Downtown Vista Committee Meeting
June 3, 2025
Minutes
• Welcome
o Meeting called to order at 6:09 pm.
o Committee Members Present:
Chair Councilmember Corinna Contreras, City Council
Lisa De Jesus, Planning Commission
Sharon Larimer, Traffic Commission
Nicole Halle, Community Safety Commission
Lev Gershman, Chamber of Commerce
Julie Lowen, Property Owner
Clay McCarthy, Property Owner
Anne Pate, Resident
o Committee Members Absent:
Terry Woods, CVBID Advisory Committee
Natalie Trevino, Business Owner
Mike Zane, Business Owner
Deanna Faraone, Resident
o Council/Staff Present:
John Conley, City Manager
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager
Larry Vaupel, Economic Development Director
Joe Vacca, Community Development Director
Chris Mitchell, Information Technology Director
Sam Hasenin, Engineering Division Manager
Jeanette Bradshaw, Capital Projects Manager
Darra Woods, Principal Transportation Mobility Planner Michael Ressler, City Planner
Esmeralda Romero, Staff Assistant
Michael Tyler, Rick Engineering, Traffic Consultant
Jorge Cuyuch, Rick Engineering, Traffic Consultant
Alex Wade, Rick Engineering, Traffic Consultant
• Approval of Minutes
o Lisa De Jesus moved to approve the minutes of April 29, 2025. Seconded by Sharon Larimer.
Motion to approve: 8-0 (Woods, Trevino, Zane, Faraone absent) • Rick Engineering provided a presentation regarding the open space and right-of-way areas that are the subject of discussion within the Historic Downtown area and presented ideas for improvements and/or upgrades.
• Walk Audit
o The purpose of the walk audit was to assess the project area and identify opportunities for improvement.
o City Manager John Conley informed the committee that the parking lot nearest to the gazebo is owned by the city, while the parking lot in front of Belching Beaver is privately owned by the business.
Downtown Vista Committee Meeting
June 3, 2025
Minutes
o Lisa De Jesus, Planning Commission, noted that a new 183-unit development is being built near the downtown area.
The development will be facing the Downtown area.
The open pedestrian area will invite those residents to visit the downtown area.
o It was noted that the gazebo area has great potential, but it needs to be rebuilt due to termite damage. The plants and vines are healthy and would be repurposed for the new gazebo.
o Joe Vacca, Community Development Director, noted that the gazebo is too short and recommends building it taller when it's rebuilt.
o Some participants asked to focus on a bigger area like an outdoor mall for people to congregate to include areas for a live band to perform, kid area, splash pad, interactive art, drinking fountains for people and pets, and shady areas for people to sit. Something to attract more people and to be able to compete with neighboring cities.
o Several participants commented that there aren’t many areas for families to hang out unless they’re at a bar or a restaurant.
o Julie Lowen, Property Owner, recommended extending the sidewalks to create a space for outdoor dining and coffee shops.
o Julie Lowen proposed implementing a valet parking service instead of constructing a parking structure, utilizing the nearby school’s parking lot to park. She mentioned when she opens her restaurant she will have valet service during hours of operation.
o Suggestions were made to create micro transit like Oceanside’s gO’side shuttle program.
It’s expensive but funding can be allocated.
It would need to include all the downtown area
o It was recommended that N. Indiana Street be closed to vehicle traffic to create a pedestrian-only open space.
o Benjamin Llanes, Business Owner, expressed concern that the street closure could negatively impact local businesses by reducing their visibility to passing traffic.
83% of his clients are from outside Vista, and he’s concerned they may be unwilling to walk from the parking area to his shop. o Concerns over the lack of ADA parking in the downtown area. o Lisa De Jesus recommended developing a comprehensive plan that outlines a clear vision for the entire Downtown area. This would help maintain focus and ensure that all efforts remain aligned with that vision. o While the gazebo is beautiful, it may be beneficial to expand it across four parking spaces to accommodate a play structure, additional seating areas, and trees.
Downtown Vista Committee Meeting
June 3, 2025
Minutes
o Julie Lowen pointed out how important it is to have a comprehensive plan before starting. She warned that rushing the process could lead to a final product people don’t like, which would just mean more time and money wasted fixing it later. o Chair Contreras assured the committee that nothing is being finalized at this meeting, they’re simply gathering input. Once all the feedback is collected and decisions are made, the proposal will be presented to the City Council for final approval. She stressed that she wants to make sure every voice is heard throughout the process.
o A majority of attendees expressed preference to turn the gazebo area into a pedestrian area.
o Julie Lowen believes the downtown redevelopment could attract around 10,000 people to the area daily.
Concerns were raised about the availability of parking for all those people.
o Rick Engineering consultants recommended creating a master plan. Including all the ideas from today’s meeting and creating a concept plan for the gazebo area.
