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Council backs proactive steps for Artisia Boulevard investment, calls for vacancy and signage work
Summary
Council members urged a proactive investment and retention strategy for the Artisia Boulevard corridor, asked staff to link upcoming AAP (Accessory/Aviation Area Plan) changes to marketing and vacancy outreach, and directed updates to commercial tables, signage and storefront maintenance enforcement.
Redondo Beach council members used the strategic planning workshop to press for a more proactive approach to revitalizing Artisia Boulevard and the Aviation/Artisia commercial corridor, where a mix of vacancies and stalled projects has raised concern.
What council asked for: members urged staff to pair pending regulatory changes (the AAP and revised land-use tables) with an active investor-outreach program. Council Member Aaji said staff should "seek out businesses to come to Artisia Boulevard and Aviation" and proactively follow up with property owners and prospective tenants so shovel-ready projects move faster from entitlement to construction.
Zoning and permitting fixes: staff noted that updates to commercial-use tables and permitting pathways are already planned as part of the AAP work. Council asked staff to ensure any small text amendments or clarifications needed to accommodate otherwise qualified tenants (for example, the conditional use or PD restrictions that can prevent a veterinary clinic or other uses) are handled in a coordinated way with the AAP effort rather than piecemeal.
Signage, maintenance and vacancies: Council directed staff to prepare ordinance options for clearer storefront and sign standards and to follow with a maintenance/vacancy policy that could address long-term dark storefronts. Staff noted enforcement and legal constraints with more intrusive options and suggested a phased approach: signs first, then broader maintenance options with policy choices and enforcement considerations.
Farmers market: a public commenter announced state certification for the new North Redondo Beach Farmers Market at Green Lane and Artisia Boulevard and called for safer, slower traffic and public spaces to maximize market benefits. Council members discussed working with staff, the market group and property owners to make those changes practical.
Next steps: staff will incorporate the vacancy, signage and pro-investment objectives in the draft strategic plan being returned in May and will provide a staff report about the AAP-linked zoning and permitting changes and any near-term text amendments.
