DOWNEY - The city of Downey's Downtown Specific Plan, a 208-page document outlining the city's vision for the downtown area, has been selected to receive the Compass Blueprint Recognition Award for Achievement in Livability, city officials announced Friday.The award is from the Southern California Association of Governments. Housing is a major component of the Specific Plan, which also recommends an increase in "eating, retail, arts and recreation opportunities." The plan, approved by the City Council in September, emphasizes pedestrian-friendly walkways to decrease the reliance on automobiles. In a press release, city officials called the plan "groundbreaking." "We feel we are heading in the right direction on many great things in Downey but this just affirms what we have been doing," Guerra, in an e-mail, said of the award. "Great week for Downey and our community." City officials will receive the award at a conference next month.

********** Published: April 14, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 52