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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031025-03.2 ARTS ADVISORY BOARD REPORT AND SUMMARY A diverse cultural arts program creates a lively and attractive community in which to live, work, and visit. The Arts Advisory Board is advisory to the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission and is responsible for promoting interest and support for cultural arts within the community and serving as a liaison to regional arts organizations. Recognizing that high-quality artistic activities enliven public spaces and can be symbols of civic pride and community identity. The Arts Advisory Board is a fairly new body that was preceded by the former Arts Commission. For most of the year, the Arts Commission focused on implementing the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan (Plan) Update. The following areas were supported and/or accomplished by the Arts Advisory Board in 2024: 2024 HIGHLIGHTS • Supported Town-sponsored and co-sponsored events, including Moonlight Movies, Music in the Park, art exhibits, and other art-related events and productions. • Considered and approved the Wood Carved Acorn Public Art Project. • Participated in a Town Council and Commission Workshop • Participated in a workshop to discuss implementation strategies for the Plan and Recreation and Arts programming. • Reviewed and provided comments on the Town Green and Arts District Design project update. Also, reprioritized the project to focus on the Town Studio (Maker Space) and Pavilion on the Town Green. • Received presentations regarding Public Art & Cultural Arts in Danville including the Public Art Tile Project for Oak Hill Park. • Participated in a discussion and provided feedback for programming at the Prospect Plaza and Theatre Plaza. 2 • Provided creative ideas for promoting and enhancing the cultural arts classes, programs, events, and activities. • Participation and support of the Curatorial Committee, which selects Village Theatre Art Gallery exhibits and identifies activities such as children’s art classes, docent-led tours, lectures by artists, and other art workshops. WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025 The Arts Advisory Board's efforts in 2025 will focus primarily on reviewing and moving forward with implementing the update to the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan, specifically through Arts Integration and the performing arts. It will continue to review the various recommendations for permanent public art, such as the carved wooden acorn in the Theatre Plaza area and the bronze acorns scattered throughout the downtown. They will also continue to explore strategies to highlight cultural arts in the Town while supporting the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission, the Recreation, Arts & Community Services Department, and its Curatorial Committee. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY On March 1, 2022, the Town Council adopted Ordinance 2022-02, creating the Danville Bicycle Advisory Commission (BAC). The function of the Commission is to advise the Town Council on matters related to: implementation of the Townwide Bicycle Master Plan; advise on conditions, operations and safety of existing bicycle facilities and other non-motorized forms of transportation; review proposed bicycle- related policies, programs, projects, plans, funding applications and legislation; coordinate with the public including bicycle-related organizations, the business community, and other local agencies to promote cycling projects and programs; develop and disseminate bicycle awareness and education materials to the community. 2024 HIGHLIGHTS • C-621 Installed Town’s first eco-counter on the Barbara Hale Trail to capture pedestrian and bicyclist trail users. This location was chosen to provide an idea of traffic going to and from Mt. Diablo to be used to anticipate bicyclists will use the upcoming Diablo Road Trail. • Improved the existing bicycle facility to a class IIIB from Fostoria Way to Sycamore Valley Road. Added Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) as part of CIP-601 for pedestrian safety at crosswalks to access bus stops on Camino Ramon. Improved technology as part of C-305 to detect bicyclists at the intersections of El Capitan and Greenbrook Drive at Camino Ramon. • C-600 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Improvements Project - Installed 15 video detection cameras at 4 intersections along San Ramon Valley Boulevard including the Iron Horse Trail crossing, Town and Country, Sycamore Square and Sycamore Valley Road. The cameras included new technology to enhance bicycle and pedestrian detection at intersections and collect signal performance data to improve signal timing operations. • C -610 Added share the road sharrows at residential areas including El Portal, Linda Mesa Street Christopher Drive, Greenbrook Drive and Harlan Drive. 2 • The Bicycle Advisory Commission continued to expand and enhance public outreach on bicycle education and safety including attending the Street Smarts Bicycle Rodeo event, “Bike to Everywhere Day” and as guest speakers on the Police Departments “10-8 In-Service” weekly podcast on Facebook and YouTube. • Reviewed and provided comment on a proposed ordinance prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks in business districts within the Town of Danville. • Created an e-bike, e-scooter public outreach sub-committee to enhance e-bike, e-scooter outreach. The sub-committee created a public service announcement video on e-bike, e-scooter safety which was distributed to the community through the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. • Created a Bicycle Wayfinding Sub-committee to work with staff to develop a Bicycle Wayfinding Strategy. WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025 The Commission’s 2025 initiatives will continue to focus on advancing the implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan, including: • Providing input on bicycle safety improvements along Sycamore Valley Road as part of CIP C-635. • Appointing a representative to serve on the Iron Horse Corridor Management Program Advisory Committee, assisting Contra Costa County in improving and managing the 18.5-mile Iron Horse Trail Corridor. • Actively participate in community events to promote cycling in Danville, including the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Community Bicycle Rodeo Event, Middle School and 511 Contra Costa “Bike to Everywhere Day.” • Developing a Bicycle Wayfinding Strategy as part of CIP 621 – Town-Wide Bicycle Facilities Improvements. • Continue to provide Bicycle safety outreach through the E-bike, E-Scooter and Community Outreach sub-committee. 