CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING – COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GRACEY VAN DER MARK, MAYOR PRO TEM
CASEY MCKEON, CITY COUNCILMEMBER
DATE: DECEMBER 20, 2022
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO PAUSE THE MAIN STREET REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND SOLICIT
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY FEEDBACK PRIOR TO RECONSIDERING THE PROJECT
On November 16, 2021, the City Council provided direction to staff to undertake a redesign of the first, second and third blocks of Main Street in Downtown Huntington Beach. On November 1, 2022, the City Council directed staff to proceed from the resultant schematic design to design development drawings for the Main Street Streetscape design for the first, second and third blocks of Main Street.
In between these two actions, the City introduced the Downtown Dreamin’ process in August 2022, which added a new level of community engagement in the redesign process for Main Street. Prior to this, and to this day, comments from the community include that many don't like the idea of redesigning Main Street at all, while others have insisted that there is a need for more opportunities in order to develop consensus on the Main Street redesign. While much work has occurred to date and before additional investment in planning and design occurs, it is important to take a pause and resume community engagement to ensure that a) the community supports the idea of a Main Street redesign, and b) that whatever proposal for redesign of Main Street reflects a consensus of downtown businesses and property owners, as well as Huntington Beach residents. While not everyone will be completely satisfied with the resultant Main Street streetscape redesign, it is important the process was inclusive and engaged people in a consensus oriented way.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Request the City Manager to pause the work of Studio One Eleven architects and re-engage the community. Return to the City Council in February 2023 to share the feedback received from the community and engage in another discussion on whether to pursue the Main Street redesign. If direction is given to proceed, Council and staff will discuss various options for the redesign of the first, second, and third blocks of Main Street.