The workshop targeted four specific corridors:
- Civic Center Drive & South Santa Fe Avenue (SE)
- West Vista Way & North Melrose Drive
- East Vista Way
- Civic Center Drive & South Santa Fe Avenue (NE)
Two proposed Land Use Designations were presented for each corridor in addition to the Existing Land Use Designation – Neighborhood/Commercial:
- Mixed Use Corridor with 21-45 units per acre
- Mixed Use Corridor with 45-80 units per acre
The proposals are guided by the vision (goal) of maintaining the scale and character of Vista’s established residential neighborhoods, as well as pre- serving the community’s rural character, targeting higher density growth in and around Downtown and along Major Corridors, new mixed-use designations to reflect physical characteristics and development patterns along corridors, and increased maximum density of mixed-use designations to better incentivize private development. A lively discussion ensued covering topics such as consistency in high quality materials and functionality in architectural styles, traffic and parking, need for open spaces, pocket parks, walkability, livability, and affordability.
At the end of the workshop a consensus emerged for the higher density proposals in areas close to the freeways and downtown. Developments with colorful modern looking dwellings, using more wood materials and nicer architectural elements, were recommended. Underground parking, easier access to convenient transportations, and improvements in air quality were also encouraged. Younger participants (mostly students) were keen in having more shopping areas, sit-down restaurants, better lighting, places to hangout, and access to more nature areas.
–Francis Dumler, President
