Council authorizes contract for Clark Avenue arts-district overlay and environmental review

The Bellflower City Council on Monday authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with De Novo Planning Group to prepare an Arts District overlay zone for Clark Avenue, including necessary general-plan amendments and environmental clearance, at a cost not to exceed $130,000 and a term up to 18 months.

Planning staff said the overlay work follows a 2022–23 study of Clark Avenue that identified two study areas with different redevelopment opportunities. Area 1 (Alondra to Flower) was identified as more walkable and more amenable to rehabilitation of existing buildings; Area 2 (Flower to Rose/91 Freeway) contains larger commercial and industrial parcels that will be more sensitive to market forces. Staff requested a consultant to draft the overlay, perform outreach and prepare environmental review so council can later consider rezoning and any associated programs.

Elizabeth Olba, Director of Planning and Services, told the council the community survey completed at the city’s summer events found strong public support for more arts programming but also included comments urging funding priorities for public safety and homelessness. The agreement with De Novo will cover analysis for both study areas, produce recommended overlay standards and identify implementation steps; staff said arts-program elements such as a vacant-storefront display program, mural and utility-box painting and other public-art initiatives could follow after the overlay is adopted.

Councilmember Sonny Santinez moved to authorize the agreement; Councilmember Victor Sanchez seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call: Wendy Morris, Victor Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Santinez, Dan Coops and Mayor Ryan Dutton each voted “Aye.”

Councilmembers asked staff to coordinate outreach and suggested a field visit to other cities’ arts districts; staff agreed to coordinate any site visits without adding consultant cost where possible. Funding for the $130,000 contract was confirmed as available in the proposed two-year budget under consultant services.