BPAC reviews Route 66 plaza refresh, Huntington gabion wall and FY27 budget recommendation

At the May 11 meeting, staff updated commissioners on several ongoing beautification projects and the commission recommended the FY27 and five-year plan budget to city council.

Staff described refresh work at the Route 66 Preservation Plaza — repainting and sign revision that adds a centennial emblem and refreshed bench and signage colors — and said a small site regrade and rock placement to discourage unsafe ‘selfie’ access will be completed by June 1 if procurement schedules hold. Staff also briefed commissioners on Route 66 Ponderosa landscaping: plant availability pushed completion to late July rather than early June. The Huntington gabion wall will replace a graffitied concrete barrier with cutout panels and orchid-colored accents; staff showed updated designs and estimated fabrication timelines.

Jana presented the FY27 and five-year plan budget and moved the recommendation to council; commissioners confirmed the packet matched the previously reviewed draft, seconded the motion, and voted to recommend the budget to council. Commissioners also reported on ArtX (May 1–3) and described high public engagement and a successful downtown activation that attracted visitors and social-media coverage.

What happens next: Staff will continue procurement and report construction/installation schedules; BPAC will receive follow-up reports as projects move into implementation and staff will forward the FY27 recommendation to city council.