2.0. HRSR 03-10-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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should be involved in studying the issue, balancing the questions in light of the vision and principles that have guided the plan, and forming conclusions about the logical implications of a change to the plan. 4111 Adjustments should be carefully considered, not quick reactions. The plan will take years to implement fully and, at times, it may appear that change is not occurring and that downtown activity is stagnating. If it becomes evident that an adjustment is required, the proposed changes should be put before the community (as it was the community that took original responsibility for shap- ing the plan). Ultimately, the adjustment will need to be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan so that it has the same level of integrity as the original plan. No plan is perfect, but the underlying intentions of the plan must be respected or its validity will suffer and those who created it will lose their credibility. Related to an action incorporating the plan into the City's Comprehensive Plan is the creation of zoning regulations that conform to the plan. Several strate- gies might be logical: creation of zoning districts that apply only to down- town, establishing a PZM zoning (performance zone - mixed) for downtown, or re-writing current zoning regulations to follow directions of the plan. Each approach has its merits; the best approach will be best determined by the City Planner. Early Actions The plan envisions a series of early actions to move the implementation effort forward. Early actions include a combination of public and private interven- • tions, with the private actions occurring at times following public efforts and at others, happening in sync with public efforts. A complete implementation strategy, illustrating actions that might occur over a period as long as twenty years, will complement the early actions. What is most important is that all actions — public and private, near term and long term — work to fulfill the vision has shaped in this planning process. In all ventures the City should seek partners to ease the local burden of the implementation costs. This will not always be possible, and if the plan is suc- cessful it will benefit all members of the Monticello community. It is logical, therefore, that the beneficiaries of the improvements shoulder a portion of the costs. It might be possible to secure funding from foundations or local philan- thropists. Implementation of the plan cannot rely on gifts, and the City of Monticello may not be able to receive funds from such an organization or indi- vidual, so a structure should be established if the instance ever arises. Some of the actions defined in the implementation strategy (such as the creation of a history, arts and culture center) would be likely candidates for this type of gift. One of the strongest actions recommended by this plan is to ensure that some elements of the current downtown do not change. Successful retailers—those who provide excellent service along with quality goods — are not easily • replaced; a post office will draw people to downtown several times each week; • •• - A New Bridge Revitalizing Monticello's Downtown and Riverfront Page 4:2