By Carolyn Schuk

 

You probably heard that Santa Clara is updating the City's General Plan. But how many of us know what a General Plan is or what's in it?

 

"It's the blueprint for the city and provides the foundation for all development and land use decisions within the city," explains Santa Clara City Planner Carol Anne Painter. "It shows where land uses should be – residential, commercial, schools, parks – what types of housing, density ranges."

 

The General Plan gets updated about every ten years – the first was developed in 1960. The last comprehensive General Plan was done in 1992. This year's plan will cover the years 2010 to 2035.

 

But why does the plan need to be updated? For one thing, state law requires it. More important, needs – especially business needs -- change. "There are uses out there now that 20 years ago we never dreamed of," Painter explains. For example, giant computer server farms powering the Internet have replaced manufacturing in the Valley's industrial areas.

 

Much of the City, especially residential neighborhoods, won't see much land use change, according to the City's General Plan website. But to accommodate the city's share of expected regional growth, higher density-- and higher intensity – is in the cards.

 

"Because land is so expensive, you won't see one story shopping centers with a sea of parking," says Painter. "In the new plan you will be seeing more first floor retail and second floor offices, underground parking.

 

"Instead of a string of similar retail stores, we want to have a rhythm of retail and non-retail – gathering places like cafes – creating more pedestrian-scale spaces," she continues, "and a more urban feel for retailing."

 

Transportation will also be front and center in the new plan.

 

"Given where gas prices are going, there's going to need to be systems connecting light rail and other transportation," explains Painter. "No community is going to be able to afford the current transportation model. How it's done and where it's done is open to exploration, but that it's going to be needed is a solid conclusion."

 

Despite the changes that the future will surely bring, Painter stresses that sensitivity to existing neighborhoods is a fundamental principle.

 

"There are ways to execute density ranges that are respectful of the adjacent, existing neighborhoods. For example, 'stepping' building mass away from existing neighborhoods, underground parking, smaller square footage so you have density without increasing building mass."

 

The project is getting underway this month and will include community outreach, stakeholders meetings, community workshops, residents' survey, newsletters and a website. Residents will have many opportunities to participate at every stage of the project.

 

The City Council will make steering committee appointments at the June 10 meeting. The first community meetings – visioning workshops -- are scheduled for Saturday June 21 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Monday, June 23 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Santa Clara Senior Center, 1303 Fremont Street. Both meetings have the same agenda to determine which time slot is preferred by residents.

 

The project website is already on line, providing a one-stop-shop for current project information, schedules, drawings and studies and ways to participate. For more information visit www.santaclaragp.com, email Doug Handerson at dhanderson@santaclaraca.gov, or call (408) 615-2450.

 

Carolyn Schuk can be reached at cschuk@earthlink.net.