Laurel District Association

by Ada Chan

Mills Public Policy students practice computer mapping and 3-D modeling software to envision how changes to zoning could affect the character of the Laurel District.

Mills College students in the Public Policy program are working with the Laurel District Association (business improvement district) to look at the current zoning of the corridor in preparation for the proposed zoning update.'

The Planning Department is in the process of updating the city's zoning (which dates back to the 1970s) in order to promote development to achieve the vision articulated in the updated General Plan of 1998. The General Plan established a vision for the city's growth and development over the coming decades. Of particular interest to Laurel Residents will be the General Plan's call for higher density development along the corridor to take advantage of the transportation opportunities.'

In the daylong "Envisioning MacArthur Boulevard" workshop of several years ago, higher density mixed-use housing was identified as a strategy for increasing pedestrian activity and supporting businesses on MacArthur Blvd.; at the same time residents wanted to preserve sunlight access, views, and the existing scale. District 4 Councilmember Jean Quan says that her experience on the Local Government Commission Board makes her believe that all of this is possible with good planning and "form-based design."'

The Laurel portion of MacArthur Blvd. is designated as "Neighborhood Center Mixed Use" in the General Plan. Height limits are not identified, but a floor area ratio formula would allow buildings to go up as high as six stories. This would be significantly different from the current mix of one-, two-, and three-story buildings we currently have in the Laurel, and it may be what we need to help get development on many of our long-empty lots.

"In this [zoning] process there is an opportunity to refine and specify requirements for building heights, setbacks, and uses," points out Professor Mark Henderson, who will work with students to identify key issues in the zoning update that will be of interest to the neighborhood, and develop pieces like the sketches above to facilitate discussion and problem solving.'

Neil Gray, Senior Planner, is leading the zoning update citywide. He recognizes that geographic attributes along with local culture in the Laurel is entirely different from the Rockridge or Temescal. "We are looking to hear what the general sentiment of the community is in order to establish zoning, so every development doesn't become a neighborhood fight."

"We appreciate the opportunity to develop stronger relationships with the college, and look forward to working with Mills Public Policy Program students in developing their analysis and leadership as future policy makers," stated Jain Williams, Laurel District Association Board Chair. "We look to Professor Henderson's class to assist us in identifying strategies that will contribute towards making MacArthur Boulevard a friendlier place for pedestrians and the businesses that serve the neighborhood."'

Products developed by Mills Public Policy students will be posted on the Laurel District Association Web site at www.laureldistrictassociation.org.