San Pablo Avenue is El Cerrito’s "Main Street." It is our front door and the major commercial corridor for our residents and businesses. While most people probably think that the Avenue from north of the Del Norte area, to the Plaza is wholly an El Cerrito roadway, in fact many of the properties within that area that front on the Avenue, actually are in the City of Richmond.
The Avenue provides a major resource and opportunity for El Cerrito. However, due to the irregular city boundaries, different general plans, zoning and land uses between the two cities, planning and revitalization along the Avenue has been a long standing challenge.
El Cerrito’s General Plan recognized that challenge. It stated "these conditions will require a cooperative effort with the City of Richmond to create an attractive and unified visual character."
The City Managers and staff from both cities have worked together for the past year to coordinate planning and code enforcement efforts. However, both cities staffs recognized the need for a specific plan to help revitalize the shared segment of San Pablo Avenue, as a community amenity and economic development generator.
In March, 2007 the consulting firm of Moore Iacofano Goltsman, or MIG, was chosen to lead the Specific Plan process and create a Plan that encapsulates the common visions, goals, and standards to implement the vision that both cities have for San Pablo Avenue.
Download a map of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Study Area (PDF, 859Kb)
Existing Conditions Analysis
In October, 2007, MIG completed the "Existing Conditions Analysis". The report provides an overview of the existing conditions, issues and opportunities present within the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Planning Area in El Cerrito and Richmond, California. This information is being used during the planning process as a foundation for shaping alternatives and strategies for strengthening and enhancing the corridor. Specifically, this report discusses land use; community design; economics and market conditions; and circulation, transportation and parking.
Download the Report by section:
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Land Use
Chapter 3 Community Design & Character
Chapter 4 Economics & Market Conditions
Chapter 5 Circulation, Transportation & Parking
Chapter 6 Appendix
The City of El Cerrito is committed to
re-investing in the Avenue by making public improvements, ensuring high quality design for new developments and creating a vision for the future of the Avenue. For more information about the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and upcoming meetings, contact the El Cerrito Community Development Department at 215-4380.
Printer-friendly page
