Planners to weigh parking, street changes

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission will meet Tuesday night to discuss updates on the Downtown Specific Plan, a sweeping plan for downtown renovations that includes, among other things, the fate of Triangle Park.

The plan would increase development in the area south of Goldenwest Street and north of Beach Boulevard by the beach, and from the pier to Palm Avenue, with Sixth Street and Lake Street setting the boundaries. Residents have especially taken issue with the portion of the plan outlining the construction of a performing arts theater, art center and underground parking structure in Triangle Park in their neighborhood by Main and Sixth streets.

Neighbors have signed a petition with nearly 3,000 signatures against the development. Most are opposed to the cultural center, which, at three or four stories, is proposed to stand on top of Triangle Park, a much-used spot for sports and family outings.

A series of study sessions for the Downtown Specific Plan update began June 23, when about 70 members of the public attended, and nearly 30 of them spoke against the Triangle Park plan. Tuesday night will mark the second of four study sessions.

“It’s just an opportunity to go into a little more detail,” said Kelly Fritzal, deputy director of economic development.

While the previous meeting solely discussed land-use issues, Tuesday night’s meeting will begin looking into specifics for design guidelines and implementation.

The update proposes, among other things, a 28-foot roadway with two 14-foot traffic lanes, with an additional 26 feet on both sides for sidewalk and outdoor dining, on Main Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Orange Avenue. It also proposes adding bicycle lanes or routes along some streets in the downtown, as well as bike racks.

Also, 55 on-street parking spots along Main from Pacific Coast Highway to Orange would be removed to make room for wider sidewalks and outdoor dining areas. The update would retain the existing street width north of Orange. A trolley system may be included in the plan, which would also implement a parking meter system and provide residential permits to preserve spaces for residents.

The Planning Commission plans to vote on the overall plan in September.