The KUSP Land Use Report #54: Future Planning For The City of Marina

"Listen Live"

The following Land Use Report is presented by Gary Patton, Executive Director of LandWatch Monterey County. The opinions expressed by Mr. Patton are not necessarily those of KUSP Radio, nor of any of our sponsors.

There’s an important meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, July 30th. The Pajaro Community Advisory Committee will discuss a proposed energy plant in the Pajaro area. You can get the details from last Friday’s program transcript at the KUSP website.

On Wednesday night, another interesting meeting is scheduled. The Marina City Council and Planning Commission will hear a presentation on “Traditional Neighborhood Design,” and how “old” planning concepts can bring new vitality to our communities. Vince DiMaggio, Jr., Vice President of Creek Bridge Homes, will explain what is often called the “New Urbanism.”

Creek Bridge is starting to change the kind of homes it builds. Instead of low density, single-family subdivisions, they’re looking towards mixed use, mixed income developments that emphasize walkability. In Salinas, Creek Bridge has just begun a project that will combine medium density housing with a major supermarket. At the meeting in Marina, some of the possible economic and social benefits of this approach will be explored. And this is a developer making the presentation, not an academic planner more interested in theory than the bottom line.

If you’d like to listen in, plan to be at Vince DiMaggio Park, 3200 Del Monte Boulevard, in the City of Marina, on Wednesday evening, July 31st. The program starts at 6:30 p.m.

For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.

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