Comment No. Comment Staff Recommendation
SURVEY-1
If a Trader Joe’s or other lower cost grocery chain was added to Tower district I think it would change the whole area. It’s crazy to have to drive across town to access healthy foods at an affordable price. Also a public library is needed in the actual tower district. Gillis is too far and too small. Also parks in the areas that are not all rich people! Trolley park is great but that area already has lots of green space. We need more parks throughout the tower district Comment noted SURVEY-2
This beautiful neighborhood has so much potential. The day-to-day residence are such great polite people. We also put up with a lot. The homeless is getting out of control. How is it that there are so many cops yet so much crime down here. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-3
I most agree with the need for grocery stores that focus on healthy options. I strongly believe something like a Trader Joes or Sprouts would absolutely transform this entire area of town. A library would also be huge. Comment noted SURVEY-4
Clinton Ave:
a. Re-stripe to 3-lanes similar to Dakota, Gettysburg, Fruit etal collector streets. Residence fronting Clinton are seriously challenged when backing out of driveways. The widening of Clinton resulted in sub-standard width sidewalks. Provide bike lanes. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-5
I liked much of the plan. I do feel there was not enough done to address crime and the homeless, which is an obstacle to much of this plan. The circulation plan also seemed very strong, but some of those measures have been implemented in my area already and it is concerning that it has made matters worse. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-6
Gillis Branch library is located walking distance from many low income apartments up and down both Dakota and Palm. It would be a crime to move the branch away from residents who are less likely to have access to a car. Comment noted SURVEY-7
Overall, I love the ideas in the plan and think it will greatly serve our community! As someone who lives with their family in the Apartment House Overlay in the "Entertainment District", I would just like to reiterate that I hope efforts to curb noise pollution are implemented and enforced, as the nightlife can cause detrimental effects to mental health and quiet enjoyment. Comment noted
SURVEY-8
Great job. I can see you spent a lot of time and thought putting together the draft. Thank you.
Two minor points: you do mention Anthony Elementary once, but the other two times you name the elementary schools in the Tower, you omit it. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions SURVEY-9
Your outreach is abominable. The flyer you sent in the mail has a link that will allow you to make comments but not read the plan.
I would love to read the plan and I would love to make an informed contribution to the community, but there doesn’t seem to be a way to do that Comment noted
SURVEY-10
I have lived in the Tower district for 35 years, the Tower District Was doing just fine until the homeless were allowed to take over And run amok, when this happened there was trash everywhere, crime increased and became rampant and many businesses closed and went elsewhere. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
SURVEY-11
Please take action to remove the ECO World bins on Olive Ave. and Arthur. I live across from the burned building and their bin they placed there to replace the building. It is a magnet to the homeless and eye sore. People are constantly breaking into it and throwing the contents all over our yards. It is not a good area for this. It is just ugly. And the vandalism is daily. Comment noted SURVEY-12
I disagree with ANY planned changes that will infringe on existing property owners, particularly historic area property owners rights, freedoms, liberties. We are NOT an HMO! We own property here for the freedom, liberty that is part of the Tower! The Tower does not need more regulation to appease a few. Comment noted
SURVEY-13
I strongly support the creation of more bike lanes. I bike daily and need safe spaces to navigate my way north through the Tower District. I also support more speed bumps to slow vehicles on residential streets. Speeding has become a serious problem on my street (North Calaveras Street between Olive and McKinley). Comment noted SURVEY-14
Redesign of the northeast corner of N Van Ness and McKinley (FCC). Currently is a rounded corner intersection that does not prioritize pedestrian safety in a very traversed area. Cars often do not stop when making a right turn onto N. Van Ness from McKinley Ave.
