City of Stockton Press Release

Connie Cochran
Public Information Officer

(209) 937-8827
connie.cochran@ci.stockton.ca.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Hearing Concludes: City Council Adopts 2035 General Plan

(Stockton, CA) – At the end of the regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, the City Council held its fifth and final session to conclude the Public Hearing for the 2035 General Plan. The Council approved the 2035 General Plan, Infrastructure Studies Project, Bicycle Master Plan, and Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) with a vote of 6 to 1.

Mayor Chavez stated that a lengthy document had been received last week from the Sierra Club. The document was reviewed by the City Attorney, City staff, and the City’s consultant, Matrix Design Group. Items were presented in a matrix format and referenced by number for discussion purposes. Changes from earlier meetings included land use designations for specific commercial and industrial properties; language that defines a “Regional Shopping Center”; and modifying language to retain a policy that continues the focus on entertainment, tourism, lodging and conventions in the downtown.

The Council unanimously supported the following items: item 32, which supports periodic review to ensure that development does not exceed levels established in the Final Environmental Impact Report; item 33, to use planning to “aggressively combat climate change” and look for guidance from the state; and item 34 to adopt implementation measures for energy efficiency.

In addition, Councilmember Lee made a motion to remove proposed policy language in Section 5.1 of the Plan that provides examples at the end of sections under the headings Housing Mix and Phasing Plan; the motion passed with a vote of 6 to 1.

Councilmembers Eggman and Nabors expressed concern that the General Plan does not provide significant benefits to older, established neighborhoods. Staff response cited various places where streets, curbs and sidewalks were addressed and how new development pays for the infrastructure by establishing fees to support ongoing maintenance. Other funding sources will need to be identified or developed, such as Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, to provide additional funding to upgrade older areas.

For additional information, please visit www.stocktongov.com, or, contact the Planning Manager David Stagnaro, AICP, at (209) 937-8598.

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