Laserfiche WebLink
CHAPTER 7 <br />Implementing the parking meter program, establishing a transportation <br />management association (TMA), and working with transit authorities to gradually <br />upgrade transit service can also start soon after the implementation of the plan. <br />The parking fees will give the City a modest source of funds to leverage and use <br />for downtown improvements, and the TMA will serve as a tool with which to <br />comprehensively address a number of transportation objectives. <br />Step 2. Plant a Seed <br />Initiate a High -Visibility, Transformational Project <br />(Begin planning within one year; complete within 3-4 years) <br />The purpose of this action is to show significant City commitment to downtown <br />with a project that will foster substantial development and/or add a new <br />dimension to downtown activities. Two recommended projects meet these <br />criteria: a major streetscape improvement of Rucker Avenue (Action S-2) and <br />the development of a multipurpose focal park or plaza (Action 0-3). Since the <br />Rucker Avenue improvements are directed toward fostering a new in -city <br />residential neighborhood, this project might be timed to coincide with substantial <br />mixed-use residential development along that street. The City might begin <br />planning and design of the street and commit construction funds when the private <br />investment occurs. Creating a unifying central park or plaza is directed at adding <br />a whole new set of activities, recreational attractions, and business opportunities <br />in downtown. The construction of the new park should be complemented by joint <br />City and private efforts to program events for optimizing its use and to address <br />security and maintenance needs. The success of downtown parks is as <br />dependent on good management as it is on good design. <br />Step 3. Strengthen Teamwork <br />Initiate or Enhance Cooperative Programs to Address Ongoing Needs <br />(Ongoing) <br />Building a successful downtown is more than funding signature projects and <br />directing new development. Continuous public/private efforts to keep downtown, <br />100 MAKERS architecture and urban design <br />0509_ rpt_draft.doc - 6/29/06 <br />