FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 7, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Director of Community Development
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON THE FIREFIGHTERS' MEMORIAL ON THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF MAIN AND BROADWAY
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive and file an update on stakeholder discussions and proposed improvements to the Firefighters' Memorial on the southeast comer of Main Street and Broadway.
BACKGROUND:
On April 25, 1970, Firefighter Alvin Newton gave his life while fighting the fire that destroyed the Bradley Hotel formerly located on the southeast comer of Main Street and Broadway. A memorial plaque was built at that location in memory of Alvin Newton and includes the words to "A Fireman's Prayer." The Four Comers memorial plaque, honoring the "Founding Fathers" of Santa Maria, is also located on this comer.
The City is in negotiation with the Vemon Property Group, LLC (Vernon Group) on several underutilized City -owned parcels for Downtown redevelopment, including the parcel that the Firefighters' Memorial is located on (identified as Lot 3). The proposed development on Lot 3 is a 6 -story mixed -use building with upper -floor apartments and a ground floor comprising of commercial spaces, plazas with outdoor seating and dining, and a new Firefighters' Memorial. A Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) between the City of Santa Maria and Vemon Group was approved on August 16, 2022.
DISCUSSION:
The potential redevelopment of Lot 3 provided an opportunity to discuss improvement and enhancement to the existing Firefighters' Memorial. City staff, including the Assistant City Manager and Director of Community Development, met with a group of stakeholders, including friends and family of Alvin Newton, members of the firefighting community, and Santa Maria Firefighters Local 2020 Union. Developer representatives and design team members from Vemon Group and RRM Design also participated in these meetings.
Meetings were held in October and November of 2022, and January 2023. City staff listened to the thoughts and concems of the stakeholder group. Many questions were asked, and many comments were shared. By the end of the meeting in January, the group achieved a general consensus on improvements to the Firefighters' Memorial. The improvements include 1) a dedicated plaza located on the south side of the proposed
building with memorial plaques and a central feature that could either be a statue or a water feature; 2) a mosaic mural facing Broadway with a firefighter theme; 3) a flag with a location to be determined; and 4) a new building to be named after Alvin Newton. While not discussed specifically with this group, Downtown redevelopment efforts will also include the enhancement of the Four Comers memorial.
The stakeholder group will continue to work with City staff and the applicant on refinements to these proposed ideas. Captain Matthew Chircop, President of the Santa Maria Firefighters Local 2020 Union, is designated as the primary liaison for future coordinated discussions on design details. The proposed project on Lot 3 is currently in review by planning staff and is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission and City Council for approval of the Downtown Permit later this year.
Altematives:
The purpose of this report is to provide the City Council with information on the progress of the firefighters stakeholder group and proposed improvements. No altematives are presented at this time.
Fiscal Considerations:
The Vernon Group will be constructing all improvements to the Firefighters' Memorial as part of the redevelopment of Lot 3. They, as the property owner, will be responsible for future maintenance of the improvements; however, other funding mechanisms may be considered including, but not limited to, the establishment of a business improvement district for Downtown that could help pay for future maintenance.
Impact to the Community:
The discussions on memorial improvements are important and necessary to best honor the life and sacrifice of Alvin Newton, and the work and legacy of the broader firefighting community. Upon redevelopment of Lot 3, the City will have a renewed memorial, integrated with an inviting, and pedestrian -friendly Downtown plaza.
G/w
ANDREW HACKLEMAN CHUEN NG
Assistant City Manager
Attachment A: Proposed concept designs
Director of Community Development