Mo Don't miss this opportunity to learn about: the City of Santa Ana's Genei,&i Pipit Update & the OC Street Car 19F-4