About the General Plan (continued)

“The General Plan is the most important document a City will produce,” said Director of Community Development, Ed Cox. “The process gives the community an opportunity to take a long term look at the city as we set the course for the next 15 to 20 years. We have many important decisions before us in the next few years such as how the City will decide land use or combination of land uses for the creation of a downtown city center in Duarte, infill projects, and redevelopment issues. This is the document that will determine how those decisions will be made, and the outcome will be determined by those who take the time to make their voices heard.”

In August and September 2005, Arellano Associates and Economic & Development Specialists conducted stakeholder interviews of individuals representing a cross section of Duarte. Stakeholders include City Council members, persons representing senior citizens, members of youth sports, members of the Teen Center, members of different ethnic groups, Chamber of Commerce representatives, the president of a homeowners association, a neighborhood watch captain, business owners, a City of Hope representative, and a member of the Duarte Coordinating Council. A community wide survey was mailed to both residents and businesses during the week of September 19. 

A General Plan Steering Committee and Community Ad-hoc Committee were formed to support the project. These committees represented a cross-section of Duarte stakeholders, citizens and businesses and helped guide goals and policies within the General Plan.  Twelve General Plan Steering Committee meetings were held beginning in October 2005 and continued to meet monthly through May 2006. “All Steering Committee and Community Ad-hoc Committee meetings are open to the public to provide further input,” said Mr. Rangel, who will provided data and technical guidance for the committees to consider.