Downtown could be getting a new look
Laura Sturza
With the city’s plans for a new community services building on
hold, a new Central Library could beat it to the finish line.
Both projects were approved by the Planning Board on Monday, along
with plans for the Burbank Civic Plaza -- which would include
offices, retail businesses and parking.
The city hit the pause button on plans for the Development and
Community Services Building and the Administrative Services Building
while awaiting word on how state budget cuts will trickle down
locally, Public Works Director Bruce Feng said.
The Development and Community Services Building -- planned for
construction at the corner of Orange Grove Avenue and Third Street --
will offer a one-stop shop for handling most city business, replacing
the former Municipal Services Building. Administrative Services will
house the city’s financial, information technology and management
services.
But the city’s new Central Library, originally expected to take up
to 10 years to break ground, could be underway as soon as late 2004,
if voters approve the library bond measure Feb. 25 and the city can
secure grant funds.
The city’s master plan also includes redevelopment of the site
known as the Old Police Block. The Planning Board unanimously
approved plans for Burbank Civic Plaza to be built at the corner of
Olive Avenue and Third Street by the Cusumano Group.
“It certainly is pedestrian friendly,” Planning Board member Gary
Olson said. “I think it’s going to be a wonderful addition to our
community.”
All of the projects approved by the board are expected to be
reviewed by the City Council on March 11.
The council was scheduled to review plans Tuesday for an adjacent
project called Burbank Village Walk. Plans for the Olson Company
project include 140 apart- ments and a major restaurant chain like
the Cheesecake Factory that would draw people to the city from
outlying areas, Principal Planner Joy Forbes said.
If approved by the City Council, Burbank Village Walk and Burbank
Civic Plaza could break ground by spring, Forbes said.