Whittier, CA
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Uptown Whittier, the City’s historic central business district, has long been considered a source of pride for Whittier residents boasting a unique sense of identity and character. The most recent revitalization of the area occurred in the 1980s, followed by renovation and necessary upgrades as a result of the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake.
Since that time, the Whittier City Council has embarked on a robust process of public outreach, planning, and design aimed at establishing Uptown Whittier as a vibrant urban destination. Approval and implementation of both the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (2008) and the Uptown Whittier Streetscape Beautification Plan (2019) has made way for much-needed hardscape improvements, enhanced accessibility, landscape and green space, and outdoor dining to further enrich the public realm and ensure Whittier’s historic core remains competitive within the Southern California region while preserving the City’s heritage and keeping pace with evolving conditions and trends.
Driven by community engagement and input, and paired with collaboration between local interest groups, businesses, and stakeholders, the goal has remained the same: investing in the future of Uptown and promoting a walkable, safe, and enjoyable experience for generations to come.
Below is a brief timeline of actions taken to advance streetscape beautification in Uptown Whittier, as directed by both comprehensive planning documents, and the City Council’s most recent approval to expand the existing Streetscape Beautification Plan from a single-block project area to three blocks in the heart of Uptown between Wardman Street and Hadley Street – now known as the Greenleaf Promenade.
Project Timeline
On November 18, 2008, the Whittier City Council adopted Resolution No. 8165 approving the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan and its related Environmental Impact Report under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Public Resources Code Sections 21000, et. seq., and the CEQA Guidelines.
The Uptown Whittier Specific Plan directed many implementing actions, including but not limited to, preparation of a streetscape beautification plan identifying tree replacement species, tree planting design, hardscape treatments, et cetera.
On February 23, 2016, the City Council approved funding and a professional services agreement with SWA Group for architectural and engineering consulting services for preparation of the Uptown Whittier Streetscape Beautification Plan (the “Streetscape Plan”).
On May 28, 2019, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to consider all public testimony and information submitted and formally adopted the Streetscape Plan.
On May 26, 2020, due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, the City Council approved a temporary closure of Greenleaf Avenue to facilitate the Greenleaf Promenade Outdoor Dine & Shop program.
Between June of 2020 and September of 2023, the City Council discussed potential amendments to the Streetscape Plan that would allow for the expansion of outdoor dining following the COVID-19 emergency measures and provided direction on design elements at fourteen City Council meetings inclusive of new amenities, lighting, paving, landscape, and park space.
On December 12, 2023, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing and considered all public testimony and information submitted for the Uptown Whittier Streetscape Beautification Plan and adopted Resolution No. 2023-87 approving the Final Greenleaf Promenade Design Amendment and an addendum to the Negative Declaration for the Uptown Whittier Streetscape under the California Environmental Quality Act. Additional design elements include uniform furnishings for outdoor dining, plans for necessary tree replacement, and gateway monument signage marking the project area at Wardman Street and Hadley Street.
On February 20, 2024, the City Council held a special study session at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to provide additional explanation and review of the Uptown Streetscape and Greenleaf Promenade project for residents and members of the public interested in learning more about the City’s plans for revitalization in Uptown. Staff provided a detailed presentation regarding background information and the project timeline, including identified challenges and opportunities relative to trees within the impacted area, and the current design for the Greenleaf Promenade featuring widened sidewalks for the accommodation of outdoor dining.
On April 30, 2024, the City Council held a follow-up study session to continue its discussion regarding proposed tree removal, and to receive further analysis from project consultants. Council directed staff to return with a brief update on options for larger replacement trees.
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, City staff hosted a follow-up study session, beginning with closed session at 6:00 p.m. and open/public session at 6:30 p.m. in the Whittier City Hall Council Chambers to present further information regarding trees. The meeting was broadcast via the public access cable channel 3 and streamed live from the City’s website (www.cityofwhittier.org). The agenda and a video recording of the meeting can be found here.
Following significant public input, reports from environmental and arborist consultants, and robust deliberations over many months, the Whittier City Council voted 3-1 to move forward with the Greenleaf Promenade project, approving additional amendments including larger replacement trees, shade structures within the three-block stretch of Greenleaf Avenue, and further consideration of phased implementation of the project.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the City hosted another study session for residents and community members. In partnership with SWA, the City's consulting firm, the City Council convened to receive information about the "Open Street" Pedestrian Promenade concept for Greenleaf Avenue. Staff and subject-matter experts shared project-specific soil and material calculations, Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) overlays, and considerations for future Capital Improvement Projects. After public input and careful deliberation, the Council affirmed its June 18, 2024 decision to move forward with the project.
The decision underscores the City's commitment to advancing a nearly 20-year plan for revitalization of Uptown Whittier, which began with extensive community involvement in 2006 as part of the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan process and was further refined in the 2019 Uptown Streetscape Beautification Plan.
The $20 million dollar Promenade project will help position Uptown as a walkable, safe, and vibrant urban destination addressing critical infrastructure improvements and featuring desired amenities for the benefit of residents, visitors, and locally-owned businesses including outdoor dining, enhanced lighting and branding, and more than 57,000 sq. ft. of combined landscaping and new park space.
In the coming months, staff will return to the City Council for approval of final construction documents and begin the next phase of the process.
Questions about the Greenleaf Promenade Project? Contact City of Whittier staff via email at pubinfo@cityofwhittier.org or by phone at (562) 567-9999.