By Claire Gunning
Opinion Editor
The newly implemented Downtown Specific Plan in Manhattan Beach will effectively help preserve resident-owned businesses and also update city facilities, all with the unifying goal of preserving the central core of Manhattan Beach: a thriving small beach town.
The Manhattan Beach City Council held a public hearing on Dec. 6 last year to discuss the Final Draft Downtown Specific Plan that had been discussed at previous meetings. The new Downtown Specific Plan’s goal is to maintain Manhattan Beach’s quaint atmosphere that includes business success while maintaining a small-town community and infrastructure, according to the Downtown Specific Plan.
The city of Manhattan Beach along with Urban Land Institute conducted a week-long survey to ask Manhattan Beach residents what they thought the city should include in the plan. The survey also asked residents if there were any ideas from other cities that should be included in downtown Manhattan Beach and what sorts of businesses or shops would encourage them to spend more time in the downtown area. With this information, the city formulated the Downtown Specific Plan while considering resident input and feedback.
The city held four workshops aimed at receiving resident feedback for the Downtown Specific Plan. Each workshop allowed residents to review the plan and provide feedback at the next meeting. By allowing Manhattan Beach residents to provide specific feedback, the city will be able to effectively satisfy the desires of residents. This plan of action is essential in making sure that both the residents’ and the city’s needs are met.
According to the Downtown Specific Plan, Manhattan Beach hopes to restore and maintain the small-town feel by creating community-based activities, such as street art, sidewalk cafés and beautification projects in the downtown area to enhance the character of the town. With all the new innovations and the influx of people entering the city, the implementation of these activities is a great way for the city to preserve its small-town atmosphere.
As stated in the Manhattan Beach Downtown Specific Plan, another way the city hopes to promote a small-town feel is by keeping small businesses open. The plan will help advocate for small businesses by adding community services that support resident-owned businesses and amplify tourist interest. The Downtown Specific Plan encourages downtown prosperity through promoting small-businesses, which is essential in preserving a small-town feel while modernizing the downtown area.
The Manhattan Beach City Council describes the Downtown Specific Plan.
The Downtown Specific Plan is also increasing accessible parking. The city wants to increase the amount of street parking by lowering meter rates in parking structures and lots as well as constructing a new underground parking lot. Providing more parking allows more visitors to frequent the downtown area to promote the success of small businesses, all of which is vital to encourage prosperity in Manhattan Beach.
This document is the Downtown Specific plan in whole.
The Downtown Specific Plan also explains that bike paths will be created in order to promote alternative means of transportation around the city. Accommodations for alternative transportation for residents and visitors are crucial in minimizing downtown traffic.
Along with pushing for new means of transportation, the plan also states that it will add and expand upon existing sidewalks for pedestrians. These renovations will help residents arrive in the downtown area through paths connecting neighborhoods in the surrounding city. By bridging the city and neighborhoods more seamlessly, the downtown area will keep a true small-town feel.
The Manhattan Beach Downtown Specific Plan is a progressive choice for the city to spur renovations that do not overly commercialize the city. By including resident feedback and initiatives to promote a safe and small-town feel, the plan is vital in helping to keep the small hometown feel.
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