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Home My WebLink About11-ATTACHMENT FATTACHMENT F Communication Received Following the April 24, 2018 Planning Commission Public Hearing Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan Related Communication Received After April 24, 2018 Planning Commission Public Hearing LTR. Date Commenter Comment Received 1 5-7-18 Gwen Masters, . Feels Plan is great for the developers business owner of and Planning Commission but not Scooters — Mailbox, necessarily for property owners unless Cards & Gifts located at they want to sell and close or move their 360 E. First Street current business. Feels it gives mandatory guidelines for development in the affected areas that people can use to approve new projects. Conveys six specific issues. 2 5-12-18 Wendy Woolsey, . Agrees with most of the concepts with member of community the exception of putting First Street on a area road diet; provides 4 reasons why not. 3 5-17-18 Irene Hirsch . Road diet — concern with taking away 14361 Galy Street parking and narrowing streets for those who cannot make Old Town a walking experience. 4 5-29-18 Gwen Masters/Mark . First Street road diet — author's Masters additional communication of dislike of First Street road diet. 5 6-11-18 Wendy and Bill . First Street road diet — concern and Jarvis174xx Parker displeasure. Drive 6 6-13-18 James R. Gilbertson . First Street lane diet — vows to never Tustin, CA spend money at any First Street business if City approves. 7 6-13-18 Chuck Lewis Support of DCCSP — Particularly Property Owner — 661 enhanced parking opportunities and W. First Street First Street improvements. 8 6-13-18 Lee Hoffer Concern with lane reduction of First 425 West Second Street increasing traffic on other streets Street in Old Town. LTR. Date Received Commenter Comment 9 6-13-18 Alexander R. Rossel Support to approve the DCCSP - Business Owner — 661 particularly opportunities for more on - W. First Street street parking and enhanced attractiveness of the area. L e.{4 1 From: Mark Masters Sent: Monday, May 07, 201810:33 AM To: Parker, Jeffrey C.; Murray, Al; TustinPlanning; bgomez@tustinca.org; Bernstein, Allan; Puckett, Chuck; Clark, Letitia; Ogdon, Dana; Yeager, Lucy Cc: 'Prescott Earl J.'; 'Alfio Rossetti' Subject: DCCSP Follow Up Flag: Flag for follow up Flag Status: Flagged As I see it, the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan (DCCSP) is great for the developers and Planning Commission. It gives mandatory guidelines for development in the affected areas that people can use to approve new projects. It is not necessarily good for property owners unless they want to sell and close or move their current business. Some issues I have are: 1. The city seems to have 2 standards when communicating with the population. Things like the concerts in the park or water rationing, we get notified by flyers in your water bill and postcards. Police Dept. open houses have an insert in the water bill and several lawn signs around the city. When the city council wants to develop a "more comprehensive" building plan for the city that taxpayers and landowners will ultimately pay for, they put notices in the classified section of the local paper, send non-descript letters to unknown recipients (2015, 2016 and 2017) and post 8 % x 11 flyers downtown where they know nobody walks and that is what they are trying to fix. That is legal notification. It may be "legal" but not effective. Do the city council people know the "stakeholders" were surprised by the document in March 2018? Does the city council think that the 3-5 years spent developing this project in relative isolation from the stakeholders is sufficient time and money expensed and it is time to ratify? Do they think the voters may express themselves in November? Do they care? The city of Santa Ana sends out email blasts via City of Santa Ana <city-of-santa-ana@emails.nixle.com>.Community Message: Notice To Residents: Schedule of Public Hearings To Consider Amending City Ward Boundaries. I get email blasts from Tustin, CA Police Department tustin-ca-police- department@emails.nixle.com regarding police open houses and such. 2. What problem are we trying to fix? Did we ask the community members for input on what problems would you like the city council to address in the next 5-20 years? Are we upgrading sewers and water flow? Is Edison moving power underground? Are the gas lines safe? Are there any programs to envelope the homeless? Why do they choose to live outdoors? They have a lot of boring time on their hands, what can they do to help community in exchange for money? 3) Did they look at the businesses on First St before deeming it a walkable street? Could they identify the businesses by name and product sold that would benefit from less motor traffic and more walking traffic? Many on the street feel like they are an errand or destination business. Restricted traffic flow will make "motor" customer unhappy and likely to "change patterns of travel" and businesses utilized Le 4a"-- I to fit into their tight schedules. I am more concerned with the First St. road diet and the architectural kequiremeritl l know other businesses like Roma d Italia are also concerned. Road diets in LA are receiving a lot of community angst and possible reversals, does Tustin want to spend the money and possibly have the same result? 