Add trash receptacles along N. Van Ness throughout Van Ness Village. Highly pedestrianized area that can be made cleaner (possible dog waste stations) [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
SURVEY-15
Echo and McKinley needs a flashing pedestrian sign/light. We have lived at the corner of Peralta and Echo for just over two years, and there have been 4 pedestrian accidents in this vicinity, and at least two fatalities. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted EXHIBIT I: PUBLIC COMMENT MATRIX
Survey Monkey
SURVEY-16
What is being done to address the very visible drugs issue in tower? People are openly dealing and intoxicated on olive avenue every single day. So dangerous and damaging to the community!! Comment noted SURVEY-17
Unfortunately I was unable to attend the meeting you held at the Big Red Church, but I am vested in this community as I have lived here close to 9 years. I get the painting of the crosswaljs, but that does not do for other problems we have here. The first week of June, car thieves went up and down our street on Farris, breaking into cars trying to steal them and succeded by stealing and destroying mine. Between that and all the homeless and people shooting up in plain sight, our neighborhood needs help. Comment noted SURVEY-18 Please consider the vacant lots on the east side of Van Ness and Home as future parks. Comment noted SURVEY-19
Hi, I live in and tower and own multiple rental properties here as well. Please take seriously an effort to add more green spaces for our residents. Also, the streets are unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists due to reckless and speeding drivers. Please ensure leaders are taking action on this. Many of us are disapoointed wiht our representees, Miguel Arias', lack of action. Comment noted SURVEY-20
Regarding a library, the draft states, “the community has been working with Fresno County Public Library district to create a new branch, relocate an existing one, or enhance the quality of the Gillis Library Branch…”. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-21
1. Spectrum Art Gallery and similar businesses that have recessed doorways or alcoves should be able to install security gates to prevent homeless campouts that risk fire or other damage. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-22
The Olive commercial district has two very different realities. There is the thriving Olive East of Palm and then there is the Olive west of Palm. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
SURVEY-23
As a business owner on North Van Ness, the biggest concern among other small businesses in the area is parking. We lost a huge percentage of our parking with the installation of the new bike lanes. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-24 Producers Dairy submitted public comment to Adrienne via email on 8/9/24 in PDF format. Comment noted SURVEY-25
TDP (1991) page 1-12 reads; A citizens task force is recommended to serve as an implementation Committee...". Question; in addition to the task force, which I assume to be the committee, are there any plans for localize groups? [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-26
Bear in mind that marginalized individuals aren't expected to have quick fixes for the complex issues they didn't cause simply because of their struggles. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
SURVEY-27
What if drafts of this plan erred on the side of inclusion and involved more marginalized people, groups, and organizations in its foundation instead of after the fact? Comment noted
SURVEY-28
Regarding the racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, and xenophobic history of Fresno, there is a cause for every effect. And if we are to understand and heal these effects, it's crucial to understand the causes. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-29
"4.4 Public Schools and Libraries
While the Tower District has no public library branch at this time, the community has been working with Fresno County Public Library district to create a new branch, relocate an existing one, or enhance the quality of the Gillis Library Branch, located on west Dakota Avenue that currently serves the District. A new library would be not just a community amenity and educational resource, but could be designed to serve as a community center and could house a museum on Tower District history." (pg. 83) [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
SURVEY-30
One of the ways that the new Tower District Specific Plan can help our community is to be provide long term and short term goals. I know that it is unreasonable to think that my neighborhood (Palm/Clinton) will receive a park within a year or two, but it would be useful if it pulled from its city resources to communicate to the public how realistic it would take for a new park to be built in our community. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted SURVEY-31 History without discomfort is propaganda. Don’t be so afraid to talk about Fresno’s injustices like redlining. Comment noted Comment No.
LOUIE-1
I am one of the owners of the property that my family bought in 1979. I would like to register my opposition to the Tower District Specific Plan Neighborhood Mixed- Use.
Specifically, I am against the necessity of being forced to apply for a conditional use permit for a similar tenant if one of our current tenants vacates.
Further, our lot in and of itself, is not big enough to be redeveloped into a multi mixed used property. This plan will substantially reduce the future value of this property. Comment noted Comment No.
Carrie Woong Louie
Ethel Chan Woong
Comment
Comment
WOONG-1
Our family bought this property in 1979. I would like to register my opposition to the Tower District Specific Plan Neighborhood Mixed- Use. Specifically, I am against the necessity of being forced to apply for a conditional use permit for a similar tenant if one of our current tenants vacates.
Further, our lot in and of itself, is not big enough to be redeveloped into a multi mixed used property. This plan will substantially reduce the future value of this property. Comment noted Comment No.
MORALES-1 The plan captures what I and other residents would like to see in the District. The Plan honors the established zoning. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment No.
RAYMOND-1 Page 32 - an egregious marginalizing of a business woman!!!! [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions RAYMOND-2 Page 37 CHP 1.5 Evaluate designation of potential resources in the public right of way. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted RAYMOND-3
Consider putting the brass plaque that was on the Belmont underpass (torn out for high-speed rail) in this museum. What ever happened to that plaque? It stated the construction was done by the Thompson Bros Co. Comment noted RAYMOND-4
Land use section
It mentions proposed zoning changes for the Wilson Island on a map but in the list of recommendations there is no mention of pursuing that expeditiously to preserve the historic character of this district. Comment noted
Comment No. Comment
SHRAGGE-1 I would like to register my opposition to the Tower District Specific Plan Neighborhood Mixed-Use. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment No.
BILINGUE-1
The plan calls on the City to work with and seek input from residents, property owners, small and large businesses to help capture the essence of what everyone would like to see in the District, which we applaud. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted BILINGUE-2
Radio Bilingüe’s target communities include the long-standing lower-income Latino residents in the central and southern parts of the city of Fresno, our focus on locating a new studios/offices site have included the Tower District and the corridors on Belmont and Cesar Chavez Boulevard. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment No.
STCLT INTRO-1 “The District’s vitality extends to its residential neighborhoods.” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT INTRO-2
a. Recommendation: Revise the Light Industrial hatching to include current industrial land uses.
