In October 2023, the City of Watsonville adopted the Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan (DWSP), a community vision and planning framework to guide local development over the next 20-30 years. The DWSP aims to transform downtown Watsonville into a vibrant, mixed-use and pedestrian-friendly area while preserving its historic character.
The City began developing the Specific Plan in July 2019 and released a draft for public review in June 2022. Following a two-year community input period that included Advisory Committee meetings, community workshops and surveys, the City revised the plan and presented it to the Planning Commission on September 5, 2023. At the public hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the plan.
Watsonville Interim Community Development Director Justin Meek co-authored the September and October 2024 staff reports related to the DWSP.
“The Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan establishes a clear vision for Watsonville’s future. It aims to support housing production and foster civic and cultural activities. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to achieving the goals outlined in the plan,” said Interim Community Development Director Meek.
The DWSP earned a Hard Won Victories Award of Excellence by the American Planning Association (APA) California Chapter in July 2024. This award recognizes exceptional planning efforts achieved under challenging conditions. The DWSP offered diverse community members multiple engagement opportunities to increase inclusion, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
To view the City of Watsonville’s staff reports, as well as more information and examples of Downtown Plans, check out this LINK article.
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