2.0. HRSR 03-10-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Vision and As we consider a plan for Monticello's downtown and riverfront, we are Guiding Principles tempted to look at the community's past, remembering the vibrancy of the area • from a time when downtown was the true center of the community. We can use that as a starting point, but we are planning downtown's future, not giving a history lesson. So we look forward, to what Monticello's center might again be, and we plot a course that leads us to that future. As we begin to plan, we must first set out where it is that we want to be; the Monticello community defined that future in its vision for the downtown and riverfront. The community initiated a process of envisioning downtown's future in a com- munity workshop facilitated by Theresa Washburn prior to the start of this plan. Participants identified a list of 20 elements that would be needed to achieve their"perfect Monticello:" • weekly farmers/artisan market in town • development of commercial areas on the riverfront including spe- cialty shops, cafes, restaurants • community center in downtown • less non-essential traffic through downtown • specialty shops in the downtown area • spillway on the river to make it usable for more sporting and recreational activities • aquatic center within community center • consistent theme or"look"to downtown and retail areas • development of natural areas on the river to create a serene setting • well planned, attractive,convenient parking lots • downtown as a business complex with combinations of businesses • including professionals and service oriented businesses • large commercial anchor on river, hotel as a prime example • town square for information and gathering place • unification between downtown and other business areas • walking path, sidewalk connection from business areas to residen- tial areas • signs at entrances of downtown designating the commercial dis- trict • Memphis style bistro/blues bar • promote Monticello as small convention center • canoe and kayaking with shuttle services in town • flowers planted in commercial areas Overview of the Visioning Workshop (conducted by Theresa Washburn,January 1996) Through the five-part community workshop process facilitated by MCP and Vision Statement Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., the community had the opportunity to expand upon their list— adding life to the elements they imagined as part of a perfect Monticello by demonstrating how people of the community become a part of the downtown and riverfront. The vision broadly describes their intentions for the downtown and riverfront area, in ways that are not prescriptive or regulato- ry, but rather, in terms that reflect and reinforce the common desires and values 411) of the community. Their vision will be a way of achieving stability while A New Bridge • Revltaltting Monticello's Downtown and RIverfront• - Page 1:3