Somerton development plan adopted

SOMERTON — A plan that Somerton officials hope will spur downtown redevelopment is now in effect.

The plan, adopted recently by the Somerton City Council, defines design and development standards for commercial establishments downtown, as well as sets aside areas for a future civic plaza, a new City Hall and a future park on the west side of Cesar Chavez Avenue.

The Downtown Somerton Redevelopment Plan also offers a package of incentives for businesses that locate in the downtown area or existing ones that upgrade their premises, Mayor Martin Porchas said.

The plan represents the city's efforts to bolster the downtown commercial district that straddles Main Street, an area that went into decline in recent decades as consumers opted to do their shopping outside Somerton.

The plan, drawn up by city officials with the help of the consulting firm Fackler Planning & Development, was approved by the city council by unanimous vote on Tuesday, after being presented to residents at a series of public hearings beginning in November.

“This is something that we have been discussing for months,” Porchas said. “It is going to be something that is good for the city because we will have a document that guides us in the development of that area.

The plan can be seen at www.cityofsomerton.com/documents/2012-09-27_SOMERTON_REDEVELOPMENT_PLAN.pdf