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT INTRO-3 Page 13. Figure 1.5. This information could be improved with more context. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT INTRO-4 Page 14. The last paragraph on this page is the one that best explains why Tower is special and means so much to people. We appreciate this framing. Comment noted STCLT INTRO-5
with those figures, it is difficult to make accurate health and equity policy interventions. Including more intentional narrative connecting to the maps and analysis. Comment noted STCLT INTRO-6
in the plan there is an analysis of issues that have remained, changed or emerged. a. Recommendation: Add a list of or matrix of issues that have changed over time. Comment noted STCLT INTRO-7
estate professionals, affordable housing developers, land trusts, social service providers, and the local transit agency.” a. Question: Does “residents’ representatives” mean Councilmembers? It’s a slightly awkward way to phrase this if so. Recommend Hugo Morales
Jeannine Raymond
Comment
South Tower Community Land Trust
Comment
Comment
Comment
Harmon Shragge
Radio Bilingue, Inc.
STCLT INTRO-8 Page 16. It feels like there is a huge piece missing from this section and the rest of the Plan. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT INTRO-9
possible” refers more to a vague vision of equality rather than the process of corrective investment adn policy required to improve health and reverse inequities. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions
STCLT INTRO-10
a. Access to health services and education are critical pieces missing from this 6 part framework. Comment noted STCLT INTRO-11 Page 22. 6 Safety seems like a catch all for disparate social determinants of health. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT INTRO-12
were determined by the Implementation Committee at the start of this planning process. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Commented noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT INTRO-13
included in the final plan.” [SEE FULL COMMENT]
Commented noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT INTRO-14
useful tool to the Committee to continue their work in implementing the Plan. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Commented noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT HP-1
While this Chapter does a nice job of celebrating the historic quality of the Tower District, it does not have any discussion of the historic decisions that have created disparities between different neighborhoods and therefore does not have any discussion on how we can look at historic conservation through an equity lens. [SEE FULL COMMENT]
Commented noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT HP-2
development.
a. Recommendation: Add information about Rosanna Cooper Wilson to this paragraph.
Commented noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT HP-3
With regards to the historic districts, beautiful as they are, it is interesting to note that the districts that were adopted coincide with the districts that previously held racial covenants. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT HP-4 The 1991 Plan noted the historic value of the Grain Silos and this Update misses an opportunity for placemaking at that site. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT HP-5 Page 33. Figure 2.2 does not show the Bungalow Courts as a thematic district. Comment noted STCLT HP-6
a. Recommendation: Add an example photo for the Courts Thematic District.
Commented noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT HP-7
District not in the Tower with conceptual massing designed by Kiel Lopez-Schmidt for Granville Homes the roof line reflects the mid-century modern design of Tokyo Gardens next door) could be replaced with a better example in the Tower. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT HP-8
a. Recommendation: Conduct the analysis and share the results. Recommend with revisions STCLT HP-9
symbol of the community and to keep it in the public realm. a. Recommendation: Add a policy to explicitly protect the Tower Theatre as a community asset. Recommend with revisions STCLT HP-10
discussed in this Update.
a. Recommendation: Include information and policy to uplift these special landscape corridors. Recommend with revisions STCLT HP-11 Page 36. CHP 1.2 “Encourage the character of infill development to be compatible within its historic context… [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT HP-12
a. Question: Why are some areas listed as (proposed), but the last two are not? [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT HP-13
CHP 3.
a. Recommendation: Move CHP 2.3 and CHP 2.4 to Objective CHP 3 and renumber accordingly. Comment noted STCLT HP-14
through appropriate modernization and adaptive reuse.” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT HP-15
historic properties, districts and renters. Recognize that California law has eliminated discretionary authority over the review of qualifying multifamily housing and residential solar projects and that, in such instances, objective standards may be needed to maintain compatibility.” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT HP-16
a. Recommendation: “Create standards and guidance to Eencourage the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.” Comment noted STCLT HP-17
effectively implemented. [SEE FULL COMMENT]
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-1 Land Use is a critical area for the implementation of health and equity. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT LU-2 Additionally, the Central Valley Cheese Building has been a point of land use contention. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT LU-3
a. Question: Does the existing land use map add to the chapter or would having the existing General Plan Planned Land Uses be more helpful in context of the proposed changes? Recommend with revisions
STCLT LU-4 Page 48. Top Community Priorities for Housing and Businesses [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT LU-5
FULL COMMENT]
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-6 Page 50. Figure 3.2. The Planned Land Use map does not clarify that it is the proposed land uses, not the current General Plan Land Uses. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT LU-7
a. Update the map to shore the areas where the AH Overlay already applies.
