The downtown of the future could be far different than it is today, according to a 30-point plan laid out by Mayor Nolan Crouse Monday night.
In a 16-minute speech to council and administration, Crouse outlined some major changes to the downtown that would draw more people and shed the area's sleepy reputation. His ideas, combined with council's official vision, are part of an ongoing effort to reenergize the downtown that started with a citizens' task force last fall.
"The downtown needs a vision and we don't have it yet, and I'm prepared to stick my neck out," said Crouse.
The mayor suggested permanently closing St. Anne Street to motor vehicle traffic, transferring the library from city hall to a new location at the empty lot on St. Thomas Street and move the museum into the library's old location, allowing it to expand. He also recommends exploring the idea of an underground parkade.
"I am very aware of the criticism and skepticism this may evoke," Crouse said Monday. "I am also acutely aware of the sense of responsibility that I have to provide leadership in the face of that same criticism."
Crouse's speech was made just minutes after council presented its vision statement and list of objectives for the downtown area. The vision describes a future downtown area where residents and tourists can shop and enjoy festivals and events.
Council goals
Council's official objectives include establishing a geographic boundary for the downtown area to help with future planning, a marketing initiative to attract businesses and residents, a central gathering place or plaza, improved transportation, an architectural theme for buildings and beautification of the area through signage and public art.
Crouse echoed many of the city's objectives in his speech, but provided more specifics. He said council did not have enough time to collectively cover all the points raised.
Coun. Lorie Garritty is pleased with the mayor's enthusiasm.
"I think he, you know, is kind of taking the lead on being the visionary," said Garritty. "With these kinds of things you need somebody to kind of stand up and say, this is the way it has to move forward, and he's the mayor and that's his role."
Both Crouse and Garritty share the opinion that the downtown area needs to attract specialty shops, but Garritty also believes a cultural anchor like a large museum could also help attract more people to the area.
"I personally believe we need an anchor tenant," he said. "A lot of cities do that, they take an arts facility approach, others it's a museum or art gallery or theatre."
Although Crouse tabled many suggestions for the downtown area, he said the first thing that needs to be done is an update to the downtown area redevelopment plan (DARP) so the city can decide how it plans to deal with parking and traffic in the future.
According to the city's general manager of business and strategic services Bob Treidler, there is some money set aside to plant new trees and help beautify the area this year, but the next major step is to complete DARP.
"That's really a large comprehensive planning document that's going to … come out with the land use and guidelines for the downtown that will shape the downtown of the future," said Treidler.
The terms of reference for DARP will be presented to council later this month, but the plan will not be completed until June 2010.
Read more about council's vision for the downtown at the Gazette's Civic Matters blog at www.stalbertgazette.com.
