Finally, things are starting to get interesting with the future of downtown Laguna Beach.
In what seems like decades in the making, the City Council on Tuesday made another step toward a more vibrant, affordable downtown.
It basically said yes, let’s consider increasing the building height to allow for more housing.
Whoa.
Remember that this is a preservationist town that battled evil high-rises back in the day – and won’t let anyone forget it.
So to authorize a potential change in the height of downtown buildings is a big deal.
And surprisingly, the council is generally OK with it, along with the early public feedback.
It’s early days but the way the city is framing the issue is smart.
First, the state is holding a housing mandate hammer that is getting bigger and bigger, so the city needs results with affordable housing.
Second, we’re losing too many artists because no one can afford to live in Laguna anymore.
Third, downtown is not thriving.
“I really appreciate that you guys are leaning into the affordability challenge in Laguna Beach and to meet the state requirements,” said resident Michele McCormick, during the meeting. “I really feel like Laguna has gotten to that watershed moment where housing is not affordable for so many people.”
Several residents supported the direction, saying that Laguna needs to be creative with housing opportunities.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi went a step further and said we just have to look at older areas in the city where we already have second-story, higher-density housing.
“What’s funny is that they are illegal to build under our current zoning,” he said. “I don’t think that we’re changing the downtown. I think we’re living up to the potential of what our town is about, which is a creative artist colony – not just being governed by fear and being scared about change.”
Whatever change happens is still a long way off. There will be more meetings, of course. In the meantime, the city’s staff is going to line up more concrete options, stats, environmental details, parking, etc.
There was also a request to build 3D models so everyone can get a good sense of what all of this might look like.
Any amendments to the Downtown Specific Plan may extend to the Laguna College of Art and Design to better accommodate mixed-use housing options deeper into the canyon.
As for timing, look for a community workshop in April of next year with recommendations by the end of 2024. Final approval is planned for spring 2025.
So get ready for a more interesting downtown. No high-rises, to be sure, but certainly something that will help sustain an affordable, artistic future.
