The City Official Who "Gets It" - Al Zelinka

"Al Zelinka, is the community development director for the City of Fullerton, California. Prior to joining the City of Fullerton, Zelinka was vice president of RBF Consulting and served as principal of RBF Consulting's urban design studio. For the past 20 years, Zelinka has played an active part in more than 150 projects (20 of which have received awards) and has practiced planning and delivered presentations or training in more than 28 states (plus the District of Columbia). He is the coauthor of two APA publications, SafeScape and Placemaking on a Budget. Zelinka received a master of regional planning from Cornell University."

The Cornell grad is a shift from the usual bureaucratic appointments by an otherwise largely failed City Council.   

Last night was the first time I felt that someone at City Hall "gets it".  Not that there aren't a few very talented folks down there but anyone who has had to develop a piece of property in Fullerton knows the frustration and expense associated with the process.

Speaking to the residents and selection committee at last night's DCCSP public meeting Zelinka said something that hit straight to the core of Fullerton's problem with private investment and development.  With about 30, maybe 40, people in the room, Zelinka said "We need to get government out of the way!" 

Holy Hot Tamale!  That was my message during the 2010 City Council election! 

Zelinka is the first to realize and, more importantly, vocalize that City Hall with its commissions and council is actually hindering growth, development, and investment.  For years, perhaps decades, Fullerton has been a difficult place for developers to work.  Between the NIMBYs (not-in-my-backyard), a disjointed development code, and a void of leadership few have been willing to invest here.

Zelinka went on to explain that the specific plan which is to be created by the public through various workshops will create a framework for expediting development.

The way it has been explained to me is like approving which Lego's you will allow to be used upfront and then, anyone using those Lego's gets a quick approval.  I realize that is overly simplified but the concept is the same.

Some of the public comments included a strong desire for NEW architecture.  I truly hope those with that or similar opinions and concerns stay engaged in this discussion so that we don't end up looking like Irvine with the same beige stucco facades that seem to be creeping into downtowns across the U.S.

I was not a fan of this project from the start, mostly over concerns of the costs to taxpayers for condemnation and the potential for suppressing property rights. 

Although I still have those concerns, what is good for the goose is good for the gander.  That is, if Chevron can request and have their property rezoned then why not the downtown...even if the downtown zone change is initiated by the City of Fullerton.

A major component of the plan is to address the roads and properties fronting certain arteries (corridors) leading into the Downtown "core".  This is where I see our tax dollars being invested first and foremost.  It is also where the largest segment of Fullerton's residents will be adversely affected if it isn't done right.  It will require YOUR input to make it a good plan that is uniquely Fullerton.

With Al Zelinka's clear vision of getting government out of the way, I am optimistic that he and other City regulators will know when (and how) to step aside and allow growth to take place without heavy handed tactics or the use (and abuse) of public funds.

Fullerton just might survive...