District 1 topic of council’s special session

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission will go over the majority of changes the Downtown Specific Plan would make in a special meeting study session devoted to District 1 at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers in the Civic Center.

The updates to the Downtown Specific Plan would consolidate the downtown from 11 districts to seven, and encompass the area south of Goldenwest Street and north of Beach Boulevard along the beach and up to Palm Avenue in the downtown area. From Sixth Street north, the plan extends up to Walnut Avenue. South of Main Street, the plan includes the resort areas.

The Downtown Specific Plan is a long-range planning document that dictates building and parking specifications and design guidelines. The plan is being updated to increase development over the next 20 years.

The proposed changes to District 1 include a cultural arts overlay, which would act as a northern hub for Main Street with the Huntington Beach Art Center, a possible cultural center and a performing arts theater.

The final study session on the draft Environmental Impact Report will be Sept. 8, before the Sept. 22 Planning Commission public hearing.

The report is available at www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us/, Main Street Library, City Hall and the Michael E. Rodgers Senior Center, city officials said.

— Britney Barnes