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-8
Tower. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions
STCLT LU-9
“entertainment” uses, in the Tower. Comment noted
STCLT LU-10
neighborhood. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
STCLT LU-11 Page 56. Figure 3.5 Access to Jobs. There is no discussion in the narrative about this map. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT LU-12 Page 64. LU 2 “Retain and expand the existing inventory of affordable housing in the Tower District and discourage displacement of its residents.” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT LU-13
a. Recommendation: Conduct the analysis and share the results. Comment noted STCLT LU-14 Page 65. LU 2.2 “Enable development of well-designed “missing middle” housing within single-family and other areas. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-15 Page 66. Policy LU 2.3 and its following text are discussing two separate issues and should be two distinct policies. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT LU-16
a. Recommendation: “Provide building rehabilitation programs or and encourage community land trusts (CLTs) and/or forms of collective ownership to revitalize existing buildings for affordable housing.”
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-17 Page 66. LU 2.5 “Encourage the application of citywide anti-displacement policies within the Tower District. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-18
district. [SEE FULL COMMENT]
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-19
where justified by TDM measures (see Chapter 6) and anticipated parking demand, and provide greater flexibility in addressing private open space requirements. [SEE FULL COMMENT]
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-20
COMMENT]
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-21 Page 68. LU 3.6 “Proactively identify underutilized parcels for affordable housing and mixed-use development where appropriate. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT LU-22
currently. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions
STCLT LU-23 Page 69. LU 4.5 “Encourage grocery stores that offer fresh produce and other healthful foods. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT LU-24
FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
STCLT LU-25
and strategies to ensure code compliance. Appropriate noise mitigation approaches will be proposed.” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT LU-26
a. Recommendation: “Encourage increased police presence at night and during major events Employ various strategies to ensure safety at night and during major events.
Strategies may include increased police presence, but should prioritize other methods that are community based.” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT LU-27
a. Recommendation: Include more information about this program and the proposed adjustments in the narrative of the chapter. Recommend with revisions STCLT LU-28
going commercial area marketing, organization of festivals and other events, enhanced landscape maintenance and sidewalk cleaning, graffiti abatement, and other beneficial programs.” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
STCLT LU-29
include buffering using landscaping and trees, also see policies in Chapter 4: Circulation. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-30
LU 6.2 Allow light industrial uses to have neighborhood-serving retail. a. Question: Do they not already? Which specific use is not currently allowed? This policy may be unnecessary. Comment noted STCLT LU-31 Page LU 6.3 As written, this policy is toothless as it does not say what is to be done after monitoring the data. Comment noted STCLT LU-32
Circulation.” [SEE FULL COMMENT]
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT LU-33 Page 71. LU 7 There is nothing currently in the Plan that identifies the subdistricts of the Tower nor what their needs are. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT LU-34 LU 7.1 Consider naming Olive Avenue in this policy as well. Recommend with revisions STCLT MAP ALT-1
The current proposed Planned Land Use map makes some adjustments to promote more vibrant commercial corridors, added housing capacity, and alignment with some existing uses, however, it does not do enough to designate more park space in an area that is significantly park-deficient, nor does it do enough to promote the revitalization of the Belmont Corridor. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT TRUCK TA-1
The Draft Update does not do enough to remedy the issue of truck parking uses. This was uplifted both by community members concerned about the pollution, impact on streets and street safety as well as by business interests who expressed desire for efficient and safe operations. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT PARKS-1
Note that the chapter title and the Table of Contents do not match. The Table of Contents calls this chapter “Parks and Open Spaces.” a. Recommendation: Update the titles to match. Recommend STCLT PARKS-2
a. Recommendation: Replace “Planned Parks” with “Future Park” and correct the spelling of Dickey Playground. Recommend with revisions STCLT PARKS-3 Page 78 and Page 79. Figures 4.2 and 4.3 Focus on the Tower District instead of the whole city and ensure the images are not blurry and ADA accessible. Recommend with revisions STCLT PARKS-4
from the 1991 Plan and there is also a missing opportunity to promote the adaptive reuse of the Grain Silos as a public plaza. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
STCLT PARKS-5
from public streets.” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend
STCLT PARKS-6
a. Recommendation: Conduct the analysis and share the results. Comment noted STCLT PARKS-7
a. Recommendation: Revise the policy to focus on utilizing a variety of safety measures, one option of which can be more police presence.
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT CIRC-1 Page 92. It would be helpful to explain how the Plan uses walkable to mean accessible. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT CIRC-2
a. Recommendation: Add information about the City’s Complete Streets policy and how it is applied in the context of the Tower. Recommend with revisions STCLT CIRC-3 Page 96. 5.4 Placemaking and Streets. This section is well-written and highlights the vision of how placemaking for Tower’s streets can enhance quality of life. Comment noted STCLT CIRC-4
to Fruit Avenue and south to Belmont Avenue. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT CIRC-5
FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions
STCLT CIRC-6 Page 107. Figure 5.5 Because the central portion of Olive has limited right of way, it may make sense to reconsider that stretch as a Class III Bike Lane. Comment noted STCLT CIRC-7 Page 108. Two points are missing in this section. The first is the realization that the Tower is lacking in safe and convenient east/west connections. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT CIRC-8
COMMENT]
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT CIRC-9
generating truck traffic, and does not have any discussion on the current impacts of truck traffic. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions STCLT CIRC-10
example of a parking district is downtown Orange. Comment noted STCLT CIRC-11 Page 115. Question: Regarding truck circulation, would Belmont be impacted by trucks using it to access the 180 ramps at Fulton and Van Ness? Comment noted STCLT CIRC-12
a. Recommendation: Conduct the analysis and share the results. Comment noted STCLT CIRC-13
as a new on under this Objective.
