Santa Maria Sun / News

Santa Maria will get 'specific' about goals for downtown

Amy Asman

Want to make an impact on community development in the downtown Santa Maria area?

Staff members from the Santa Maria Community Development Department are holding an Aug. 14 meeting to update the public about the city’s Downtown Specific Plan. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Minami Community Center, 600 W. Enos Drive, in Santa Maria.

Specifically, staffers are expected to discuss progress so far, present a summary of recent amendments to the specific plan, and announce public hearing dates for the Santa Maria Planning Commission and City Council.

According to the city, the Santa Maria Downtown Specific Plan establishes a vision and guidelines for future development and beautification in the area of Santa Maria that was historically the downtown.

The specific plan boundary encompasses approximately 50 square blocks that radiate from the intersection of Broadway (State Highway 135) and Main Street (State Highway 166).

The proposed blueprint divides the project area into five districts, each with unique architectural styles and design guidelines. There’s a Gateway District, Town Center District, Garden District, Bungalow District, and a Railroad Loft District.

Major goals include analyzing economic trends for economic revitalization, improving pedestrian and vehicular safety, improving design standards and aesthetics, increasing public participation and input, and further implementing the restoration of the downtown area.

For more information about the Downtown Specific Plan, contact the Santa Maria Community Development Department at 925-0951, Ext. 418.