• Hands on Exercise
o Committee members and participants were invited to join a hands-on exercise to review and mark up maps of the project area, identifying public open space and right-of-way improvements to include in the draft Downtown Plan. Attendees were instructed to mark up a board representing the downtown area with ideas for improvements they would like to see. Stickers, pens, and sticky notes were provided for participants to highlight their preferred enhancements.
o Chair Contreras said that with everyone working together, they’ll come up with a great plan to help the downtown area grow and thrive.
o Cassidy McCarthy presented her group’s project board with several key recommendations:
Fix up the gazebo area to enhance its appearance
Create additional green spaces throughout the downtown area to enhance its appearance.
Install ground-level wayfinding signs to help Pokémon GO players and other visitors easily locate nearby restaurants, bars, and local shops. Develop green spaces in the alleyways and add lighting to enhance safety and visibility.
Collaborate with local businesses to support improvements and promote a more vibrant downtown area.
o Nicole Halle presented her group’s project board with several key recommendations:
Fix up the gazebo area to enhance its appearance and functionality. Close North Indiana Street to create an open public space for gatherings and events.
Downtown Vista Committee Meeting
June 3, 2025
Minutes
Install a stage with proper lighting to support performances and community activities.
Add a hydration station for pets to make the area more welcoming for pet owners.
Repurpose the alleys as side streets to improve pedestrian access and flow.
Paint wayfinding signs on the ground to guide visitors on walking tours to local shops.
o Lisa De Jesus presented her group’s project board with several key recommendations:
Recommended closing N. Indiana Street part-time to improve access to businesses on that street.
Farmers Market
Recommends closing alley
She also proposed removing three parking structures near the gazebo to create space for a children’s play area, stage, and splash pad. Benjamin Llanes responded by highlighting the need for improved lighting on Broadway Street. He expressed concern that closing North Indiana Street could harm small businesses, emphasizing that these roads are essential to their success and customer access should be maintained. o Julie Lowen presented her group’s project board with several key recommendations:
Add small public patches or gathering spaces throughout the downtown area for people to use.
Public/Private Partnerships
Noted that BID District is needed
Collect all ideas and feedback into a comprehensive plan to ensure alignment across the committee. She also recommended implementing a fair and transparent bid process.
Address safety concerns related to the creek running beneath downtown she noted it’s dangerous including a recent fatality.
Propose the addition of a container bar on N. Indiana Avenue, along with an extension of the surrounding sidewalk areas to improve walkability and appeal.
Lastly, she emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing existing issues before welcoming new businesses into the area. o Anne Pate presented her group’s project board with several key recommendations:
Broadway needs improvements.
The alleys should be treated as side streets rather than alleyways. By making them more inviting, people will be encouraged to use them to access restaurants and bars.
She recommended tearing down the Adobe building next to the Yellow Deli to create additional parking and a new entrance, improving access and encouraging more people to park there.
Anne suggested keeping N. Indiana open and using it as a side street with two lanes, one for general traffic and one for rideshares, and closing Hanes Place instead.
Downtown Vista Committee Meeting
June 3, 2025
Minutes
To support these changes, she recommended adding clear, visible wayfinding and parking signs, similar to the one located across from the train tracks. She noted that parking spaces there are available, but many people are either unaware of them or choose not to park there. She asked when the Sonic charging station would be ready. She emphasized the importance of cleaning and maintaining the business area to make it more inviting for visitors.
o Additional suggestions:
Covering the creek.
Using some parking spaces to extend the gazebo.
Removing or trimming trees that have falling limbs or create excessive debris.
Adding seating spread throughout the downtown area
Designating rideshare pickup and drop-off zones.
More trash cans
o City Manager John Conley restated the common discussion themes:
Cover Creek – parking or green space
Downtown trees/pods issue
More lighting along Indiana, Citrus, and Broadway
Main/Broadway – Possible Uber/Lyft (rideshare) zones
Address trash
• Oral Communications
o Lev Gershman, Chamber of Commerce, delivered a presentation on behalf of Vice Chair Terry Woods, covering the history of the Gazebo and proposed improvements.
The gazebo currently has termite damage and requires repairs. The gazebo serves primarily as a covering, so when rebuilding, it’s important that it provides adequate shade.
He suggests keeping the gazebo located at the corner of Indiana and Main Streets.
The adjacent parking lot accommodates approximately 29 cars. In 2019, there was a proposal to rebuild and enlarge the gazebo, which would reduce parking by about 3 to 4 spaces.
The expanded gazebo area would create space for live entertainment and community gatherings by adding a play area, stage, turf, and grassy seating.
It is recommended to preserve native trees while removing any additional trees as necessary.
For durability and termite prevention, he suggested rebuilding the gazebo using concrete.
• Next meeting is on June 23 at 6pm at the Civic Center Community Room. • Results of the traffic study will be reported.
• At the next meeting the main points will be gathered and come back with a final plan. • Meeting concluded/adjourned at 7:59 p.m.