a. Recommendation: Add shaded pathways in policy language. Recommend with revisions STCLT CIRC-14
a. Recommendation: Add more information about universal accessibility, mobility hubs, etc. in the narrative of this chapter. Recommend with revisions STCLT CIRC-15
a. Recommendation: “Improve transit waiting areas with better shelters, shade structures, seating, and real-time arrival information.” Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT CIRC-16
to make improvements. Comment noted
STCLT CIRC-17
a. Recommendation: “Address roadway motorist needs and potential impacts from vehicles during special events.” b. This policy discusses cut-through traffic, but it’s not mentioned in the narrative. Cut-through traffic was also reportedly occurring after the bike lanes were installed.
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT CIRC-18
a. Recommendation: Add more specific actions and interventions to this policy aside from initiating another study. Recommend with revisions STCLT CIRC-19 Page 122. C 6.2 Evaluate demand and location for bicycle parking. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT CIRC-20 Page 122. C 6.3 Surface parking fronting major streets. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT CIRC-21
a. C 7.2 could fit under Conservation and Historic Preservation. b. C 7.4 is similar to the Green Alleys policy. Comment noted STCLT CIRC-22 Page 124. C 8 Policies under this Objective might be better placed under Public and Open Spaces rather than in Circulation. Comment noted STCLT CIRC-23
Olive and Belmont Avenues and in the South Tower neighborhood…” [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
STCLT UT-1
these are, where they are located, how they impact the ability of the District to grow, nor any proposed solutions to improve them. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT UT-2
of new housing units, including ADUs. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted STCLT UT-3
6.4 Solid Waste - Trash enclosure requirements for commercial and multifamily residential or mixed use projects can be a barrier to designing quality urban site plans. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
STCLT UT-4
Broadband internet access is a key equity issue.
a. Recommendation: Identify areas of Tower District that lack broadband access. Work with broadband providers to encourage full coverage. Comment noted STCLT IMPL-1
The Plan should include an implementation chapter to bring a sense of closure to the document and to be practically used as a tool for the Committee and community members to make strides on implementing the Plan. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment No.
WATKINS-1
The most important point of the TDSP is to preserve the historical character of the Tower neighborhoods and our “Main Street” - Olive, enhancing our unique community. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
WATKINS-2
How will this huge and on-going “street-people” problem be reflected into the Tower District Plan? Including strategies and tactics? Remember, this is an involved community of walkers, bike riders (tricycles!) and pets - and many, voting, home-owning senior citizens! Comment noted WATKINS-3
Important additions to the beloved Tower community - universally desired among residents: ~Much more police presence - squad cars in neighborhoods and bike cops on Olive and Van Ness. (***See “homeless” problems above). Comment noted WATKINS-4 Add a branch Library - a long-empty furniture store is perfect, on Olive at Vagedes. Even has a parking lot! Many “new library” volunteers available. Comment noted Suzanne Watkins
Comment
WATKINS-5
~Higher-end Tower grocery store - corner of Palm/Olive or Van Ness/Olive or on a larger site on or near Belmont? Plus, these empty lots are an eyesore with a lot of drug dealing (***). Recruit retail businesses to the Tower! Comment noted WATKINS-6
~Fix the streets, curbs and holes in sidewalks. A lot of elderly walk on the sidewalks; some sidewalks are dangerous, uneven from street tree roots. Speed bumps to slow down the cross traffic on residential streets. Comment noted WATKINS-7
~The alleys (especially in the Adoline/Palm Historic area). Street-people use the alleys for trash dumps, camps and toilets.(***). (Tactic: Deed the stillexisting alleys to property owners on each alley border. That was done on Stafford and Harrison Aves. in the 50’s - problem solved for the city!) Comment noted WATKINS-8 ~Designate more Historic Districts in the Tower. (I’m willing to work on an Adoline-Palm Historic committee, and have historic preservation experience). Comment noted Comment No.
BUS-1
As local business owners in the Fresno Tower area, we are writing to express our support for maintaining the industrial zoning within the Tower District. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
Comment No.
PROD-1 Page 12 - Figure 1.4 Community Character [SEE FULL COMMENT] See Committee reco PROD-2
districts that have not been formally listed or designated in the intervening years. The identified potential historic districts include South of Belmont, West of Broadway. [SEE FULL COMMENT]
Comment noted. See
Committee recommendation
PROD-3 Page 47 - Figure 3.1 Existing Land Use [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted PROD-4
district. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Recommend with revisions
PROD-5 Page 70 - LU 6.1 Maintain industrial zoning for existing industrial uses, while striving to mitigate their negative effects on residential areas. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted PROD-6 Page 113 - Deteriorating Air Quality Narrative [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment No.
