General Plan 2002

​

 

The General plan has not been updated since 2002. Some individual elements have been updated such as the housing element. But other than that it seems that the City of Salinas is lacking in innovation. This plan may also not align with the current challenges the city is facing. 

 

“Policy LU-1.1: Achieve a balance of land uses to provide for a range of housing, jobs, libraries, and educational and recreational facilities that allow residents to live, work, shop, learn, and play in the community” (Salinas 2002).

 

“Policy LU-1.3: Make provision in residential areas for institutional uses that are needed near homes or which benefit from a residential environment, including places of religious assembly, day-care homes, homes for physically or developmentally disabled persons, and care facilities in accordance with the provisions of State law” (Salinas 2002).

 

“Policy LU-1.4: Create and preserve distinct, identifiable neighborhoods that have traditional neighborhood development (TND) characteristics. Specifically, development should: 

• • Connect in as many locations as possible to adjacent development, arterial streets, and thoroughfares; 

  • Provide a balanced mix of housing, workplaces, shopping, recreational opportunities, and institutional uses, including mixed-use structures (combined residential and non residential uses), that help to reduce vehicular trips; 

  •  Provide natural amenities that are fronted by thoroughfares or public spaces, and not privatized behind backyard” (Salinas 2002).

  •  

• “Commercial buildings should directly front on the sidewalk, with ample landscaping as a buffer between the building and sidewalk, 

  • and parking lots are to be located behind the buildings; Allow flexible parking requirements and arrangements within neighborhood activity centers to minimize the impact of the automobile and foster a pedestrian oriented streetscape;

  •  Provide second stories on commercial buildings to provide for other uses and encourage residential use” (Salinas 2002). We discussed all of these concepts in Urban Design class at Sonoma State University. I was surprised to see such concepts in practice and not just on a PowerPoint presentation. 

  •  

•  “Allow small ancillary dwelling units in the rear yard for residential areas; and Decrease the front yard setbacks moving from the neighborhood edge to neighborhood center” (Salinas 2002). This was also a concept discussed in Urban Design. The professor wanted this to happen in the areas of Santa Rosa that burned down but they put up a sound wall instead and killed the possibility of walkability. 

  •  

• “Encourage a diverse economy that allows for the continued economic success of the community, while not sacrificing its agricultural base”(Salinas 2002).

•  

• “Policy LU-3.5: Promote training and educational opportunities to encourage a diverse and educated workforce and the upward mobility of the City's residents” (Salinas 2002).

 

• “Policy LU-9.3: Support the development of career/professional schools that encourage a well-trained work force” (Salinas 2002).

 

• “Policy LU-10.2: Maintain and continue to develop a high-quality  library system that: enhances the cultural life of the community; is the repository of people's ideas, knowledge and thoughts; and is the information center for the community” (Salinas 2002).

 

• “Policy LU-10.5:  Develop a high quality library system that achieves the Library Department mission to be the focal point in the community for opening doors to lifelong learning and enjoyment, and the catalyst for promoting equal access to information” (Salinas 2002).

 

• “Policy LU-11.4: Provide community facilities that encourage and  facilitate public participation and pride in the community, such as cultural and public gathering centers”(Salinas 2002).