Council adopts El Camino specific‑plan amendments; performing arts center entitlements delayed after park concerns

The City Council on Oct. 7 adopted an ordinance amending the El Camino specific plan and rezoning several parcels after a second‑reading vote. The ordinance changes approved by council will take effect 30 days after passage.

Joel Rojas, development services director, reminded the council that at the Sept. 16 meeting the council approved entitlements for the private residential portion of the project, but did not act on entitlements for a proposed 450‑seat Performing Arts Center in Historic Town Center (HTC) Park. Rojas said the performing arts entitlements remain on hold and will be the subject of a separate public hearing scheduled for Oct. 21 to ensure the public has full opportunity to review scope and impacts.

Several residents urged caution. "Taking any additional steps that would allow private commercial development in Historic Town Center Park ... would be an irreversible mistake," said resident Erin Bayer, urging that the public have a voice before public land is rezoned. Other speakers raised concerns about parking capacity for a large performance venue and the effect on park uses and traditions such as the Christmas tree lighting.

Council members said they had heard the public’s concerns and noted that the council’s prior action on Sept. 16 approved entitlements for privately owned parcels; the council explicitly deferred action on HTC Park entitlements so data and designs can be vetted in a separate hearing. Staff and council also discussed options to preserve usable park space and to refine the project's footprint and parking approach in follow‑ups with the developer.

The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance and the consent calendar motion authorizing the code amendment and rezone. Council members said the Oct. 21 hearing will give the public additional opportunities to comment on any proposed changes to Historic Town Center Park.