The Pacific Beach Planning Group (PBPG) conducted a “design charrette” — or open workshop meeting — at the Discover PB offices on Garnet Avenue on Dec. 5 to gather community input on a proposed redesign of the South Pacific Beach oceanfront area. The proposed oceanfront includes the area between Grand Avenue south of the lifeguard tower and Pacific Beach Drive on the south end of the Promenade shopping center and the area between Mission Boulevard and the boardwalk along Ocean Boulevard. “The Pacific Beach Planning Group is coordinating an effort to create something really special for the Pacific Beach oceanfront,” said PBPG member Chris Olson. Among the proposed changes being considered: • increasing value to real estate • serving visitors, local residential community and commercial/business • public safety • increasing accessibility by making the area more compliant with the American Disabilities Act, and making the area more bike, skate and pedestrian friendly • expanding the boardwalk in congested areas • relocating on-street parking • improving use of off-street parking • creating/incorporating the “beach experience” into designs • advocating and creating a public space/pedestrian area • providing space for vendors and advertising for local businesses • creating a unique style of landscaping to enhance the boardwalk • promoting alternative transportation by closing streets for non-vehicular use • advocating and creating “sustainability” • create a destination • improving view corridors • replacing/relocating the bathrooms at Pacific Beach Drive • undergrounding utilities • advocating and creating public art • promoting local community involvement • improving the continuity between the south and north sides of Crystal Pier The meeting was used by members to mark up an aerial map of the project area to give a visual representation of the proposed improvements and to get as much input as possible from the community. “There are a lot of talented people in our community who are volunteering their time to develop a vision for the future of Pacific Beach south of the main lifeguard tower,” Olson said. “This process will create a place that embraces the historical and current culture of Pacific Beach.” The next step in the process takes place with a 5:30 p.m. meeting on Jan. 23 at the Discover PB Office, located at 1503 Garnet Ave., as the planners present options that are being drafted, based upon community input. For more information, email [email protected].