Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: MATTHEW BAUMGARDNER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY
ENGINEER
DATE: MAY 28, 2024
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING BEAUTIFICATION OF ALLEY OFF THE
EAST SIDE OF DOWNEY AVENUE BETWEEN FIRESTONE
BOULEVARD AND 2ND STREET
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider options for beautifying the alley off of the east side of Downey Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and 2nd Street in the downtown area. Staff is providing the option of adding planter boxes with attached trellises and poles staggered through the alley for outdoor patio string lights.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Discuss the options for beautifying the alley off of the east side of Downey Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and 2nd Street in the downtown area.
BACKGROUND
At its March 12, 2024 meeting, the City Council directed staff to return at a future meeting to discuss options for beautifying the small City-owned alley located off of the east side of Downey Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and 2nd Street. The alley i s approximately 55 feet in length and 20 feet in width and is currently bounded by two commercial properties, as shown in Attachment A. The existing alley was previously improved last year when overgrown shrubs were removed and replaced with concrete planters and low-growing fountain grass. The alley has access to irrigation for the existing planters on both sides and electricity from the pull box for the street light located just outside of the alley on Downey Avenue.
ANALYSIS
The options for improving the small alley include adding landscaping, lighting, as well as pressure washing the existing concrete pavement. It is staff’s understanding that one of the two walls in the alley is to have a mural commissioned by the Downtown Downey Improvement Association (DDIA). The opposite wall can be repainted with a clean neutral
APPROVED BY
CITY MANAGER