Council backed Spring Engineering's preliminary design for a new Fire Station 2 at Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard, and greenlit Wannemacher Jensen's Railroad Square "convertible street" concept.
5 items on the agenda · 3 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order - Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Presentation by Spring Engineering, Inc. RE: Fire Station No. 2
discussedSpring Engineering presented preliminary design plans for a new Fire Station No. 2 to be built at the northeast corner of Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard, replacing the existing station at 6121 High Street. The proposed 7,826-square-foot, two-bay drive-through station has a $2.4 million construction budget to be financed through non-ad valorem revenue bonds repaid with Penny for Pasco funds, on city-owned property. Council received the presentation favorably and gave informal buy-in to proceed with construction documents.
- consensus:Council expressed informal support for the preliminary Fire Station 2 design and directed staff/Spring Engineering to proceed with construction documents. (none)
6121 High StreetNortheast corner of Marine Parkway and Grand BoulevardNational Fire Protection AssociationSpring Engineering, Inc.Adam DarlingChief FitchCouncilman AltmanDebbie MannsDerek WrayRick SpeckishWesley OsborneFire Station No. 2Florida cancer presumptive law (July 1, 2019)Non-ad valorem revenue bondsPenny for Pasco funds▶ Jump to 0:15 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:00:18] by Spring Engineering on Fire Station 2. [00:00:21] Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of the Council. [00:00:24] As you know, for some time now, we have been considering the establishment of a new building [00:00:31] to house Fire Station 2, which is currently located at 6121 High Street. [00:00:39] In that respect, some studies were conducted to determine where, what location would be [00:00:48] most appropriate in terms of response times to service the community. [00:00:55] And at the conclusion of the study, it was determined that the area of the northeast [00:01:03] corner of Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard would be well-suited to service the city. [00:01:15] In relationship to the project, Spring Engineering was brought on board earlier this year, and [00:01:23] we have in attendance this evening Mr. Rick Speckish, Derek Wray, and Wesley Osborne, [00:01:32] and Derek will actually lead off the presentation. [00:01:39] One of the first tasks for them was to conduct a space needs assessment. [00:01:46] The determination at the conclusion of that work was that we needed to construct a 7,826-square-foot [00:01:55] building with two drive-through bays. [00:01:59] We have done some programming since that time. [00:02:03] We have established a project budget in the amount of $2.4 million. [00:02:08] We have identified a funding source to finance the improvement, and we are proposing the [00:02:16] issuance of non-ad valorem revenue bonds, which you'll consider at your regular meeting [00:02:23] later this evening, and then again at the CRA meeting at the conclusion of your regular [00:02:27] meeting. [00:02:29] And those revenue bonds will be paid back through use of penny-for-PASCO funds. [00:02:35] It would be short-sighted of me not to mention the fact that Mr. Rick Speckish grew up in [00:02:44] New Port Richey, and much of what I think you'll consider to be thoughtful design decisions [00:02:51] emanate from his affinity for the community without question. [00:02:56] Now that we've done work on the building layout, a potential site plan and elevations, we wanted [00:03:02] to show you where we are in the preliminary phase of the project so that we can go forward [00:03:12] with the preparation of construction documents and get moving on the implementation of the [00:03:21] much-needed project. [00:03:23] And with that being said, Chief, you have a few comments to share, I'm sure. [00:03:31] I do. [00:03:32] Thank you to the ranks that are here this evening. [00:03:34] Yeah, thank you for the C-Shift for showing up and supporting the project tonight. [00:03:40] I want to thank Mayor and Council for hosting the work session. [00:03:45] We're excited tonight to have Spring Engineering here to show you the final design concept [00:03:53] that has been approved by City staff. [00:03:56] And I just want to briefly go over some of the highlighted design features in the spacing [00:04:02] that we designed that we currently do not have at Fire Station 2. [00:04:10] So in fire station design and current standards, there's a large emphasis placed on health [00:04:15] and safety. [00:04:16] As we know, cancer now is a leading cause of death in the fire of firefighters. [00:04:23] And we also know that in July 1st of 2019, a cancer presumptive law was passed in Florida. [00:04:30] So we placed, we spent a lot of time and we placed a large emphasis on the health and [00:04:35] safety of the firefighters that will be working