FLORES-1 Out of 200,000 folks - outreach is only 1.6%. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted FLORES-2 Where is the community outreach plan? Comment noted FLORES-3
What neighborhoods were served?
When they went door to door, what did they do? Engage or drop off flyers? Comment noted FLORES-4 Apartment Overlay [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted FLORES-5 What is housing plan? Are you planning eminent domain? Comment noted FLORES-6 Add page numbers Comment noted
FLORES-7
APN's concerned about:
450-20-203, 225, and 224 Business owners have long range plans Comment noted Comment No.
CORDS-1
Thanks again for taking the time to talk with me about the proposed NMX zoning yesterday and for providing the text of the zoning. I’ve discussed it with my partners in the ownership of the building, and we are opposed to the change in zoning, if it proceeds further than this initial study. Comment noted Comment No.
ZAMORA-1
I completely oppose to this and would like to meet in this regards. I put alot of work into getring my zoning changed so I could get my Car Dealer license and have future plans for this properties with a CG zoning. Comment noted Comment No.
Comment
Diana Diehl
Comment
Comment
Comment
Producers Dairy
Comment
Lisa Flores
Comment
Doug Cords
Industrial Businesses
Marco Zamora
DIEHL-1
So when I read that the City of fresNo was looking for neighborhood input to reduce the impact of The Entertainment District on the residents, I got pretty excited.
Because it's easy to be positive about the benefits of mixed use when you're not the one paying market rent (or a mortgage) to listen to the coffee shop's kitchen radio at 4 o'clock in the morning, and it looked like the City was finally going to recognize the negative impact that business can have on residents and was seeking much-needed compromise for those of us who live adjacent. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted DIEHL-2
Residential quiet zones - large posted signs delineate the noisy commercial area from the residential. Tourists aren't "forbidden" to park/walk but are encouraged to be considerate. Resident concerns are considered equal to business concerns and there are expectations that business also practices compromise. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-3
No delivery trucks - that sounds great, because we're still learning how industrial pollution negatively affects health disparately in poor communities, but I'm not sure there's any other way to deliver to the businesses on Olive. Comment noted DIEHL-4
No idling - that would be awesome; we get so many idlers. AirBnB or apartment dwelling smokers who want heat or aircon (City ordinance 10-2002), unhoused car campers, people waiting for the recording studio, people waiting for the performers, people waiting for the event venue, Olive nightlife and event venue party cars, Lyfts and Ubers waiting for their next pickup, late night/early morning speakerphone calls, for some fully unknown reason a lot of people stop on our street to eat lunch/dinner in their cars. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-5
Traffic calming - many other cities recognize the high impact and REALLY discourage the impact of business/tourist traffic on nearby residents. Speed limits, speed humps, no turns, roads blocked into cul-de-sacs. Producers and La Tapatia truck their product out, the Olive strip trucks inventory and tourists in. The entire Tower business model relies on traffic. With the primary entertainment in Tower being traveling from Drinking Place To Drinking Place, this seems like a safety issue as well as the negative impact on quality of life. What's the plan to limit the impact of nightlife traffic on residents, and how will it be enforced? [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-6
Trash issues - the City mentioned starting a BPID to possibly fund extra trash cans but these cans aren't for the benefit of "business". They benefit everyone. Visitors, taxpayers, every business. And the only reason they are needed at all is because the City's policies and decisions have concentrated too many high-impact commercial business uses right next door to neighborhoods that have existed for over a hundred years. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-7
Public restrooms are an issue. A big issue. The age of Tower buildings mean that their restrooms are small and non ADA compliant. Having street vendors naturally encourages more time in the street and more street crowds. The lack of proper facilities mean that many visitors are exposing themselves in public and trespassing, and once again, nearby residents are left to clean up Tower nightlife mess, but this time it's also a biohazard. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-8
Policing - most cities seem to find congregated drunken pedestrians and those who prey upon them a serious concern. The meetings repeatedly mention that mixed use is good for "having eyes" on business for security reasons, but this just makes residents unpaid security. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-9
Parking - every touristy area seems to handle parking differently though they all do have a parking plan; what is the plan for Tower? At one meeting, a subcommittee member mentioned officially addressing the parking on the shared schools issue because on game nights she can't park in front of her own house and I'm wondering how other Tower residents can get in on that? Because the former antique store is now a four-hundred person event venue with only 20 parking spaces that are shared with 4 other businesses. And the 14-unit apartments where half the tenants were car-free and used the public transit FAX stop right out front, is now an airbnb with 19 units, zero off-street parking, and multiple cars per unit. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-10
Consideration for commercial use immediately adjacent to residential; limited hours, limited low-impact uses. One of the public speakers at an early meeting mentioned that she thought it would be nice to have a "cobbler shop" a "couple doors down." Great! But I noticed that she DIDN'T say "next door". Next door bears the brunt. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-11
