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City of Colton <br />Downtown Design Manual <br />Initial Study/Environmental Checklist 5 <br />South Colton Connection is emphasized south of Valley Boulevard on La Cadena through the Interstate 10 <br />underpass. This is an important connection that the community feels strongly about. The placement of the <br />primary gateway and associated improvements, and the related action item in the Chapter 6 of the Design <br />Manual, are intended to provide opportunities to tie south Colton to the Downtown area. <br />A primary gateway is proposed to be located at the Valley Blvd/La Cadena Drive intersection. The gateway is <br />intended to stand out from other secondary gateway areas, and does so by proposing enhanced paving, <br />public art, historic lighting, facade improvements, crosswalks and a decorative metal overhead gateway <br />crossing La Cadena Drive on the north side of the intersection, welcoming residents, workers, and visitors to <br />the Downtown Core. The placement of this primary gateway is also intended to connect Downtown to south <br />Colton, and to encourage visitors to visit south Colton businesses. <br />A multi-modal transit station is proposed to be located south of Ken Hubbs Park on E Street. The proposed <br />placement of the station is intended to be centrally-located, and easily accessible by pedestrians, bicyclists, <br />motorists, and transit users. The new station is identified in the Mobility Element, as well as in Omnitrans <br />transportation planning documents. <br />PLANNING PRINCIPLES <br />Based on the public input received during community outreach efforts, the following Downtown planning principles <br />guided the preparation of the Design Manual. <br />Historic Heritage <br />Emphasize Colton’s historic heritage (such as Southern Pacific Railroad, Earp family, WW II homes, agricultural <br />industries) to promote historic attractions, tourism and celebrate community pride. <br />Downtown Identity <br />Establish branding and cohesive signage, including a gateway sign visible from Interstate 10 that encourages tourists- <br />commuters-passersby to stop and directs them to key businesses and attractions, secondary gateways to welcome <br />residents from adjacent neighborhoods and a downtown wayfinding program. <br />Link South Colton <br />Extend and connect the Downtown experiences on the north and south sides of Interstate 10. Commercial areas and <br />neighborhoods south of the railroad tracks provide future opportunities to improve mobility, provide cultural events, and <br />enhance Colton’s integrated identity. <br />Sustainability and Healthy Living <br />Integrate sustainable design practices and green building policies that reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources. <br />Support healthy living practices including access to healthy foods, walkability, recreational amenities, and a safe <br />environment. <br />Expanded Mobility <br />Allow for a multi-modal transit station to support the future Omnitrans Holt Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line service. <br />Integrate a network that includes a variety of mobility modes including public transit, bicycle facilities, pedestrian <br />corridors and links, as well as vehicle circulation. <br />Mix of Commercial Uses <br />Foster a vibrant mix of uses to create an existing and dynamic downtown experience, including uses such as eating <br />and drinking establishments, entertainment venues, and a range of retail and service shops.