COMMUNITY PLANNING

Open Space and Conservation Element Update

Community Meeting

Presentation of Draft Element

La Casita del Arroyo

July 13, 2011

Presentation

On Wednesday, July 13, 2011, the City of Pasadena held a Community Meeting at La Casita del Arroyo in the Arroyo Seco Natural Park Area to continue the ongoing community outreach program to engage city residents and community groups in the process of preparing the Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan. The purpose of the meeting was to:

• Give an overview of the process to prepare the Open Space and Conservation Element

• Provide an overview of the organization and highlights of the Element

• Discuss questions and answers about the Element and review process

• Receive comments on the Element

• Discuss next steps in the approval process

Senior Planner Laura Dahl discusses the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element

with Pasadena Residents

Summary

The event had three components:pre-meeting review of graphic displays prepared for the Open Space and Conservation Element outreach during the preparation process; an overview presentation of the Open Space and Conservation Element including outreach efforts and organization of the Element; question and answer session to discuss the Element and receive public comment.

Pasadena residents inspect display boards containing background data on the Open Space and Conservation Element at La Casita del Arroyo.

Senior Planner Laura Dahl initiated the presentation with introductions of staff and members of the Open Space and Conservation Element Subcommittee to a crowd of approximately 40 residents. Committee Member Laura Garrett presented the Vision Statement of the Element and gave an overview of the public outreach process which began in Fall 2008. Committee Chair Richard Janisch discussed the organization and major themes of the Element. Finally, Ms. Dahl concluded the meeting by leading the question and answer session and receiving public comment.

Comments Received

Major Themes

Several comments were echoed multiple times by different people.  These comments were: 

• Strong support that soccer fields do not belong in Hahamongna.

• Concern about staff and the City Council implementing the element.

• Residential Impact Fees should be properly accounted for and used for acquiring open space.

Individual Comments

• Consider a density bonus for projects that provide an off-site open space/park dedication.

• Consider benefits of combining Open Space and Conservation Element with the Green Space, Recreation and Parks Element.

• Desiderio should be included in the open space inventory.

• Consider dedicated staff assigned to implement the Open Space and Conservation Element, research grants and funding opportunities.

• Create an independent department responsible for implementation of the Open Space and Conservation and the Green Space, Recreation and Parks Elements.

• Trail classifications as single-use or multi-use in Element exhibits should be verified.

• Consider innovative strategies to develop and expand the urban forest.

• The next Public Works Director should be a landscape architect or arborist.

• Identify staff to manage implementation of Open Space and Conservation Element and actively pursue grants funding.

• Recognize the economic benefits of open space.

• Create a strategic plan to implement the Open Space and Conservation Element:“how to do it”.

• Consider more frequent review of the Open Space and Conservation Element—every six months/yearly.

• Consider elevating the Open Space and Conservation Committee to a permanent public advisory body to implement the Open Space and Conservation Element.

• Executive Director of the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy was at the meeting and was willing to work with the City to protect public space.

Pasadena residents listen to the presentation of the Draft Open Space and Conservation Element.

If you have any questions about the Open Space and Conservation Element, please contact:

Laura Dahl, Senior Planner

175 N. Garfield Ave

Pasadena, CA 91109

Phone: (626) 744-6767

E-Mail: ldahl@cityofpasadena.net

Additional Community Planning Information and Projects...

• General Plan

• Specific Plans

• Planning Commission

• Related Planning Links

Last Modified 09/02/2011