Palm Springs, California.  The City of Palm Springs and its Redevelopment Agency are hosting a series of community workshops titled "Visioning for the Future of the Desert Fashion Plaza". The first workshop took place on Wednesday, January 26th and the second on Thursday, February 3rd. I attended both workshops (left the second one a half hour early). This report covers the second workshop.

The evening was devoted to reviewing last's weeks workshop suggestions from participants of what types of businesses and architecture should be included in a new or renovated Desert Fashion Plaza. Participants were encouraged to comment and many did, though the content of much that was said mirrored suggestions made last week. And, like last week's session, it appeared the majority of those present represented interest groups with which they were affiliated. As in last week's session, city council members and city officials observed the proceedings from the rear of the room. A nice array of catered hors d'oeuvres and beverages were available throughout the evening.

Three different aerial view-type representations of the Desert Fashion Plaza area (including the Palm Springs Art Museum on the west and Town & Country Plaza on the east) were on display. The first display, identified as "Scenario A", envisioned redevelopment/rehabilitation of existing buildings. The second, "Scenario B", envisioned a combination of new development and some rehabilitation. Both designs included a new street or mall linking the Town & Country site with the Museum. The third display, "Scenario C", was the most dramatic and, to me, intriguing. It divided the site into four individual blocks with an extension of Belardo Road serving as a new north-south street and the previously noted street-mall as the east-west divider separating the new blocks. The impression was one of a completely clean slate, with a better access mix for vehicles and pedestrians, and resulting in more design possibilities.

Participants were asked to indicate preferences for the three design layouts, but no effort was made to discuss their choices in detail. Requiring those present to split into three groups, based on their design choices, would have provided better insight into individual preferences. It would also have given participants an opportunity to fine tune their various business and architecture suggestions to fit their site layout preferences.

Once again no discussion of costs, revenues or other financial considerations took place and the entire exercise continues to exhibit an aura of working with an unlimited bank account.  Speaking of bank accounts, the city council is reportedly paying the workshop facilitators in excess of $75,000 to plan, conduct, summarize and report the workshop series results. Apparently economic hard times haven't made a serious impact on Palm Springs city finances.

Last week I noted a June ballot measure has been mentioned in which voters may be asked to approve new taxes in order to pay for acquisition and development of the Desert Fashion Plaza property. My conclusion at that time remains unchanged. Few should be surprised if voters decide against paying for the project with taxpayer funds.

Bond Shands
Palm Springs

"Scenario A"

"Scenario B"

"Scenario C"

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