Summary: Special City Council Meeting, March 1, 2016, Vallejo City Hall
General Plan Update: Preferred Scenario
The General Plan Working Group (GPWG) has been developing an update to Vallejo’s General Plan since January 2014. Consulting with Placeworks, general plan specialists, and with input from the public, a Preferred Scenario representing Vallejo as a River and Bay City was presented to our City Council at a special meeting March 1st and accepted unanimously with slight, but important changes. This allows the GPWG to continue working towards a visionary plan for Vallejo’s future.
The VMT/Orcem proposal, however, will continue to be considered under the current general plan and zoning for intensive use. The Preferred Scenario presented to the City Council represented a compromise between the GPWG who wanted public access all along our waterfront, and the City Attorney, needing to protect the interests of the project applicants and other businesses along the waterfront.
A waterfront promenade is still possible when / if …
when we defeat VMT/Orcem. That property will then go back to the GPWG for changes to the zoning.
if the Kiewit Corporation directly north of VMT/Orcem would agree to move to another location. Informally we have heard they are open to this possibility.
According to the Propel Vallejo timeline posted here, a Draft General Plan is expected in June. The Final General Plan Update will be voted on by By City Council in October 2016. Staff and a sub-group of the GPWG are reviewing zoning, which should be completed in early 2017.
The next important meeting is March 17, 2016 held by the Architectural Heritage and Landmarks Commission regarding 790-800 Derr Street Certificate of Appropriateness 15002 7—a request by the Vallejo Heritage Foundation (VAHF) to determine that seven historic structures are eligible to be City Landmarks and to add them to Vallejo’s Historic Resource Inventory. The seven structures being considered are associated with the former Sperry Flour Company and include (1) an administration building, (2) the flour mill, (3) garage, (4) grain silos, (5) the Manager’s house, (6) barn and (7) historic dock. VMT/Orcem wishes to demolish most of these structures along with the old wharf while sparing the administration building.
People should write, email, attend the hearing and speak in support of historical status. We must treasure our waterfront on the Napa River / San Francisco Bay and sensitively remodel the area for all to enjoy.
To read more: Propel Vallejo.