Work on long-anticipated freeway on and off ramps, the development of plans to revitalize the Kmart and Honda properties, and the establishment of a railroad quiet zone on the Metrolink train line at Lemon Avenue were among a list of recently approved Diamond Bar City Council goals and objectives for the next fiscal year.
The council discussed the goals at an April 16 study session and asked staff to come back with an updated list for approval. The final list received unanimous approval last week.
“While many of the goals and objectives…require multi-year commitments to reach completion, the City Council has directed staff to present a revised format that includes specific tasks for each that are scheduled to be checked off in the 2013-14 fiscal year,” staff wrote in a report to council.
The list includes major projects in the traffic mitigation category that will take years to complete as a whole, but activities in the planning stages linked to those “big fix” items are expected to be checked off in the upcoming year, which begins July 1.
The following is the list of 2013-14 goals and objectives the council approved:
1. Traffic Mitigation
In cooperation with the City’s project partners, complete the 57/60 Freeway Interchange corridor long-term “big fix”
a) Commence construction on the Westbound SR-60 Slip Ramp (Phase 1 of 57/60-Grand Confluence Project).
b) Complete design of Local Improvements at Grand/Golden Springs and DB Golf Course Frontage and prepare for construction (Step 1 of Phase 2 57/60-Grand Confluence Project).
c) Complete EIR for Grand Bridge Widening, Bypass Roads, and On/Off Ramp Reconfiguration and continue design work (Step 1 of Phase 3 57/60-Grand Confluence Project).
d) Secure funding partners for and complete a feasibility study to determine the preferred and most cost-effective options for the completion of 57/60 “big fix” (missing freeway and HOV connectors separate from the 57/60 Confluence Project).
Advocate for transportation solutions that are equitable in their distribution of goods movement related traffic.
a) Secure recognition of the SR-60’s ongoing status as a component of the state and national freight networks in an effort to secure funding for 57/60 Interchange improvements.
In cooperation with the City’s project partners, complete the Lemon Avenue on and off ramp project.
a) Complete right-of-way acquisitions and begin construction.
Develop a report to the City Council outlining the ongoing effectiveness of the City’s ongoing traffic mitigation project programs.
Oppose any high speed or light rail proposals that adversely impact Diamond Bar.
2. Fiscal Responsibility/Economic Development
Create a long-term Citywide financial plan for preservation of the City’s fixed assets, including infrastructure, buildings, parks, and other facilities.
Develop incentive-based Specific Plans to revitalize areas such as Kmart and Market World.
Identify specific development opportunities and develop Specific Plans to revitalize the Kmart and Honda property areas in a way that provides the greatest net benefit to the community.
a) Complete the market study for the Honda property and provide a report to the City Council.
Develop a plan to address the long-term financial sustainability of the City’s Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts (LLADs).
3. Communications
In addition to regular public meetings, provide a variety of opportunities for public interaction and participation.
a) Implement the Discover Diamond Bar program. Through new partnerships with local organizations (schools, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, etc.), increase community awareness about City programs and services, particularly those related to emergency preparedness and environmental services. This outreach may include face-to-face interaction, dissemination of literature/educational materials, and contribution of City content for inclusion in partner organizations’ newsletters/websites.
b) Complete an update to the City’s website, enhancing governmental transparency, access to information, and ease of use for the public.
4. Other Items
Preserve Windmill structure via ownership of structure and/or property.
Develop a Citywide-branding plan that incorporates standard design elements with a unifying theme that reflects the image of Diamond Bar.
a) Commence Grand Avenue beautification project, using the chosen design as an initial standard plan for the City’s streetscapes and entry signage.
Establish a “quiet zone” on the MetroLink train line at Lemon Avenue near Walnut Elementary School.
Develop and implement fiscally responsible environmental/sustainability programs.
a) Complete a five-year review/update of the Council’s Sustainability Program Options Report (2008).
Complete the implementation of the approved Housing Element update.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
