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�I� � 1 Page 2 Of value in the public engagement process is the identification of trends in responses. These trends help guide the implementation progress and can be of value to the City in making informed decisions regarding the future of the B-2 District. Based on the input received to date,the following are some common points we have heard through the public engagement process. Note that not all stakeholders expressed the following sentiments,but rather they were heard during several different meetings. 1. The individual meetings have been a welcomed opportunity for businesses and property owners to be informed of the City's Implementation Plan and to provide input to the process. 2. There is a recognized need to increase the vitality of the district. Common concerns that need to be addressed include vacancy rates,traffic management and aesthetics. 3. Commitment to change has been tentative. While the end objectives of the various roadway concepts are recognized,there is concern that,even with roadway improvements,increased vitality within the district may not come to fruition. Therefore, some see too much risk in making a full investment into broad corridor changes. 4. There have been suggestions of making incremental,lower risk investments toward the overarching goals of the District. 5. Some question the relevance of the four year old Guiding Plan relative to today's conditions within the District. Possible differences include existing vs.proposed land uses(such as the Holiday Inn site),current vacancy rates,and economic conditions. At this time,we recommend that we complete our public engagement process and continue to look for trends in stakeholder input. Based on feedback received thus far, we also recommend that the City give some consideration to a stepped approach with the Implementation Plan,identifying possible incremental investments coinciding with the market driven evolution of the overall District. To facilitate the City Council's discussions regarding the progress of the B-2 District Implementation Plan,consideration could be given to the following questions: 1. What is the City Council's 20-year vision for the B-2 District? 2. Should changes or improvements along County Road E be more in favor of the existing land use conditions or of the long term vision of the corridor? 3. The approach to implementing corridor improvements along County Road E could range from adhering to a well-defined plan and maintaining more influence on adjacent land uses,to allowing a completely market-driven development controlled more by adjacent property owners and having a less regimented plan. Where,within this spectrum,is the City Council most comfortable? 4. How involved should the City be in implementing infrastructure improvements within private property? I will be in attendance at the July 30'h City Council work session to present this memo and to receive the City Council's feedback on the progress of the B-2 Implementation Plan. H:\ARDH\T16104335\1_corres\Hutmacher 2012-07-25.doc DESIGNING FORA BETTER TOMORROW Bolton&Menk is an equal opportunity employer.