Efforts Underway to Revamp Downtown

Like many other Orange County cities, Dana Point has no clearly defined downtown area--at least not yet.

City officials hope that the new year will bring progress toward converting the Pacific Coast Highway-Del Prado area into a shopping district that will draw both residents and tourists.

Until recent years, development along Pacific Coast Highway was random, resulting in a hodgepodge of businesses.

A city subcommittee is looking at ways to better manage traffic, beautify the area, organize businesses and “make the whole area more attractive, a place that draws people,” Mayor Karen Lloreda said.

The Del Prado area, near Dana Point Harbor, “has a lot of potential,” Lloreda said, “if we can tap into harbor access, shopping opportunities and, at the same time, keep a homey feeling for residents.”

The first phase will start early this year with the planting of trees along Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado, which are parallel.

The subcommittee is also investigating the possibility of modifying zoning laws to create areas of similar businesses, such as a row of restaurants, the mayor said.

Changes will be gradual, Lloreda said: “We’re not going to throw anybody out. . . . But we will try to create a downtown, a place you can readily identify.”