4) Who is asking for a cohesive design? The city council has gone to statewide meetings of cities and has the goal of making Tustin "more vibrant" and, by the way, these multi story buildings in the pictures do not reflect current businesses of 10 years or more in the area, they feature more highly dense living working areas. They are also allowing more multi story (3 or 4 stories) for dwellings. One on the sets of slides was all about population increase which they view as good because all the (low income) people will frequent our businesses. New people bring new cars, so obviously, we need to narrow the roads and encourage walking. It is better for our health and BTW we don't have any parking. The people in those dwellings are probably allowed to park in a multistory parking garage. Is this what the taxpayer wants? Get rid of current businesses and construct new buildings closer to the walkable street? Maybe the city should step back and look at the restriping and increased parking via diagonal parking only in the area where most problems are emanating? It would cost less and is easily and cheaply fixed if the plan doesn't get the desired results. There are many studies out there stating that changing traffic flow will change business in the area. 5) city employee wages are very high. https://transparentcalifornia.com/salaries/2016/tustin/ The average city employee makes $94,917 + $118696 (and rising) ---The average resident makes $43,558 (down from 5 years ago). According to the Register newspaper homes prices are down 32.7 percent in the 92780 zip code. 6) The public requesting to speak at meetings has little or no impact on decisions. The panel "listens" with great attention and respect to each public speaker but does not engage or react to any concern. The panel has already decided this is the best plan available for the area and the fact that a large percentage of the community had no clue until recently is not their problem. A rising tide will float all boats. The hypothetical future employment and increased density using the same land area are the primary focus, not supporting current residents and businesses. Cjwen Masters Scooters Mailbox Cards and Gifts 56o E, rrst5t Tustin, CA 92780 71+-669-o65o www.scootersmailbox.com L eii e: r z From: Cal & Wendy Woolsey Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2018 3:15 PM To: Yeager, Lucy Subject: Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan Dear L. Yeager, As a longtime member of this community, I wish to comment on Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan. I am very familiar with Old Town as we dine and shop there often. I agree that Old Town could be more vital than at present. Having reviewed the plan, I agree with most of the concepts with one major exception. I believe that to put First Street on a "road diet" is a very bad idea for the following reasons: 1. There is simply too much traffic for First Street to be reduced to single lanes. Like it or not, First Street is an arterial highway despite the preliminary approval to call it something else. 2. Every street given a "road diet" that I know of has resulted in snarled traffic and has been a flop. 3. First Street businesses are not walk up types. Most people don't walk to the post office or to tire shops for example. 4. Parking on First Street seems adequate, thus I question the need for diagonal parking, especially with only one through lane each way. I urge the city staff to reconsider the First Street road diet and sincerely hope that you will do so. Thank you, Wendy Woolsey 1 Lrtiter 3 From: TustinPlanning Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2018 10:37 AM To: Yeager, Lucy Subject: FW: Road Diet for Old Town Hi Lucy, This email was received in the POD email. Elaine Elaine Dove, AICP, RLA Senior Planner City of Tustin 300 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92780 (714)573-3136 From. Irene 9'ir5;Gh Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2018 9:38 AM To: TustinPlanning Subject: Road Diet for Old Town Dear Developers, It was with great interest that I read an article in The OC Register regarding the plans for the "road diet" that are being discussed for Old Town. I understand the desire for wanting more people to come to Old Town, but, taking away parking and narrowing streets only makes the shopping experience in Old Town frustrating and uninviting. I don't use the diagonal spots you put in years ago. I used them once, and almost got hit by a car trying to pull out. Recently, my sister and I were shopping at Armstrong Nursery. I suggested we look at a new shop that opened recently, Morning Lavender. We drove over to the shop, and to my dismay, there was no parking. The Synergy parking lot was free, but it was for Synergy customers only. We had to drive around to find parking. Both of us are in our 60's and do have various health issues. Nothing that requires handicap parking, but we do appreciate reasonably close parking. Narrow streets invite congestion and frustration, shoppers won't want to come. Other than Mrs. B's and Armstrong. I do very little shopping in Old Town. I would like to support Old Town more, but, the lack of parking keeps me, and my husband, from coming to town. I'm sure there are more of us who think this way. I know your plans are under way, but please consider those of us who cannot make Old Town Tustin a walking experience. Sincerely, Irene Hirsch Tustin, CA 92780 2 L P-Aer H From: Mark Masters < Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2018 8:09 AM To: Parker, Jeffrey C.; Murray, Al; TustinPlanning; Bernstein, Allan; Puckett, Chuck; Clark, Letitia; Ogdon, Dana; Yeager, Lucy; CITY COUNCIL Subject: DCCSP-really dislike 1st St road diet City Council City of Tustin Strategic Plan — 2013-2018 http://webdocs.tustinca.orR/weblink/DocView.aspx?id=2.10866&searchid=6af36433-fa7f-4806-9c37- 220150e3d8dd&dbid=0 Page 7 1. Create a vision and business plan for Old Town through a collaborative, inclusive process with stakeholders from the entire community. If this is a goal — why did every business owner and property owner feel blindsided in March? 