Draft plan aimed to revamp Fountain Valley receives mixed response from residents

A draft plan aimed to revamp Fountain Valley’s economic performance and community aesthetics was met with mixed responses Tuesday evening from residents during a lively, three-hour joint study session meeting with the City Council and Planning Commission.

The detailed Fountain Valley Crossings Specific Plan focuses on reviving about 162 acres of public and private properties north of Ellis Avenue, Talbert Avenue, east of Ward Street and west of the Santa Ana River by creating a central entertainment hub, adding townhome clusters and high-rise office complexes with new zoning restrictions.

According to the draft plan, financial support for the rehabilitation project would rely on city resources, bonds, grants and developer contributions.

Matt Mogensen, director of planning and building, said the draft plan encompasses residents’ demand for more retail, the city’s desire to attract investors and helping limit property management requirements for property owners.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

Feedback received indicated 749 out of 2,000 residents often shopped outside of Fountain Valley and 781 residents felt entertainment businesses were missing, such as general areas to shop, dine and gather with neighbors, Mogensen said.

The draft plan proposes creating districts — activity core, activity clusters, workplace neighborhoods, mixed industry and workplace gateway districts — where each area has distinct characteristics and zoning flexibility, said Gregory Tung, principal of the Freedom Tung and Sasaki Urban Design contracted by city in 2014 to spearhead the draft plan.

The activity core would be the central focus with a mix of business, compact housing and community services whereas the workplace gateway districts would focus on office development as the I-405 freeway is nearby.

An Environmental Impact Report is currently underway and the public hearing process will continue into 2017.

If the draft plan is approved in the near future, Mayor Cheryl Brothers said short-term and low-cost improvements would focus on enhancing sidewalks and making areas more pedestrian- and bike-friendly.

“This is driven by a need to make sure our city fits into the future and [make sure] we still have a future,” Councilman Steve Nagel added. “We want to make certain what we see in our area is something that is acceptable to the community.”

Criticism focused on traffic impacts conflicting housing and industrial areas and the displacement of businesses.

A majority of residents, including Councilman Michael Vo, shared discontent with Bella Terra, an outdoor shopping mall in Huntington Beach that has caused congested traffic near the area. Vo also said he understood the importance of fostering Fountain Valley into a relevant, progressive city.

Resident Patrick Tucker said he supported the project as it would help increase retail and sales tax, but was still wary of how the project would be funded as the city currently faces a $1.7-million dollar deficit.

Nancy Duremdes, a Huntington Beach resident against high-density developments, said creating new housing would transform the community into an “urban-stacked and packed project” that would deteriorate the city’s charm.

Other residents like Susan Saurastri showed support for the Crossings Plan especially if it included an area to dine, shop and dance as she and her friends frequents Bella Terra on the weekends.

“Fountain Valley is the center of my life, all day everyday with the exception being the weekends,” Saurastri said. “Make fine dining and some entertainment part of the plan and we’ll keep our money in Fountain Valley.”

--

Vega is a contributor to Times Community News.