2024 NorCal APA “Economic Planning & Development” Award of Merit

The City of Newark’s Old Town Specific Plan aims to stimulate new development in a mixed-use neighborhood that has been the subject of many planning efforts over the years. Key plan elements include revising development standards to meet the General Plan vision, analyzing market demands and right-sizing regulations to meet market conditions, and developing economic development policies to support the commercial uses, including retail, services, and restaurants. The project also included a comprehensive streetscape plan that prioritizes pedestrians and bicyclists through a road diet. The project included stakeholder engagement, pro forma analysis of development sites, detailed physical site testing, and preparation of Zoning and General Plan amendments to enable a plan that is realistic and focused on implementation.

Jean served as the project manager, the primary author of the General Plan amendments, Specific Plan, Zoning Ordinance amendments, and Addendum to the General Plan EIR. She also wrote a grant request that earned the City a $5 million grant to construct the streetscape improvement project.

Partners: Rhoades Planning Group (Lead Consultant), Urban Field Studio, Bottomley Design & Planning, Richard Kos, Abrams Associates, BKF Engineers