The objective of this phase of the Action Pajaro Valley (APV) Vision Process is to develop a strategic plan for implementing a regional growth strategy for the Pajaro Valley. This strategy will be designed to meet multiple environmental, economic, and social objectives. After agreement is achieved, the strategy will be promoted and implemented by the members of Action Pajaro Valley.
The APV Growth Strategy will address the issue of an urban growth boundary (UGB) around the City of Watsonville and community of Pajaro, and, if one is agreed upon, will include a map showing the UGB. The Growth Strategy may include community growth boundaries around other unincorporated communities in Monterey or Santa Cruz counties. The APV Growth Strategy also will include policies on development, both within and outside the growth boundaries. The policies will address, in varying levels of specificity, the following topics:
· land use patterns
· transportation
· housing
· economic development
· recreation and cultural facilities
· downtown development
· environmental issues and habitats
· water supply and quality
· agriculture
· community services and facilities
· health service facilities
· educational facilities
The emphasis for this phase of APV’s work will be on land use and how the above topics affect the use of land. The intent is that the results of the strategic plan will be the basis for amendments to the general plans of Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, and Monterey County. The results also will be the basis for other actions by these and other local entities, governmental or otherwise.
At the same time that the APV Advisory Board is developing the Growth Strategy, with assistance from its consultants, an APV committee will continue to meet to discuss the related issues of water and agriculture. During its deliberations, the APV Advisory Board will consider any recommendations from this committee. Other committees may possibly be formed, depending upon the level of interest, to provide focused input into the development of the Growth Strategy.
The APV Advisory Board is scheduled to release the draft Growth Strategy to the community at large by the end of 2000. Presentations will then be made to the Watsonville City Council, Monterey Board of Supervisors, and Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors. Based on this public and local government review, proposed changes will be brought back to the APV Advisory Board for consideration. After endorsement by the Advisory Board, expected in May or June 2001, the focus will shift to implementing the Growth Strategy, perhaps by a committee of the APV. At the same time, the APV is expected to initiate a new phase of its work, addressing one or more of the other important issues raised during its community visioning process.
ACTION PAJARO VALLEY DRAFT July 13, 2000