3 • Begin Construction on Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) as part of CIP 305 for the Iron Horse Trail Crossings at Love Lane, Linda Mesa and Prospect Avenue. • Begin design and construction on raised crosswalks as part of C-607 for the Iron Horse Trail crossings at Paraiso Drive, El Capitan Drive, and Greenbrook Drive. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD REPORT AND SUMMARY The Design Review Board plays a crucial role in assisting the Town Council and Planning Commission by reviewing and evaluating the site design, architecture, signs, and landscaping of proposed projects. 2024 HIGHLIGHTS • 2024 Design Awards – Presented Design Awards for five residential and commercial projects across four categories • Borel – A Development Plan for a 167-unit townhouse development, including 124 Townhomes and 43 apartments which will be rented to low and very low income households • 425 El Pintado – DRB met three times to review plans for a four-story 99-unit senior condominium development at this site, including a field trip to backyards of the adjacent neighbors • Loyal Dragon – A Development Plan for four single-family residences • Tatum Lane – A Major Subdivision to subdivide an existing parcel into seven single-family residential lots at 3020 Fostoria Way • 144 El Dorado – Architectural review related to a Major Subdivision to subdivide an existing parcel into five single-family lots • 910 Podva Lane – Architectural review for a four-lot motor court development • Nelson Ln – Architectural review of three single-family residences • 2830 Camino Tassajara - Architectural review of nine single-family residences to be constructed in this subdivision • Commercial Architectural Features - Patio Covers for Pete’s Brass Rail and Harvest • Danville Square – Revised Master Sign Program • Town Green Pavilion: New Pavilion on the Town Green of Front Street WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025 • Town & Country Shopping Center: A Development Plan for a four-story, 200- unit multifamily development 2 • Sloat Garden Center: Development Plan for a multifamily housing development • Elworthy East/Martin Hills Ranch – Design review for 20 proposed single-family residences. HERITAGE RESOURCE COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY The Heritage Resource Commission (HRC) is responsible for preserving Danville's historic resources. Its duties include maintaining the Town's Inventory of Historic Resources, enforcing the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Design Guidelines, reviewing applications for alterations to heritage sites, educating citizens about the Town’s heritage, recommending new heritage designations to the Town Council, and advising on incentives for renovating and restoring historic properties. 2024 HIGHLIGHTS • Public Outreach Sub-Committee: Established to raise awareness about Danville's history and its historic preservation efforts. A notable achievement is the development and installation of 22 informational bronze plaques on Town Heritage Resources, enhancing historical awareness in the community. One new plaque was created and installed in 2024. • Historic Survey Sub-Committee: Formed to maintain the integrity of the Town's Survey of Historic Properties. This sub-committee evaluates and recommends updates to the survey, identifying structures of potential historic significance and assessing properties for inclusion in the Town Heritage Resource Survey. The Commission recently approved a resolution recommending that the Danville Grange Hall at 743 Diablo Road be designated as a Heritage Resource. • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: Actively working on the development of an online walking tour of 34 historic downtown sites. Each site features professional photos, historical images, and detailed descriptions, making history accessible through modern technology. The tour has been made available to the public and the Commission is currently taking steps to promote its use. WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025 Looking ahead, the Heritage Resource Commission is poised to extend its outreach efforts with the creation of a new plaque commemorating the Danville Livery and Creamery once located on School Street. The Commission will also begin the process of developing a narrative for a new plague for the Danville Grange Hall at 473 Diablo 2 Road. The Commission will continue to work to enhance and promote the Town’s on- line walking tour. PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY In September 2019, the Town Council adopted Ordinance 2019-08, amending the scope of the former Parks and Leisure Services Commission and renaming it the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission. The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission is the primary advisory body to the Town Council on acquiring and developing park and recreation facilities, providing recreational programs and services, and promoting the arts. The Commission also supports the mission of the Recreation, Arts & Community Services Department: to foster human development, increase cultural unity, strengthen community image and sense of place, support economic development, strengthen safety and security, promote health and wellness, and protect environmental resources. Along with the mission, the Commission supports how Parks Make Life Better now and in the future. Most of the year focused on implementing the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan (Plan) Update. The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission also supported and/or accomplished the following in 2024: 2024 HIGHLIGHTS • Continued to actively participate in assigned liaison roles for the Town, including, but not limited to, the Sports Alliance, Senior Sub-Committee, and Arts Commission. • Participated in a workshop to discuss implementation strategies for the Plan and Recreation and Arts programming. • Considered and approved the Tassajara Valley Little League Scoreboard Proposal at Sycamore Valley Park. • Reviewed and provided comments on the Town Green and Arts District Design project update. Also, reprioritized the project to focus on the Town Studio (Maker Space) and Pavilion on the Town Green. 