Open Space Design

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Committee was appointed by the Planning Commission to refine the detailed design of the open space. The thirteen member Ad Hoc Committee is composed of three representatives from the neighboring homeowner's associations, and two representatives each from five key commissions (Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission and Water Commission).

The Ad Hoc Committee worked with a landscape architect and City staff to incorporate design features to meet neighborhood and community interests, consistent with the approved project:

• Incorporation of a portion of the historic filtration building.
• Provisions for neighborhood and on-site security.
• Use of fire-resistant landscaping features and a staging area for firefighters.
• Design features that allow only passive activities.

The Ad Hoc Committee made its recommendations to the Planning Commission and Architectural Board of Review (ABR) in July 2002. The one issue that did not achieve consensus by the Ad Hoc Committee was the disposition of the Filtration Building. The Committee recommended (based on a 7-6 vote) that the Filtration Building be removed. The Planning Commission voted to recommend retention of the building. Their recommendations were approved before the City Council on July 30, 2002 prior to commencing the final design.

Your questions and concerns are important to us. For more information, please contact the Sheffield Water Quality Project Neighborhood Construction Liaison at (805) 680-2488 or email Sheffield@SantaBarbaraCA.gov