COUNCIL OKS 3-ACRE PROJECT DOWNTOWN TOWN HOUSES, RESTAURANT, STORES, PARKING INCLUDED.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

BURBANK - After years of failed plans to redevelop more than three acres of downtown land, the City Council on Tuesday night approved a $30 million project that will bring in more housing, retail stores, restaurants and parking to downtown Burbank.

Known as the former police block site, the mixed-use project will cover at least 80 percent of a lot along Olive Avenue, bounded by Third Street and San Fernando Road. The project includes a 140-unit town-house colony, as well as retail space and a restaurant with outdoor seating, plus 423 additional parking spaces.

The council approved the first part of the plans in a 4-0 vote, with Councilwoman Stacey Murphy absent.

Plans for a remaining 37,200 square feet also include office space, which the council is set to consider in the next few weeks. The city's planning board approved plans for the offices Monday.

``The site has been one we have been working on for a long time,'' said Councilman Dave Golonski. ``I think the overall development of this site will be complementary to where we are headed for the downtown area.'' The lot became available for sale in 1997 after the city's police and fire departments moved into a new facility at Orange Grove and Third Street.

It is the second major project recently approved to help revitalize a struggling downtown. City officials have said several of the small shops that line San Fernando Boulevard have failed to generate revenue and pedestrian traffic.

City officials last fall approved plans for a $25 million civic center, which could include a new Central Library, to be built nearby if funding becomes available.

In addition, international retailer Urban Outfitters is scheduled to open this summer at Magnolia and San Fernando boulevards and a remodeled, mega-AMC movie house also is set to open by summer.

Seal Beach-based Olson Co. presented a plan to the council that would include housing. A former plan included a 300-room hotel and more than 1,000 parking spaces.

The current project is significant because it will bring new homes to a tight market, said Community Development Director Sue Georgino.

More than a dozen of the new homes have been set aside for low-income residents.

``We're in a very strong housing market and this will add to the sale of homes,'' Georgino said.

The town homes will sell for up to $300,000, she said.

``The restaurant will further enhance that end of downtown,'' Georgino said.

Construction might begin as early as this fall, and the project is expected to be complete by 2005.

CAPTION(S):

map

Map:

Site of Development