There's always going to be a border between residential and business/commercial, and they will always have slightly competing interests - peaceful enjoyment and property values vs the "right to make a living however I see fit!" How the City treats that border affects residents far more than commercial, but the topics of these meetings don't seem to find any distinction between Olive-adjacent and Olive-distant. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted DIEHL-12
The City continues redlining by promoting the wealthier areas like Porter Tract, Wilson Island, Wilson North, etc., when fresNo owes so much to her working class and little neighborhoods like Bloomington and the Dunbar Tracts. And while promoting Porter/Wilson and at long last acknowledging the impact of industrial and commercial on south Tower, the City also rezones the houses of Dunbar Tract to "main street commercial" - I was horrified to see in the presentations that Dennett and Yosemite were as commercially-purple as Olive. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted DIEHL-13
There is history everywhere one cares to look in Tower, not just on the north side of Olive: Dunbar Tracts were platted in the 1890s and had curbs and sidewalks by 1909, 831 Dennett was the Dunbar residence. 858/856 Dennett was built in 1938 by noted locals Taylor and Wheeler. 806 has been owned by the Crill family since 1953. 811 was built by Henry Gede in 1912 for Dr. Frank McMahon, "prominent fraternal man"; Chris P. Jensen, elected Fresno County Surveyor in 1919 lived there until his death in 1937. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-14
The City mentions "equity" in nearly every powerpoint; where is the equity in that? The City mentions not wanting to repeat the mistakes of the past"; how is this not exactly that? Rezoning 100+ year-old houses to commercial does not solve the problem; there will ALWAYS be a house next to a business in Tower. The houses were there first. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-15
It is ironic that these same meetings that discuss removing commercial zoning and its negative effects from South Tower residential are apparently ADDING commercial zoning to Olive-adjacent South Tower residential, instead of removing the noncompatible business use sites that were inflicted on Tower residents during fresNo's corrupt developer years. The City also talks about needing more housing; it seems clear that with the decreasing need for small offices/retail sites that these can quickly be flipped to housing since they are already located among residences anyway. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-16
The Commercial Main Street designation seems to mean "anything goes unless you need a liquor license" but with no apparent limits on business types and no definition of or prohibition of a "nuisance", what options are open to neighbors at that point? The standard California real estate seller disclosure forms describe a lot of Tower's unrestricted business activity and this literally affects our property values: "litter" "odor" "noise" "restaurants" "generators" "parking congestion" "entertainment facilities" "parades or fairs", etc. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted DIEHL-17
Unless the City plans to put itself into the business of mediating disturbing activities, the CMS designation looks like it will be pretty much anything goes. I see the benefit to commercial, they will have fewer restrictions on location, and I see the benefit to the City, they won't have to worry about enforcement, but where is the benefit to residents? Where is the reduced impact on residents that the City told us was the reason for this plan? Comment noted DIEHL-18
What is the plan for enforcement of the limited impact? Self-reporting? The honor system? The current frustratingly ineffective "wait to see if a neighbor complains so many times that we can no longer ignore them", because nearly every Tower resident has a story about calling the City without receiving an appropriate response? Or will the City actually take affirmative, proactive steps - decibel meters, parking enforcement, increased patrols to address the crime the "entertainment district" brings its residents? [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-19
Feels like the City is very much changing the nature of the neighborhood by greatly expanding the impact of the business aspect, even as you say we desperately need more housing, and is just going through these motions while planning to continue to ignore resident concerns. And it's frustrating, because you're literally telling us you're planning to make this historic neighborhood a weekend party event center, and I've seen that the City understands how events impact nearby residents when it's Woodward Park concerts or Christmas Tree Lane or the Big fresNo Fair. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
DIEHL-20
Park space: we've lost access to Roeding, we've lost park space to the zoo & HSR. Given that the City has devalued that area by letting that little neighborhood crash and deteriorate around people's homes, the City should buy those few remaining houses across from the tennis courts and convert them to a public use or donate to a community group that serves the unhoused. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted DIEHL-21
Where feasible, alleyways should be returned to the adjacent homeowner. Until fresNo gets her unhoused issues under control, "green alleys" as park space invites trouble directly to homeowners and residents. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted DIEHL-22 Incentivize converting nonconforming or problematic business locations into housing where feasible with grants. Comment noted DIEHL-23 Incentivize resident-friendly mitigation and updates for business with grants. Comment noted Diehl-24
Require securing vacant buildings or vacant property from unhoused campers. Require securing commercial garbage and dumpsters from vandalism and theft. I fully understand why people are picking out recyclables but the nuisance is that this overnight practice is often a cover for other types of theft, and the process is noisy and messy and concentrated in a small area, the people who come to pick cans on Olive often leave a noticeable trail through the residential areas.