in that building. [00:04:40] So some of the design features that I wanted to highlight are this, and you'll see more [00:04:45] of this when Spring Engineering shows you the project. [00:04:50] The interior spaces are designed with what they call a hot zone, warm zone, cool zone [00:04:56] design feature. [00:04:57] And basically that's the process, the thought process is to keep the, in the hot zone would [00:05:06] be the apparatus bay. [00:05:07] So as firefighters return from a fire or an incident that they could have an exposure [00:05:14] or carcinogens on their gear or on their skin or on their uniform, we have placed a [00:05:20] decontamination shower, laundry facility in the apparatus bay. [00:05:26] So that area in the bay, on the two apparatus bays will be the hot zone. [00:05:31] So the warm zone will be the transition spaces that go from the hot zone to the cool zone. [00:05:40] And so in theory, we want to keep all of the cancer, carcinogen, diesel particulates, [00:05:47] anything in the hot zone and keep all of those particulates from entering the cool zone, [00:05:53] which will be the living quarters. [00:05:57] To another feature that we have in both apparatus bays are drive-through, and they're 14 feet [00:06:03] wide apparatus doors, which will give the trucks extra space as they exit the doors [00:06:09] and then enter. [00:06:11] The drive-through bays are a nice feature to avoid having to back the trucks into the [00:06:18] bay, stop traffic, and most of accidents that occur in fire apparatus are backing accidents. [00:06:25] The bays will be 65 feet long, which will enable us to double stack engine companies [00:06:31] or plan for the future if we ever had a rescue there or an ambulance, the district chief, [00:06:37] any other vehicle, we could double stack those vehicles, run one vehicle out of the [00:06:41] back side and then one out of the front. [00:06:44] There will be a diesel exhaust removal system. [00:06:48] As I explained, diesel exhaust particulates have been known to cause cancer, so we want [00:06:53] to remove those diesel exhaust particulates out of the building and then regenerate the [00:06:58] air in the apparatus bays with fresh air. [00:07:02] There will be a bunker gear storage room, which we currently don't have, and that's [00:07:08] an industry standard and an NFPA standard, National Fire Protection Association, shows [00:07:14] that diesel exhaust will penetrate into the outer layer of the bunker gear. [00:07:20] Bunker gear is the PPE that the firefighters wear into a fire, so if you store that bunker [00:07:26] gear in the apparatus bays, it's possible that the diesel exhaust can penetrate into [00:07:31] that gear, and then obviously, after an incident, some of the carcinogens from a fire will [00:07:36] penetrate into that gear, so we have a bunker gear storage room that's ventilated and also [00:07:43] has low UV lighting, and UV lighting is also shown to degradate bunker gear. [00:07:54] Adjoining that bunker gear storage room will be a bunker gear washing station room with [00:08:01] an extractor, so as firefighters return from a fire, they can wash their gear, and then [00:08:07] they can hang it to dry in the bunker gear storage room, and then three days later or [00:08:12] two days later when they return for their next shift, the gear will be dry. [00:08:17] There's a decontamination laundry shower room that we have in the hot zone that will be [00:08:23] used for firefighters to decontaminate in the form of a shower, laundry facility for [00:08:31] their uniforms, anything that they need to do to get the carcinogens off their body before [00:08:38] they enter the cool zone. [00:08:41] There will be a self-contained breathing apparatus compressor room with repair area that we currently [00:08:47] don't have that will be a designated space for our SCBA technician to do repairs on our [00:08:53] self-contained breathing apparatus in the station. [00:08:58] We will have an exercise room that we currently don't have at Fire Station 2. [00:09:01] It's imperative that our firefighters stay in shape. [00:09:03] They work out, so during their off time in the evening or during some downtime, our firefighters [00:09:10] normally work out about an hour a day. [00:09:13] There will be individual bunk rooms that we currently don't have really at either station. [00:09:21] In each individual bunk room, there will be three lockers, one for each shift, and then [00:09:26] a small workstation that they can sit and do reports or assignments. [00:09:34] One of the neat features that this station will offer, and they'll talk more about it, [00:09:38] is the station office in the front of the building, also called maybe a watch room or [00:09:43] a computer reporting room. [00:09:45] The station office will have a three-view capability. [00:09:49] They'll be able to see to the outside front of the building, to the apparatus bay. [00:09:54] They will also be able to see inside to the apparatus bay, and they will also be able [00:10:01] to see