offers a four-star boutique experience, our new hotel will provide moderate-priced options for visitors with value in mind.” This strategic diversification of accommodations aims to attract a broader range of tourists while maintaining the city’s high standards for development. The city’s three main business corridors each offer distinct commercial experiences. Seacoast Drive, running parallel to the ocean, features an eclectic mix of breweries, restaurants, and specialty shops, including a newly opened record store. The 13th Street corridor serves as a vital hub for the cycling community, with breweries and coffee shops catering to riders exploring the Bay Shore Bikeway. A third corridor along Palm Avenue is poised for transformation through the city’s master plan. “I would love to see more retail in our city,” Mayor Aguirre explains, outlining her vision for commercial growth. “We need the types of shops that other communities enjoy – thrift shops, specialty stores – places where people can have a meal and then walk around shopping for goodies.” This emphasis on creating a complete visitor experience aims to extend stays beyond sunset viewing and dining. HOUSING FOR ALL: MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS Amid California’s housing crisis, Imperial Beach is taking decisive steps to expand housing options while ensuring development brings tangible benefits to the community.“We try to bring as many community benefits as possible when we consider these projects,” Mayor Aguirre explains, highlighting a recently approved 65-unit development that spans market-rate to low-income housing.“We reached an agreement with the developer to provide a park in a district of our city that has zero parks. It’s the first park that will ever be built in District Four.” Another significant development combines housing with essential services for older residents. “We just granted an extension for a project that will provide senior affordable housing with extended wraparound services,” Mayor Aguirre notes.The development will double as a community hub, hosting various programs and creating a multi-generational gathering space. The city has also streamlined the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), offering another avenue for housing creation.“That’s another source of housing potentially for either elderly parents or young adults ready to enter the housing market,” Mayor Aguirre points out. This initiative provides options for multi-generational families to remain in Imperial Beach despite rising housing costs. These developments contribute to Imperial Beach’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment goals mandated by the state. While Mayor Aguirre acknowledges the challenge of meeting these targets –“We’re working and making progress towards our goal, but not as fast as we need to”– the city maintains its focus on creating housing solutions that serve its diverse population, from military personnel to essential workers and growing families, all while preserving the community’s character. 107 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 IMPERIAL BEACH, CA
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx