2.0. HRSR 03-10-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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cally where conflicts between uses cause the decay of adjacent housing value. By maintaining a distinct edge to downtown, the neighborhood remains stable, the homes at the edge become valued for their proximi- ty to downtown, and the edge created yields an identity to the neigh- borhood as well as to the downtown. Even with a distinct edge, down- town must be strengthened through solid connections to its neighbors. The neighborhoods themselves must be made stable, distinct and desired to keep themselves, and therefore downtown, vibrant and vital. Events A celebration of • Annual events like Riverfest are anticipated by the community as it community,everyday... approaches every year, and it builds a legacy of what a small town cel- ebration should be. An event like Riverfest should happen only once a year, keeping it the highlight of community events. In Monticello's downtown and riverfront, however, events should happen on a more frequent and regular basis, and provide an attraction for young and old, residents and visitors, families and individuals. These events should provide something to do over lunch, or a reason to stay in downtown for an hour or so after work, or an event to enjoy with families and community in the evening. They should also provide a way for the community to showcase its special talents and skills, thereby building on the traditions of a great small town. Night Life Life after dark... • Downtown will be the one place in Monticello that will not close until well after dark, but in order to maintain a sense of activity after the iworkday, the establishments that provide the entertainment activities must be clustered in downtown. Not all downtown visitors will be looking to be entertained, but will instead seek their own entertain- ment. In this case, downtown should provide for more passive, serendipitous (and free) activities such as strolling, watching people, viewing the river or listening to the community band. Commitment Partnerships for mutual benefit.. • The revitalization of Monticello's downtown and riverfront will be complex, possibly controversial and potentially costly. However,there is no way downtown can fix itself, and its continued decline will spell even greater problems for the community. The community, through this process, must define its desires and intentions for its downtown and riverfront, work to evaluate proposals to ensure consistency with their vision, and stand ready to support the plan when implementation becomes imminent. Private sector developers and business people must see themselves as a part of the community, and they will need to be made aware of the community's vision and be given an opportunity to respond creatively. And the City must bridge the gap between what the private sector can reasonably accomplish and what the community has defined in its vision. The commitment of all three parties is critical to the success of a partnership that benefits the entire community. • A New Bridge — Revital zing Monticello's Downtown and Rlverfront - Page 1:7