Comment noted
DIEHL-25
Recognize during this plan update process that our bedrooms and living spaces are often only feet from the road or the public sidewalk. It's the nature of the historic neighborhood. And in the City's perpetual game of "the (airport, train tracks, mall, freeway) was there first!" we were already here.
Comment noted
DIEHL-26
Recognize and address light trespass from the installation of the (very needed) security lighting in Tower, the lighting for commercial buildings should NOT be lighting up residences. Dark Sky initiatives are a thing. Comment noted DIEHL-27
Address the number of problematic transitional/halfway/care/boarding homes that are concentrated in Tower. A notice and complaint process for problematic residents that are affecting neighbors. Comment noted
DIEHL-28
It's a free country so landlords can rent to anyone and people can live anywhere, but it would be nice if landlords were encouraged to commit to not renting to gangbangers and other problematic individuals. Maybe create a City process to track and address the neighborhood nuisances. Comment noted DIEHL-29
A discovery and followup process for City business licenses in Tower. I have learned though experience that Tower business owners are often vocal about the benefit to Tower that they believe their business brings, but they don't actually hold a City business license to operate. How can the City ensure their business activities are compliant when the City doesn't even know they exist? This is unfair to those who are operating under their City license.
Comment noted
DIEHL-30
The cost of policing the rowdy area the City is creating here should be factored in up front. There was already drinking and nightlife, then the City added mobile vendors, who apparently don't have the same noise restrictions as brick and mortar establishments and serve beverages but don't have restrooms. The City's decision to allow free for all drinking brings rowdy traffic and rowdy behavior, none of the plan seems to address any of that.
Comment noted
Comment No.
ZAMORA-1
I am writing again to express my strong opposition to the proposed zoning change for 322 & 340 E. Belmont, from current CG Commercial General zoning to CMS Commercial Main Street. The CG zoning suits me well for future plans and leasing. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment No.
COHEN-1 Do not make it hard to park. I have stopped doing business in cities where it is inconvenient or expensive to park. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted COHEN-2 Public transportation needs to go directly to the rider’s destination. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted COHEN-3 Only install bike lanes if they will actually be used by people trying to get somewhere. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment No.
PUB-1
Health and Equity section avoids racial equity
Concerns over downzoning areas regarding racial equity
No mention of health and equity impacts
Concern over truck traffic Comment noted
PUB-2
No mention of how plan will address unhoused community
Want a grocery store and library in Tower Comment noted PUB-3
Plan fails to address inequity in South Tower
Plan does not give tools to address public housing (affordable housing) Comment noted PUB-4
How was the committee formed?
Want more open space opportunities
Question on how community members can continue engaging on events in the Tower District Comment noted Comment No.
PUB-1
Received a letter regarding the change in land use on his property He initially changed the zoning of property and its proposed now for CMS, not in agreement with the change in zoning [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
PUB-2
Problem is with text and maps not zoning
Need to reflect whats on the ground and especially when it comes to industrial uses Residential uses zoned industrial: [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted PUB-3
Thank you for comments and skepticism, mad at certain parts of plan and appreciate trying to be part of the solution
Would rather move forward slowly then move backwards faster [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted PUB-4
Had hopes of this plan and this plan does not address issues with South Tower Broken promises in plan, need to find ways of adding housing to the neighborhoods [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment
Peter Cohen
Comment
7/30 ICM Public Comment
Comment
8/20 ICM Public Comment
Comment
Marco Zamora #2
PUB-5
With producers dairy
Has been conducting one on one meetings with residents and businesses to actively work with community [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
PUB-6
In his experience, everyone wants to slow traffic in their neighborhood and speed it up somewhere else
Also in his experience everyone wants to create more housing opportunities, just not in their neighborhood [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted
PUB-7
Thank you for trying to get this plan as perfect as possible Want to thank the chairperson for his passion on parks section [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted PUB-8
In land use policy if it could be stated any where that we want mixed use for the purpose for a museum and library annex or a library and a museum Wants more strength behind desire for a library throughout the entire document Comment noted Comment No.
PUB-1 Are dual designations just for park and public open space or park, public open space, and public facility? Comment noted PUB-2 Would like to be able to participate in adding a mother-in-law unit and asked if the Committee received training. Comment noted Comment No.
PUB-1
Highlighted the importance of integrating parks and public facilities into schools, advocate for safe access to schools and enhance sidewalks, emphasized the need to focus on infrastructure for infill. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted PUB-2 Want to discuss the Committee’s recommendation to rezone legal non-conforming uses, which Producers does not support. [SEE FULL COMMENT] Comment noted Comment No.
PUB-1
Dropping off an alternative land use map for consideration which is based off staffs recommendation and South Tower public comment letter. Will drop off a copy to staff and submit a comment to Council. Blue areas are staffs recommendation, magenta areas are community alternatives. Also requesting dual designation of park sites. Comment noted 9/17 Public Comment
Comment
9/3 ICM Public Comment
Comment
9/9 ICM Public Comment
Comment