2.0. HRSR 03-10-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Civic uses, like City Hall, the post office, the library and religious institutions, can stand as a symbol of community pride and identity. In Monticello, these uses are scattered and lack a coherence that yields a III. • • - .. �'� "_..._ '4+ .�. ''` sense of strength and community presence. Abi .. ., `'1.> ,q.- --. ` .� • Street corners in a downtown are precious, and every corner should be , _<; - 'f occupied by a significant use. Parking lots on corners, regardless of 4 � = = the demand, break down the sense of street edge and density (critical r i i . f il •f . factors in a downtown's identity). Even small buildings on corners ,:ii 1. ' =;' can be important in continuing the feeling of a vibrant downtown. Ori.' .,. 11110.a . 11 I ` • Wide streets are a significant point of Monticello's character, and when coupled with the low scale of the buildings, provides a character Downtown's neighbors... that begins to say "Monticello." Wide streets promote higherher traffic Neighborhoods surrounding down- town have as much to do with its char- speeds, which in turn degrades the pedestrian environment. A balance acter as its buildings,its businesses,or must be struck between the two. the river. The scale of the streets and the styles of the homes are reminiscent of a time when downtown was the • Parking in downtown is primarily behind buildings (where it should most vital part of the community. be). But most downtown buildings have front doors that are not con- When planning for enhancements to venient to the rear parking areas. New connections are important to downtown, strategies to maintain the vitality of these neighborhoods must create a shorter distance between a parked car and the first destination be considered. on the shopper's list. • Neighborhoods surround Monticello's downtown and commercial areas, providing a significant population within walking distance of downtown. That walk should be made interesting to encourage people to walk from those neighborhoods into downtown (and humane by • providing sidewalks rather than streets for people to use). The neigh- borhoods should encourage reinvestment to create a high quality stock of housing in a downtown neighborhood. This may require the acqui- sition and removal of sub-standard buildings, but that would be con- sidered a positive act by those who are committed to the quality of these neighborhoods. • The railroad that crosses Pine Street and separates downtown from the newer commercial areas is rarely used. It might be considered a third corridor in Monticello (along with the River and the interstate), with uses that make it a more important feature of the community. • Ferrellgas is one of the most prominent parts of the entry to downtown from the freeway, and one of the least attractive uses in the area. Its relocation should be a goal, and the use that replaces it should be one that capitalizes on its location (such as a civic facility or a local institu- tion that could stand as a symbol of the Monticello community, or a retail use that provides life to a block that has more propane tanks than people). • Entering Monticello via Broadway provides an introduction to the community that reveals significant neighborhoods and important corn- - munity institutions (the school and hospital), culminating in one's • . _..A New Bridge It. - Revitalizing Monticello's Downtown and Rlverfront Page 1:16