Smart Growth

By Bob Henderson

Whittier needs to continue to increase its economic base by attracting quality business for improved shopping opportunities and jobs for our citizens but it must do so while preserving our unique quality of life.

This does not mean that all is perfect or that we do not face major challenges in the years ahead. The world is changing rapidly and we need to adjust to its challenges and opportunities. In particular, we need to see how businesses are changing and be sure that we adapt to keep Whittier a city with great places to work and shop. We need to attract quality businesses so that we can have more opportunities and so we can expand our tax base to continue to provide quality services, such as, police, library, recreation, and maintenance of our infrastructure.

While we pursue economic growth we must also remember to channel that growth into positive improvement and not simply growth for growth sake. New development must work for the benefit of our community and must be in keeping with our character. Adding poorly planned strip malls, too many national fast food drive-ins, or too dense housing is not positive growth.

To try to grow smart and to continue to bring all of our community into the process we have undertaken three major initiatives. First, to revitalize Whittier Boulevard we brought in the world famous urban designer Michael Freedman to lead a public planning process that has developed into the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan. By holding a number of town hall meetings we were able to engage the community in rethinking development along Whittier Boulevard and which has now been expressed by a new Specific Plan that will guide future development. Already a large number of developments are in the planning stage.

Secondly, the reuse of the 74 acre Fred C. Nelles site is probably the greatest economic development opportunity for Whittier of our generation. We have the opportunity to bring quality businesses and housing, together with much needed tax revenues to our town.

To plan this major project we have again used town meetings to invite comments and ideas from the entire community. With the goals set, we are negotiating with the State to see that the future development meets those goals. Since we have the control over the zoning, design, and architecture we can be assured that any development will fit into our community and add to it.

Finally, we have many developers who want to develop in Uptown. Bringing "mixed use" (i.e., residential and retail) offers the potential of adding more owner occupied housing together with improved retail opportunities. More users and buyers together with better quality stores and restaurants can revitalize Uptown. But again we need to be sure that the unique character of Uptown is enhanced by new development not destroyed. To be sure that any changes in current zoning fit the community we have hired the nationally recognized planning and architectural firm of Moule and Polyzoides to develop a new Specific Plan for Uptown that will involve the same open process of involving the entire community. In the next few months public-planning meetings will be held so that all ideas and comments can be incorporated. Each of us needs to watch and participate in this process.

The times ahead are challenging and exciting. Together we can make Whittier an even better place for ourselves and our children and grandchildren.