2 • Reviewed and provided comments on the Parks and Community Facilities Ordinance Update. • Considered and approved the proposed All-Wars Memorial Enhancements at Oak Hill Park. • Received updates on: o Proposed Shade Structure at Hap Magee Ranch Park o Youth and Teen Programming o Adult and Senior Programming o Facility Rental Program o East Bay Regional Park – Borel Property • Supported: o Special events through attendance (Rec Expo, Eggstravaganza, Fall Fest, Elf Workshop, Music in the Park) WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025 The Commission’s efforts in 2025 will focus primarily on moving forward with upcoming capital projects such as the Town Green and Arts District design, specifically the Town Studio (Makers Space) and Pavilion on the Town Green, along with continued implementation of the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan. It will also continue to review the various recommendations and strategies regarding the planning, design, and use of various improvements to the Town’s parks, facilities, and trails while supporting the Recreation, Arts & Community Services, and Maintenance Services Departments. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY The Planning Commission serves as the hearing body and approval authority for many Town planning applications, including general plan amendments, rezonings, subdivisions, and commercial developments. For some development applications, they make recommendations to the Town Council for final approval, and they also review appeals of any Town administrative actions. The Commission also supported and/or accomplished the following in 2024: 2024 HIGHLIGHTS • The Planning Commission reviewed the Town’s 2023-2031 Housing Element and recommended approval of the policy document, along with implementation measures, General Plan Land Use Amendments, Rezoning, and Zoning Text Amendments. • Reviewed and approved a 167-unit multifamily development on the seven-acre Borel Property site located at 3020 Fostoria Way. • Reviewed and approved a 99-unit multifamily senior development at 425 El Pintado Road. This development included a State density bonus and related waivers to allow a fourth floor. • Reviewed and approved a seven-lot single-family subdivision at 2449 & 2451 Tassajara Lane. • Reviewed and approved a five-lot subdivision at 144 El Dorado Avenue. • Held a Scoping Session related to an Environmental Impact Report being prepared for a proposed 18-unit single-family development at 2570 Camino Tassajara & 45 Sherburne Hills Road. • Held a Scoping Session related to an Environmental Impact Report being prepared for a proposed 20-unit single-family development at the terminus of Como Way & Borica Drive. 2 • Reviewed and recommended the Town Council approve amendments to the Town’s Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance consistent with requirements of the Town’s Housing Element. WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025 Sloat Garden Center: (828 Diablo Road): This application proposed a 105-unit three- story assisted living facility on the 2.72-acre property. Misson Subdivision (Evergreen Estates): (2570 Camino Tassajara and 45 Sherburne Hills Road): This project would construct 18 homes on a 19.43-acre site. It includes a density bonus request pursuant to the State Density Bonus law for four additional homes and affordable accessory units in each home. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is underway. Elworthy East (Martin Hills Ranch): (Terminus of Como Way & Borica Drive. This application includes a request to rezone the 100 acre property from A-4; Agricultural Preserve to P-1; Planned Unit Development District and to subdivide the property to create 20 single family lots. The Village Shopping Center: The Town anticipates an application to build a 200- unit four-story apartment building with a two-level subterranean parking garage to replace the three commercial buildings at the rear of the site, while the existing building on the south side (containing Fitness 19) would be retained. This application is expected to be submitted in Winter 2025. Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) Properties: (Ilo and Charles Lanes): Over several years, CPC has purchased about 16 single-family residences in this neighborhood and is expected to submit an application to construct approximately 100 multifamily housing units at a density of 20-25 unit per acre the spring or summer of 2025. This is a part of CPC’s long-term facility plans. Beth Chaim Congregation: (1800 Camino Tassajara): The Town anticipates an application from the Beth Chaim Congregation to build a ten-unit multifamily project on the church site. SENIOR ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY In March 2019, the Town Council adopted Ordinance 2019-01, creating the Senior Advisory Commission. The charge of the Commission is to advise the Town Council on matters related to: supporting older adult residents and their process of aging in place, assessing the Town’s amenities and services in providing an age-friendly city, assessing services and recreational opportunities available to Danville residents and visitors of all age groups and abilities, holding public meetings, conducting surveys and using other reasonable methods to determine needs of the aging population and recommending actions to advocate for those needs to the Town Council. 2024 HIGHLIGHTS • Participated in an Age-Friendly Budget Discussion • Participated in the Town Council and Commission Workshop and received updates on the Downtown Master Plan and Housing Element. • Established liaison assignments. • Participated in an Age-Friendly Roadmap Implementation Potential Project Discussion. • Received an informational presentation from the Discover Counseling Center and an Emergency Services Update. • Participated in a goal setting and Age-Friendly Roadmap Implementation Workshop. • Supported Town-sponsored events such as the Senior Holiday Luncheon, Nutrition Program, Recreation Expo, and other senior-related events. WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025 The Commission’s efforts in 2025 will focus primarily on moving forward with implementing the Age Friendly Road Map and the priorities set forth by the 2 Commission. Community engagement will occur through the Commission's presence at various Town events and will continue to be a priority. Also, Emergency Services and Safety for seniors has been an area of interest which will be explored in the coming year. The Commission will also continue to assess services, resources, and offerings available to older adults in the Town and make recommendations based on the needs of Danville seniors. These services can include those provided directly by the Town, those that exist through partnerships, and services facilitated through other agencies or entities.