Short Range Transit Plan 2008-2013 - Omnitrans

IBI GROUP
SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN REPORT
OMNITRANS COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT
& SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN
CITY OF HIGHLAND
Overview
The “City of Highland General Plan” was updated in March 2006 in association with a consultant (The
Planning Center, based in Orange County). Five themes have basically formed the benchmark that
shaped the policies and these are:
Key Relevant Points
• Invigorating key activity centers
• Preserving the natural setting
• Stimulating jobs and economic health
• Revitalizing neighborhoods
• Strengthening historic links
The Land Use Plan has designated enough land to accommodate 21,000 units and 72,000 residents by
2030. 60% of the city’s 11,948 acres is designated for residential uses and more than 20% is for open
spaces. East Highlands Ranch Planned unit development to the east of SR-30 has been the prime
shaper of the development in the city. The City plans to promote mixed-use development of the Town
Center and Golden Triangle to foster social interaction.
Out of the four quadrants formed by the intersection of Baseline and Palm Avenue, significant vacant land
exists on the northwest quadrant and this will be the focus of totally new development.
Many of the mid-block commercial uses along Baseline, which is the principal east-west corridor through
the city, are redesignated to medium-density residential uses.
Golden Triangle, formed by two creeks and Boulder Avenue, is a collection of vacant and agricultural
lands. The few constraints for a successful master-planning effort are congestion on 5 th Street and the
elimination of excellent visual resources. The General Plan aims to mitigate these constraints and
facilitate a master-planned, mixed-use development. New uses will be oriented along City Creek and a
new specific plan is going to be planned.
To encourage the flow of industrial workers from San Bernardino International Airport (SBIA), the General
Plan has designated the 5 th Street corridor to be a major employment center that includes Business Parks
and other industrial land uses.
Victoria Avenue, the prime entry point to the airport from I-210, is going to expand and have a
concentration of commercial uses specifically at Baseline, Pacific Street, and Highland Avenue. This
avenue is also seen as a potential new interchange for the I-210 Freeway.
Another prime residential area known as Seven Oaks area is envisaged in the General Plan to have good
access points, trail connections, open spaces, and preservation of existing natural resources. Strong
connection to the Historic Village District is being emphasized.
The Circulation Element of the City’s Plan mentions the connection of I-210 with SR-30 by 2007 and
proposed expansion of SR-30 to six lanes near Highland. Several Omnitrans buses operate in the city.
The City plans to provide park-n-ride regional bus and carpool facilities. Other goals are:
• Work with Omnitrans to provide more service to the eastern side of the city
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