TO: Chair and Members of the Santiago Creek Commission
FROM: Tom Kisela, City Manager
1. Subject
title
Santiago Creek Strategic Plan Framework Review.
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2. Summary
On July 24, 2024, the Santiago Creek Commission reviewed the proposed framework and segments for the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan. The Santiago Creek Commission made changes to the location segments and requested a meeting where the public may further review and comment on the proposed Santiago Creek Strategic Plan framework.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Review and approve the proposed Santiago Creek Strategic Plan framework.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 3: Enhance and Promote Quality of Life in the Community.
a. Renovate, maintain, develop, and/or expand public use places and spaces.
6. Discussion and Background
As an advisory body to the Orange City Council, the Santiago Creek Commission (Commission) is exclusively tasked to advise and make recommendations on:
• The implementation of public projects in/along the Santiago Creek Area
• The implementation of the Santiago Creek Plans for the Santiago Creek Area
• The preservation/enhancements of public open space within the Santiago Creek Area
• The acquisition of private property when it becomes available
• The preservation of ecological, scenic, historical, and recreational resources of the Santiago Creek
• Relationships with volunteer and non-profit organizations and public/private agencies interested in the Santiago Creek Area
To guide the Commission in their recommendations to the City Council, previous planning documents will be considered and utilized, including:
• Orange Park Acres Specific Plan
• East Orange 1975 General Plan
• Lower Santiago Creek Specific Plan
• Santa Ana River - Santiago Creek Greenbelt Plan
• Santiago Creek Greenbelt Implementation Plan
Understanding that these are significant and detailed planning documents, the Commission is seeking to coalesce these important documents in the form of a strategic plan that specifically calls out projects. This will ensure an organized approach when making recommendations to the City Council.
On July 24, 2024, the Commission reviewed the proposed framework for the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan. As presented on July 24, 2024, the framework included:
1. Study Area - Description of the Santiago Creek Area that is the focus of the strategic plan
2. History - Description of the past planning efforts and brief history of the Santiago Creek
3. Goals/Objectives - Restated purpose (pursuant to Ordinance No. 13-23) of the Santiago Creek Commission
4. Santiago Creek Segment Recommendations - A stated vision for each Santiago Creek segment with recommended projects to achieve the vision pursuant to Ordinance No. 13-23. Proposed segments included:
a. Segment 1 - Santa River to Hart Park
b. Segment 2 - Hart Park to the 55 Freeway
c. Segment 3 - 55 Freeway to Santiago Canyon Road
d. Segment 4 - Santiago Canyon Road to Santiago Oaks Regional Park
After review and discussion by the Commission, a consensus for the framework for the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan was determined; however, the Commission directed staff to limit the segments to three, begin in east Orange, utilize Villa Park Road, and end at the City’s jurisdiction at Hart Park/22 Freeway in west Orange. With this feedback, the new segments include:
a. Segment 1 - East Orange Sphere of Influence to Villa Park Road
b. Segment 2 - Villa Park Road to the 55 Freeway
c. Segment 3 - 55 Freeway to Hart Park/22 Freeway
With the revised segments and remaining framework established, the September 26, 2024, special meeting will allow the public to further comment and provide input on the framework (see attachment) and make any final adjustments, if needed. Once finalized, the framework will help guide forthcoming projects/recommendations that will ultimately be presented to the City Council.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Draft Santiago Creek Strategic Plan Framework