5. Strengthen and facilitate business relationships for economic development purposes. Are these business relationships from developers like Kimco or are some Mom and Pop sized businesses included. . 1. C Collaborate with Chamber of Commerce to strengthen city's relationship with local businesses. I went to the Chamber of Commerce office in March and they knew nothing about the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan. How did that happen? Can we trust our elected officials? Do we need to go to monthly meetings to find out what 1% percent of the activist part of society are expressing to the elected leaders? Our elected leaders go to statewide meetings and are deeply influenced by state "goals" for cities. I believe state offers financial assistance for behavior modification i.e. Handicap access and bike lames and possibly water conservation. It seems like elected officials all the way up the line like to "listen" to the people in the room and see how the government use government employees to solve a problem. Is it possible to listen and use their networking system to find private industry to solve the problem? Maybe government is creating more and more government jobs whose salaries are paid "by the people". We wouldn't have pension funding problems. Creating work for developers. It seems to me like the City Council likes to work in "broad strokes". The new acquisition development contracts like to work with major developers. Very little is done with and for individuals or small businesses. The big guys take the financial risk, develop to a set standard and pass the cost to the eventual owner/occupant. There is no room for John Q Public to hang his own shingle or build his own house. John Q must pay the "improved" price of the project. The renters of the business property must pay a landlord for the rest of their business life. Many small businesses create their retirement "nest egg" by owning real estate. The photos in the DCCSP look like 3 story buildings with new tenants, how are the established tenants supposed to feel? �,f_4�. How many opportunities are there for small business in the city? NFIB Small Biz Weekly NFIBWeekly@nfibweekly.bulletinmedia.com Are they all restaurant and fitness related? (or non- profit) What other goods and services can earn money? Tustin senior center seems to be a great community asset, how about a young people's house for dances, homework and general hanging out? How about a community amphitheater? Actually, the schools are building a lot of great spaces for "community rental". Gwen Masters Scooters Mailbox Cards and Gifts 3 60 r First `jt Tustin, CA 92780 7 j 4-669-0650 www.scootersmailbox.com Gwen Masters `j' cooters Mailbox Cards and Guts 360 E, First jt Tustin, CA 92780 714--669-0650 www.scootersmailbox.com OA L,e k., 5- From: Gomez, Rebecca Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 10:49 AM To: Parker, Jeffrey C.; West, Matt; Binsack, Elizabeth; Willkom, Justina; Stack, Doug; Ogdon, Dana Cc: Yasuda, Erica Subject: FW: Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan - First Street 'Road Diet' From: Wendy Hagmaier Jarvis [ Sent: Monday, June 11, 2018 10:10 PM To: CITY COUNCIL <CITYCOUNCIL@tustinca.org> Subject: Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan - First Street'Road Diet' ATTN: Mayor Al Murray, Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Gomez, Council Member Dr. Alllan Bernstein, Council Member Charles Puckett and Council Member Letitia Clark: We wanted to express our concern and displeasure that our Tustin City Council would even consider limiting traffic on First Street. I go to the Tustin Plaza Car Wash on Sundays. If I have to deal with increase traffic I can have my car washed at work (in Laguna Niguel) without the inconvenience. I also frequent the fast-food restaurants and Super Antojitos. Again, I can eat on my way home without the traffic nuisance. Ask Tony and Donna at AAA Family Gems how much tax revenue I personally generate at their store at the jewelry mart. We get 20% off all purchases at Rite Aid because we purchased so much last year. Actually, we've received this discount for several years. Again, other cities have Rite Aids that are very accessible. The Rite Aid on First and Newport only has limited access if you are not approaching from First Street. We also use First Street regularly to access Rutabegorz and the Armstrong Nursery. But to be honest, the Laguna Hills Nursery would be much more convenient if traffic is limited on First Street. Oh yeah, it's in Santa Ana. Tustin already has a lovely area which is easily accessible on foot. I frequently see Sondra Kollekcio Boutique and spend a veritable fortune at Ivy's. We enjoy living and shopping in Tustin. But to be honest, we don't need to tolerate inconvenience to shop here. Other cities make it much easier. You know what else makes me angry? I went to the City Council page looking for documentation on this proposal. I'm sure it's there SOMEWHERE, but I was unable to locate it. Fortunately, I was able to find it on another website. It says you want to 'Attract more patrons to support and strengthen businesses in Old Town.' Just how do you take your car to Big ,O tires ($999.84 spent 6/10/2018) on foot? This may be a well-intentioned idea, but we see the problems other cities have had with the kind if downtown area being proposed. You know, cities like Fullerton, where the battle between the haves cel -T -- and the have nots led the police department to beat a mentally ill man to death. Where drunk driving is just a way of life. We don't need that here. We urge you to vote against this change. Wendy and Bill Jarvis, Tustin, CA 92780 Le. {}e.r From: Jim Gilbertson [ Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 9:50 AM To: CITY COUNCIL <CITYCOUNCIL@tustinca.org> Subject: 1st St. Lane "Diet" This road "Diet" is about the most absurd thing I've heard in some time !! 