Laguna Beach reviews Forest Avenue promenade redesign; debate centers on trees, alcohol rules and construction impacts

Laguna Beach planning officials and the city’s promenade design team reviewed a revised concept for the Forest Avenue promenade at a joint Planning Commission and City Council Promenade Subcommittee meeting on Feb. 26. SWA landscape architect Sean O’Malley presented plans that keep and add trees, expand pedestrian circulation along storefronts, and introduce new seating, paving and lighting options. Staff said a CEQA analysis will be included in a March 19 public hearing on the project; the city does not plan a full environmental impact report at this time.

The project team described the overall approach as a “stage” for community use that preserves existing plantings while adding garden areas, flexible dining zones and a wider continuous pedestrian walk adjacent to storefronts. “We just hold the pen, and these are your ideas that we put down on paper,” said Sean O’Malley, SWA managing principal, as he reviewed conceptual sections showing alternate tree palettes, porous paving, larger benches and movable furniture.

Why it matters: the promenade design will change how people move through downtown Laguna Beach, affect retail visibility and could alter maintenance, drainage and public‑safety practices. Several business owners and residents pressed the city for guarantees on construction phasing, parking and enforcement of sidewalk and patio rules, and some public commenters called for a full EIR to study flood, parking and economic impacts.

Key points from the presentation and discussion

Design options and trees: SWA presented three tree‑layout options: a lighter plan similar to the previous submission, a heavier planting of eucalyptus (silver dollar gum) and a variant that adds several large heritage trees such as oaks. The consultant emphasized retaining existing healthy trees where possible and using larger planting collars and tree grates to protect roots. Commissioners generally favored a stronger eucalyptus statement along Forest Avenue, with several members also supporting placement of one or two large heritage trees as focal points and a…