Joe Haggard

This Open Space Element for the City of Lancaster's General Plan aims to promote the preservation of valued open spaces, integrating recreation, habitat, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and public health. The plan establishes goals, objectives, and policies addressing key areas such as the provision of high-quality school sites and facilities, sufficient park land with diverse recreational opportunities and public safety measures, a comprehensive system of pedestrian, equestrian, and bicycle trails, and the enhancement of cultural, art, historical, archaeological, and library facilities. Furthermore, it focuses on strengthening social service programs for various community needs. The element also incorporates critical considerations for social, economic, and racial equity, and builds climate resilience strategies to address extreme heat, drought, and wildfires, alongside exploring rewilding opportunities to enhance overall community well-being and environmental sustainability.

The Open Space Element for the City of Lancaster outlines a comprehensive strategy for the preservation of valued open spaces, integrating recreation, habitat, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and public health. It addresses key community functions and issues such as housing, education facilities, parks, pedestrian and bicycle trails, cultural and art programs, historical resources, library facilities, and social services. The document also incorporates updates based on recent legislation (SB 1425, AB 1889) to address social, economic, and racial equity, climate resilience, and wildlife connectivity within its framework.

The commission reviewed and acted on several Conditional Use Permits, approving an arcade gaming facility, the construction of a new church, and an alcohol license for a restaurant. A request for an alcohol license and distance waiver for a convenience market was denied following a split vote. Additionally, the commission recommended approval of various Zone Text Amendments regarding municipal zoning and signage regulations, while continuing the review of specific sign-related code amendments.

The meeting included presentations regarding The BLVD Temporary Sign Guidelines Update and the Net Zero Solar Energy Program. Discussions during public hearings and new business centered on the Housing Element Update, for which approval was granted with direction to provide updated data. Conditional Use Permits for two solar generating facilities by Silverado Power, LLC, requesting one-year extensions, were approved. Additionally, a Conditional Use Permit for an on-sale beer and wine license for Camille's Sidewalk Cafe was approved. The Commission also rescheduled several future meetings in January, February, and November 2014 due to holiday conflicts.

The meeting included a presentation on the Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways, which was adopted in January 2012 and is based on pillars including health, safety, economic vitality, and sustainability. Discussion focused on incorporating features like roundabouts and buffered bike lanes, and the positive impact of infrastructure investment on property values and safety statistics, such as reduced collisions. The commission also discussed the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone project, which involves revising several city documents, including the General Plan and Zoning regulations, with public workshops scheduled for mid-2013. Other items included deferring a presentation on Solar Energy Projects and addressing concerns about landscaping maintenance for solar developments and potential issues related to an Industrial Theater conditional use permit.