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AGENDA REPORT
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| | | | | | | | DATE:
| July 20, 2021
| TO:
| Mayor and City Council
| FROM:
| Stefan T. Chatwin, City Manager
| | SUBJECT: | Heart of Fairfield Plan Implementation Update
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| | | | | | | | | RECOMMENDED ACTION | | Receive and file report. |
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| | | | | | | | | STATEMENT OF ISSUE | | This report provides a brief overview of actions undertaken since April 20, 2021, the previous quarterly report to City Council on the implementation of the Heart of Fairfield Specific Plan (“Plan”). It also presents strategies to advance the Plan in the proceeding quarters and years to come. |
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| | | | | | | | | DISCUSSION | Staff is committed to presenting council with quarterly updates on the actions taken to implement the Plan as seen in the attached Implementation Action Plan Section of the Plan, and are providing the attached second quarter update of 2021 for review. To ensure clear presentation of the City’s actions with the Plan, the update numerically identifies the objectives outlined within the Plan under the following categories: Ongoing, Short-term, and Long-term Phases. Additionally, the updates briefly describe upcoming actions to further support the implementation of the specific Action Items from the following departments:
Economic Development
Economic Development continues to outreach to business owners through the Downtown Pulse, PBIA meetings, and individual communication. Staff have been expanding business support initiatives, coordinating with county business resources, and identifying opportunities to garner input from businesses to shape Downtown strategies.
Staff contracted with Gates + Associates to provide a portfolio of conceptual designs to improve the streetscape elements along Texas Street in the Heart of Fairfield. These improvements include enhancing landscaping, lighting, seating, furnishings, and various outdoor elements. The next step is to host two community meetings to obtain input for the designs.
The Farmers’ Market is currently active between the 700 and 800 block of Texas Street in downtown Fairfield. There are vendors for both produce and crafts, and staff designed a program to encourage downtown businesses to set-up their own booths at no cost.
Housing Services
Housing Services is moving forward with the preliminary plans for several housing developments located on Catalyst Sites within the Plan area. These proposed developments range in composition from three-lot subdivisions to large multifamily complexes.
The 1600 Woolner Development did not receive the tax credit allocation after submitting their application for 4% Tax Credit and Bonds. They are exploring alternative financing plans.
The Sem Yeto Development completed an appraisal and will distribute the Request for Qualification (RFQ) for a Developer Partner in July 2021.
Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation successfully coordinated the 4th of July Parade and Events / Activities. Staff is now preparing for the Tomato and Vine Festival for August 21-22, 2021.
Planning
Planning secured the design and materials for the Parklet Program which is designed to permit businesses the ability to extend their seating and service onto parts of the street. Two downtown businesses initially elected to participate in this program: Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom and Evelyn’s Big Italian Pizzeria. However, they have since opted out and Staff are re-strategizing on how to market them to other businesses.
Staff will present the Vibrant Vacancy Program to the council in September 2021. The ordinance draft will require property owners of vacant commercial buildings to utilize their vacant storefronts in creative ways until they are filled with tenants.
Public Works
Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the construction for the Allan Witt Park Renovation Project were completed. Public Works renovated the skate park and finished the dog park. Phase 3 will entail installing an all-inclusive and accessible playground by Q1 2022.
The Street Bollard Improvement Project, designed to facilitate quick and efficient street closures for various events, was completed. The Farmers’ Market and 4th of July Parade both benefited from the project. Remaining work includes the implementation of foldable signs that detour traffic during events. In concert with this project, staff began engagement with residents and businesses to identify circulation and parking opportunities for one-way streets earlier in April.
Construction on the West Texas gateway (FTC Slip Ramp) project began on April 5, 2021.
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| | | | | | | | | FINANCIAL IMPACT | | There is no direct financial impact to this update. However, subsequent Plan implementation actions are likely to have financial impacts that will be detailed when presented to council for consideration. |
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| | | | | | | | | PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION | N/A
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| | | | | | | | | ALTERNATIVE ACTION | | Council may provide staff with additional direction related to implementation of the Plan. |
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| | | | | | | | | STAFF CONTACT | David Gassaway, Assistant City Manager
(Community and Economic Development)
(707) 428-7398
dgassaway@fairfield.ca.gov
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| | | | | | | | | COORDINATED WITH | City Attorney's Office, Community Development Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works Department
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| REVIEWERS: | | Reviewer | Action | Date | | Gassaway, David | Approved | 7/7/2021 - 4:22 PM | | Alexander, Amber | Approved | 7/8/2021 - 2:01 PM | | Alexander, Amber | Approved | 7/8/2021 - 2:03 PM |
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