Group eyeing ‘model’ cities

A small cadre of La Jolla Shores residents are studying how similar coastal communities in California and elsewhere have revised development guidelines to shape the character of their communities.

Called “Visions,” the group is part the La Jolla Shores Planned District Ordinance (PDO) Update Committee, which is working to revise rules regulating commercial and residential development in the Shores.

Composed of individuals who are also trustees of the La Jolla Shores Association and the La Jolla Community Planning Association, the group is taking “baby steps” in formulating a long-range “vision” for the diverse La Jolla neighborhood.

Visions group members who will be evaluating “model” communities are: Barry Graceman, Santa Barbara; Rob Whittemore, Carmel; Ed Furtek, Del Mar; Jim Fitzgerald, Santa Fe, N.M.; and Cynthia Bond, Charleston, S.C., and Jamestown, R.I.

Whittemore said he’s made progress studying how Carmel has used land-use zoning to cultivate its image, adding there are similarities to La Jolla.

“They’ve got what they call a city in a forest: It’s very tourist-oriented,” he noted. “It’s very interesting the way they describe what they’re about.”

Tim Lucas, who is overseeing the overall Shores PDO update, said the group’s “goal is to come back within six months and make a full recommendation as to not only what we want the Shores to look like today, but a long-range, 20- to 40-year plan as to what the Shores area is going to look like.”

He added that a second small working group would meet soon to begin the long process of reviewing and revising previous land-use planning documents for the Shores.

The working group’s next meeting will be at 4 p.m. April 12 at 7833 Via Capri.

Those wishing to participate in the Shores PDO review or comment on it can do so at ljspdoreview@gmail.com.