The following is a wrap-up of the February 5 City Council meeting. You may listen to a recording from the meeting here, or view the agenda here.

In a unanimous vote, the City Council approved a $75,000 agreement with AECOM to conduct a study that aims to revitalize the Mission District. As part of this agreement, AECOM will:

• Provide an analysis of current economic factors and market conditions
• Evaluate future development and financial potential of the Mission District, including the highest and best use cases for individual parcels
• Provide options for property acquisition, housing development, parking and economic incentives
• Provide alternate financing options and strategies on how to revitalize the district
• Provide arts and entertainment district strategies, including programming options
• Conduct community meetings and presentations on how the study is progressing

While the City does not directly control the Mission District, studies like this allow the City Council to take a holistic look at the area with feasible options that could lead to its revitalization, including incentives for new businesses and options for existing City property, such as the Mission Playhouse parking lot.

Longtime residents may recall that the City adopted the Mission District Specific Plan in 2004, which consolidated previous planning efforts. When completed, the new study will provide a framework for how the City could develop the district moving forward.

City Council shares comments about the City’s parking policies 

Over the past year, the City has received an increase in parking complaints from residents centered on overnight parking, time limits and unauthorized parking. To address these concerns, the City Council requested a Citywide parking study that examines what the City can do to mitigate these concerns.

Specifically, the City Council:

• Expressed an interest in trying a pilot preferential parking system that would allow residents to get a year-round parking pass
• Instructed the City to revisit parking restrictions and conduct education and outreach about the City’s parking policies
• Wanted the City to reevaluate parking restrictions on streets such as Padilla Street

In response to this feedback, City staff will conduct an analysis on these options with data, followed by a recommendation on how to proceed forward.

City Council holds public meeting on San Gabriel Tourism and Marketing Improvement District 

Following the approval of the new tourism and marketing district (TMID), the City Council held a public meeting on the status of the district. Mayor Harrington and Vice Mayor Pu both expressed an interest in having the option to require an audit included in the TMID charter. Such a provision would allow the City Council to have additional oversight over the district.