Parking structure will serve downtown's needs

The construction on the property east of the train depot across the street from Heroes Bar and Grill is part of a larger plan called the Fullerton Transportation Center Specific Plan.

The plan is expected to occur in two phases. Phase I includes the development of the city parking lots and properties surrounding the Fullerton Train Depot. The new structure will accommodate a new bus depot on the ground floor, providing about 810 spaces. The parking facility will be completed by this summer. The structure will primarily be for commuter use and will serve as parking for the nightlife seekers.

Jay Eastman, the city's historic resource and downtown senior planner, said that better parking facilities and easier access to the freeways, as well as interconnected railway and bus routes are just a few of the ideas to make the downtown area more cohesive.

"We want to come up with something easier to manage and streamline for the downtown district," Eastman said.

Phase 2 would redevelop the remaining properties within the plan area. These properties would be redeveloped as individual projects over a 10- to 15-year span. Phase 2 would also consist of residential buildings, a 120-room hotel and neighborhood parks. The completion for Phase 2 is expected by 2020.

The plan will be funded by a combination of federal, state and local grant funds. Grants range from a minimum of $250,000 to a maximum of $2 million.

he plan will "promote effective job and housing relationships, enhance multimodal transportation options, integrate sustainability and economic development plans, and provide opportunities for community involvement," a city press release said.

The plan will cover 39 acres neighboring the existing bus and train station connecting Amtrak, Metrolink and local and regional bus routes, local trolley routes and high-speed railroads. The plan also outlines bike and pedestrian trails.

Eastman describes the idea as a "long-term vision for downtown Fullerton."