2.0. HRSR 03-10-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

create a stock of buildings in downtown that yields a sense of permanence and value for the community. • Economic Viability The future of downtown Monticello will rely on its economic viability more than any other factor. The market for downtown favors growth, but the strate- gy should be one of incremental growth. The plan emphasizes selective rede- velopment rather than wholesale removal of buildings, working with local interests to foster physical change to the business environment (storefront improvements and quality business practices), and looking to opportunities from outside of Monticello when there is a good fit. This may seem to be the "slow track," but it permits change that retains local character and allows for growth from within. While"local" is one focus,there is a great opportunity to market local assets to the world. Monticello is a well-defined community with the character of a small town, significant amenities that enhance the quality of life, respected schools and a growing industrial base. Technology in Monticello has kept pace with larger metropolitan areas — the local telephone company has sys- tems that are state-of-the-art. It is likely that interests from outside of the com- munity will shape the downtown as much as local initiatives. This becomes an important second factor in establishing economic viability for downtown. • f f!/ai y/ > riF✓r0�//�c f < !rel /t'r:S�'sr. / ;y Monticello's small town character must be seen as an Important asset in downtown's revitalization;economic viability can be achieved without the loss of this important community value. Developer Participation Some of the revitalization efforts can be best achieved by inviting outside interests to create a project in downtown, a process that typically invites devel- opers to prepare a proposal as a response to request from the city. Interviews with developers during this planning process revealed that, in today's market, developers do not want to waste their efforts on a typical "RFP" (Request for Proposal) process. Rather, the city would be better served by inviting only those developers that have demonstrated an ability to create a project that fits Monticello and this plan. A list of developers with various types of develop- ment experience and a record of success in other communities might be pre- pared, and as the city embarks on a development or redevelopment project, those developers that seem to be the best match for that project could be invit- ed to meet with the city. They should be provided with background informa- A New Bridge Revitalising Monticello's Downtown and Rlverfront Page 3:4