11 strongly recommend you vote this down !!! I, James R. Gilbertson , Promise to NEVER spend 1 dime in ANY business located on 1St St. in Tustin, Ca. if this passes 111 This is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars, in addition to shuddering businesses along 1St St. Sincerely, James R. Gilbertson Tustin, Ca. Lir 7 From: Chuck Lewis[ Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 8:35 PM To: Clark, Letitia <LClark@tustinca.org> Subject: SUPPORT OF DCCSP!!!! Especially narrowing First Street and adding parking Dear Ms. Clark, I am very pleased the proposed DCCSP was approved by the Planning Commission and wanted to make sure you know I fully support the proposed plan. I am optimistic you will approve it as recommended; especially the portion where First Street reduces to one lane and parking is increased. As the owner of 661 W. First Street, the DCCSP plan (specifically 2.3.1.2) will directly and positivelX impact my building by enhancing my professional tenants' ability to meet client needs. Parking is areal challenge for us. My leaseholders are medical, dental, speech & language, and podiatry providers. The speech center, for example, experiences a surge in clients in the afternoon, which is when children are out of school. With a very limited number of providers in Tustin, this is an important business and parking is critical to its success. One impact on our parking, for example, comes from a translator business, operating on Yorba with many employees and little parking of their own --thus the employees there arrive early and park on all the open spaces on Myrtle. With much of the limited on -street parking soaked up by them, it adds to our challenge. I drove by my building at 7:15 on Monday morning, May 14, 2018, to count cars parked on the street. There were 16 total (see photo below), virtually filling Myrtle's available parking— which is nearly all the street parking for the entire city block (none on Irvine, none on Yorba, very few on First, and none due to the 55 freeway). With three large business centers in place, businesses on Yorba with limited street parking, a vacant parcel pending development in the back corner, and a large apartment complex packed with occupancy, any added parking in this general area is desperately needed. `;k 4 j. t;l�-tAYit tp##EYt.� �tiy be 4-?- 7 I ain aware that there is some vocal opposition by a few folks regarding First Street. It is my hope you will recognize the silent majority will benefit from this investment and the enhanced curb appeal in the area. I truly believe this plan to transform First Street into an exciting place to do business and encourage you approve it as presented. You have my support. I love the plan! With appreciation, Chuck Chuck Lewis Trustee of the Charles and Kathleen Lewis 2005 Trust 360 E. First Street. #198 Tustin, CA 92780 714-318-3137 cell Sent from Mail for Windows 10 L.e4,cr S From: Lee Hoffer [ Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 9:44 PM To: CITY COUNCIL <CITYCOU NCIL@tustinca.org> Subject: Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan Dear honorable members of the Tustin city council, I am deeply concerned with some aspects of the proposed Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan, mainly the reduction of First Street from four lanes to two. While I appreciate the need to make Old Town Tustin more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, there is also the need to keep traffic moving. Orange County is experiencing unprecedented growth, and increased traffic is an inevitable side effect of this growth. Reducing First Street to two lanes would dramatically increase traffic on all streets in Old Town Tustin and would also negatively impact the many automobile -centric businesses on First Street. I believe we should be implementing plans which help alleviate traffic and congestion and not create more of it. I would like you all to please consider keeping First Street the way it is. Thank you, Lee Hoffer Tustin, CA 92780 714-390-8742 L.e4er 9 From: Alex Rossel[ Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 6:07 PM To: CITY COUNCIL <CITYCOUNCIL@tustinca.org> Subject: Dear City Council, As a business owner at 661 W. First Street, I encourage you to approve the Downtown Commercial Core Draft Specific Plan. As the owner of two businesses on First Street, we are in constant need of parking at this end of the corridor due to the limited on -street spaces. This plan would add much needed parking, thus making our location more business friendly. It will also enhance the attractiveness of the area, which will help grow my business Please vote YES on the DCCDSP. Respectfully, Alexander Rossel 661 W First St, Suites A & G Tustin, CA 92780 Alexander R. 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