Planning Issues In Depth

Facade Program for Old Town Goleta Garners Genuine Interest

By Sonia Fernandez, Noozhawk Staff Writer | Published on 07.20.2010

Changes and improvements to the look of Old Town Goleta may be on the way, as the Goleta City Council and the Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday directed staff to look into the options for embarking on a facade rehabilitation program for the city’s downtown area.

“This all of a sudden has become exciting,” said Mayor Eric Onnen, adding that it was possible to see a measurable improvement in the storefronts in Old Town. “We’ve been struggling for that event to start.”

Tuesday’s decision came after a presentation by Ray Bragg, a former redevelopment director for Fontana who explained to the council what had been done in his San Bernadino County city to fix up its old and dated downtown district.

“This is not a program to change the businesses,” he said. Rather, it was an effort to change what the businesses looked like.

Taking several blocks individually, Bragg’s program consisted mainly of refurbishing the exterior appearances of the downtown storefronts — with the cooperation of the property owners. Windows and doors could be replaced, walls painted, and sidewalks landscaped and improved. Awnings, canopies and signs could be added, and lighting added and programmed for security — there are many options, he said. The businesses would not be required to close during construction.

FULL STORY HERE:

http://www.noozhawk.com/local_news/article/072010_old_town_goleta_facades/

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 5:08 pm and is filed under: Urban Design.