(LIVERMORE, CA.) -- The City of Livermore recently updated its General Plan 2045, prioritizing balance and leaving some residents hopeful for the future.
Photo Credit: City of Livermore / YouTube
The updated plan focused on four primary locations: South Vasco Road, Las Colinas Road, Camden/Cole Commons and Midtown area.
“On May 11th, staff reviewed the draft general plan and provided staff direction to clarify certain policy language and also make minor land use adjustments. Those things are captured in the errata sheet,” Principal Planner Andy Ross said.
Regarding the Midtown area specifically, the planning commission recommended 40 acres of the total 130 acres be adjusted to “Service Commercial” for Livermore’s 2045 Plan. McGrath RentCorp, the owners of the 130-acre parcel of land, under an amended ordinance with the City of Livermore, initiated a land transfer.
This transfer helped balance the large parcel, which now allows for both residential and nonresidential properties to reside. According to “Development Agreement Amendment 26-002”, it states, “Property Owner Obligations would be modified to: 1) effectuate a commercial land transfer to a high-revenue commercial user; and 2) secure support for 2045 General Plan and Midtown Area planning objectives.”
Photo Credit: City of Livermore / YouTube
Ross pointed out that staff had worked with McGrath RentCorp to find balance with its ongoing business operations. With this, the zoning changes updating Las Colinas Road from MDR (Medium Residential) to dual MDR 2 & 3 accommodates land uses for a flexible mix of townhomes, duplexes, apartments, and other multifamily building types, according to the General Plan.
As for implementation actions, Ross also spoke on something equally as important: the Scenic Resources Policies. This Scenic policy outlines developmental guidelines adhering to specific rules to protect Livermore’s natural views, which regulate building structures.
“So there are scenic resources policies in the General Plan 2045. They balance scenic protection and community and economic development goals,” Ross stated. Residents also reminded the City Council about the importance of referencing a prior situation with the Greenville area.
Photo Credit: City of Livermore / YouTube
Located outside the Urban Growth Boundary (U.G.B), the City was at one time “studying” this Greenville area for potential use before it was decided that they would not continue doing so after public pushback. This pushback centered on much-needed balance for certain rural parts of Livermore to remain as they are.
Upon examining the General Plan, Trish Munro, a Livermore resident, expressed gratitude during the July 27 meeting on account of the hard work that went into the City’s Plan and expressed what this means for the future of Livermore.
“What this represents in the way of what local government needs in order to function, the underlying foundation is huge,” she said.
Photo Credit: City of Livermore / YouTube
She noted that this plan, benefitting both residents and the community at large, is a statement reflecting what Livermore will be in 20 years.
Councilmember Steven Dunbar also highlighted that he himself has witnessed all the work that has gone into the report. “I’ve seen all the work that has gone into the various levels of this program top to bottom,” he said.
Dunbar also emphasized the importance of balance, and that the balancing nature of such a document is all that can be done to find ground between the “competing objectives” as he described them.
With this, the motion to approve the General Plan passed 5-0.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please email me at yikaileau.w@lead4earth.org
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