Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-18-08 Community and Economic Development CommitteeCOMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JUNE 18, 2008 Committee Members Present: Councilmember Ann Puzzello, Councilmember Karen L. White, Catherine Andres, Citizen Member, Mark Smith, Citizen Member Others Present: Councihnember Tom LaFountain, Mayor Luecke, Jamie Loo, Catherine Fanello, Jeff Gibney, Marguerite Taylor, Paul Phair, John Phair, Marco Mariam, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, John Voorde UPDATES ON COVELESKI PARK PLANNING AREA AND EAST BANK DEVELOPMENT AREA Chairing the meeting in Chairman Dieter's absence, Councilmember Ann Puzzello, called the meeting to order at 4:49 p.m. She introduced Bill Schalliol of the Community & Economic Development Department to do a power-point presentation on the city's vision for the Coveleski Pazk area. However, before proceeding, Jeff Gibney, Director of Community & Economic Development provided some background context on the city's stake in the area. He also praised the work of Bill Schalliol who he had appointed to oversee the planning process. Jeff told of Gates Automotive having made the decision to relocate to city-south presented a great opportunity for the city to direct redevelopment around the ballpark. Bill proceeded to walk everyone through a 43 slide presentation that covered awide-spectrum project overview. The presentation covered land acquisition, budgeting, the improvements to the ballpark itself and the city's vision for the entire area. This presentation is attached. After the presentation Mazguerite Taylor asked if the plan affected the nearby public housing. Jeff Gibney, in response, spoke to the city's partnering with the S.B. Housing Authority to the benefit of all. Martha Lewis asked about the fate of the synagogue nearby the ball park. Gibney responded stating the city had no intent to demolish it, but was in fact in preliminary discussion with the Center for History on its possible re-use or re-location. Jitin Kain, of Community Development and DTSB was then introduced by Councilmember Ann Puzzello to begin discussion of the "East Bank Village" (EBV) development area. Jitin illustrated the connection of the CBD (Central Business District to the EBV plan. He emphasized the EBV plan was part of a strategic development plan with fact finding, collaboration among stakeholders, establishment of objectives for the concepts agreed upon and finally realistic timelines for the development process. Jitin then introduced John & Paul Phair of the Holladay Corp. who have played the key role in developing the East Bank Village Master Plan (see handout) Jitin then introduced John & Paul Phair of the Holladay Corp. who have played the key role in developing the East Bank Village Master Plan (see handout) Jahn Phair with the aid of a power-point and spiral-bound EBV book brought the Council up to speed on work to date in the East Bank Area. He explained that after extensive visioning sessions with stake-holders a consensus vision was achieved. Modeling by 10 stake-holder groups resulted in the design of the preferred master plan. Seen as a realistic plan, its realization is dependent on public-private partnering. While the public section investment is to be signif cant and includes two pazking garages and a possible footbridge across the river to Century Center the private investment is much more significant and will come first. This private investment raising the assessed value would spur public infrastructure through expanded TIF funds. Opening the session for questions and comments, Councilmember Puzzello recognized Marguerite Taylor first. She emphasized the need to involve both business and residents in the planning process. John Hoban a nearby resident wondered, hoped, that the truck route bisecting the area (Colfax-US20) could somehow be re-located. Glenda LaMont residing at 219 N. Hill said it was a good plan, its beauty in that it was specific and vague, in other words flexible. Her concerns were the location and type of pazking garages, zoning, and the need for design standards. Martha Lewis expressed concern about the co-existence of mixed use and the need for stake-holder involvement. There being no further business to come before the committee, Councilmember Ann Puzzello, adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Ann Puzzello, Member Community & Economic Development Committee