Urban design analysis for downtown Laguna Beach will be revealed

A city-hired planning firm will present its analysis regarding urban design in downtown Laguna Beach during Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting.

MIG will discuss a variety of topics such as building height, landscaping, crosswalks and overall aesthetics as the city, which hired the firm two years ago to help update Laguna’s downtown specific plan, identifies priorities for the area’s future related to planning and development.

“There are several intersections where the pedestrian environment needs improvement,” MIG said in a memo available on the city’s website at lagunabeachcity.net.

Possible changes include adding flashing lights at crosswalks or scrambles, where all cars stop, allowing pedestrians from all corners to cross at the same time.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

In the memo, MIG depicted, in schematic designs, possible redevelopment of two properties on opposite sides of Broadway at the intersection with South Coast Highway.

Each parcel currently has a gas station, which MIG said is the not the “optimal” use for either site. Instead, MIG said two, two-story commercial buildings comprised of restaurants and public plazas on the ground floors could replace the gas stations.

MIG did not indicate whether the firm or the city had contacted either property owner about these ideas, according to the memo.

Additional meetings will occur during the summer and fall to review other key topics including, but not limited to parking and land use.

Wednesday’s meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in City Council chambers at 505 Forest Ave, and is open to the public.

--

Bryce Alderton, bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce