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Redwood City General Plan Vision As indicated above} Redwood City is in the process of preparing a New General Plan. The City Council and Planning Commission are currently reviewing and refining the draft document. City staff and consultants are preparing the environmental documentation} with completion anticipated to occur in early 2010. Throughout the New General Plan development process} Downtown has received focused attention} and the City has developed specific goals and policies to re-create Downtown Redwood City as a vital} exciting} mixed-use center that attracts people from throughout the region. The General Plan vision provides for the continued renaissance of Downtown as a mixed-use center enjoyed by residents} workers} and visitors. The tallest buildings and development intensities in Redwood City will be focused in Downtown} where the Caltrain station and bus service provide easy commute access. Transit access and Downtown}s pedestrian orientation make it a place where people can live and work without relying on automobile transportation. Increasing the residential population will add vitality to Downtown by extending the hours of activity and the built-in market for retail} services} and entertainment. Outdoor gathering spaces will continue to make Downtown community oriented. As change occurs} priorities include maintaining Downtown} s pedestria n orientation} preserving the historic character} and maximizing benefits of transit accessibility for the Downtown}s growing residential population. The City has been focused on reinventing Downtown for many years. The approach is multi-faceted and has included significant investment in infrastructure} land use planning} and programming. The shift to the new economy that emphasizes knowledge workers} quality} speed to market} flexibility} and networking illustrates the potential of Downtown to continue to grow as a private-sector business center. The new economy values skilled workers and entrepreneurs who seek to live in cities that offer lively amenities and opportunities for interaction. A livable city has the characteristics and principles that support smart growth approaches such as the integration of mixed land uses} compact development} a mixture of housing types and affordability} walkable neighborhoods} public transportation options} and a sense of place. This also reflects the vision of a land use plan that ensures opportunities for economic growth while sustaining a quality of life for all} a regionally integrated transportation network} and equal access to quality education} child care} and healthcare systems. Businesses} especially those which employ knowledge-based workers} value the diverse amenities of unique areas. These areas promote interaction} accessibility} and creativity on which these workers depend. Creativity is encouraged by working and living environments that allow for lots of interaction among people. For instance} chance encounters in restaurants and in public spaces can stimulate conversations that lead to new partnerships and solutions. As the revitalization and transformation of Downtown that began in 2005 continues} Downtown will become a premier location for Class A office space and a regional destination for unique cultural} dining} and entertainment experiences. Urban-style housing} supportive public spaces and amenities} innovative parking strategies} and transit links to other business locations in Redwood City will work in tandem with business growth to achieve the City}s Downtown vision. The following goals and policies are included in the General Plan to facilitate the re-evolution of Downtown as the heart of our City. Site I nformation for Alternative Locations for the Proposed Replacement Jail September 2} 2009 15