inside the lobby. [00:10:05] There will be improved station alerting and light features, and also a screened-in porch [00:10:09] in an outdoor area that will adjoin the kitchen that firefighters can eat outside or cook [00:10:18] outside during nice weather days. [00:10:24] In addition to those new areas, we're also going to continue to provide, Station 2 currently [00:10:30] has a training room, we're going to continue to have a training room at that facility, [00:10:34] so our firefighters can do in-house training, and then a medical supply storage room that's [00:10:39] climate controlled. [00:10:41] And that completes my report. [00:10:43] If anybody has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. [00:10:47] And we would ask Mr. Derek Ray to come forward and present the PowerPoint to the Council. [00:10:57] All right, thank you for having us here today. [00:11:08] We have two of our members of the team, you mentioned Rich back there, and Leslie Osborne, [00:11:13] who helped in this design process, and I'd also like a special thanks to Chief Fitch [00:11:18] as well as Adam Darling and Debbie Mons. [00:11:22] We've been back and forth, there's been a lot of dialogue, a couple meetings, a lot [00:11:25] of emails and things to help kind of fine-tune this process, and you can tell Chief Fitch [00:11:30] is quite knowledgeable about the project. [00:11:34] So I'm going to start in here. [00:11:43] The first slide here, this is an aerial in the upper right, which you can see on either [00:11:48] screen. [00:11:49] So as Debbie had mentioned, the site here is in that little red shaded area, northeast [00:11:56] corner of the Grand Boulevard and Marine Parkway. [00:12:01] So this image here is a large site, a large site plan here that you're going to be able [00:12:05] to see where we positioned the building, is to the north half of the site. [00:12:11] The site is 1.1 acre, the building footprint is just under 8,000 square feet. [00:12:18] Putting it to the north here, there's a lot of advantages. [00:12:21] One in particular is the site has a natural bluff, about three to four feet raised from [00:12:27] the adjacent sidewalks out here, so it really lends itself to kind of a civic presence, [00:12:34] which was a real advantage, as well as taking advantage of the natural grading, which drops [00:12:38] down to this area, we can locate our necessary stormwater retention and what have you. [00:12:44] Another key objective, as was already mentioned, was the apparatus access in the north-south [00:12:49] direction, you can see here. [00:12:51] At this point, the vehicle can leave south in a Marine Parkway and can control the traffic [00:13:00] light here remotely, as needed, and vehicles can return at the north, or they could exit [00:13:05] at the north as well, depending on the need. [00:13:11] Before I move into the building itself, the footprint, one of the things, in addition [00:13:15] to the programmatic criteria that we spoke of, and a lot of the technological features, [00:13:20] is also creating an architecture that is expressive of concept. [00:13:26] In this particular case, it's the overall well-being of the occupants who are going [00:13:31] to reside here, and one of those is natural light. [00:13:35] What drove that was what we call the clear story in this scheme. [00:13:40] Basically that's upper windows, to allow natural light into the space, it helps improve [00:13:45] overall well-being, mood, energy levels, vitamin D, circadian sleep cycles, which is also very [00:13:52] important, we know, to the occupants. [00:13:55] As we move into the floor plan, this small diagram here is the contamination that Chief [00:14:04] Fitch had mentioned. [00:14:05] It's a little small, I apologize, and there will be boards up here too that you can peruse [00:14:09] at your leisure, and we're going to leave those for you folks. [00:14:13] Moving into the enlarged plan here, the entry is right at that location, a lobby. [00:14:19] Right beside it is the station office that was mentioned, with views into the lobby, [00:14:25] into the apparatus bay, and out to the front. [00:14:29] Again at this front entry, this is south that would face Marine Parkway. [00:14:33] There's a training area, some support spaces here, as we move to the back corridor. [00:14:39] This corridor here supports access to the bunks, there's five bunks and then a sixth [00:14:45] one for the captain. [00:14:46] It was very important that the orientation of these bunks was north, this is north facing, [00:14:52] and the reason for that in this case was to almost eliminate the natural light. [00:14:57] We're going to minimize solar heat gain. [00:15:00] We're gonna minimize harsh light. [00:15:02] We know that the sleep in there is very important. [00:15:04] The other thing, one of the challenges we had [00:15:06] is out here on Grand Boulevard, as well as [00:15:10] Marine Parkway, was a psychological, visual, [00:15:12] acoustical barrier to the city itself. [00:15:16] So again, having that to the north orientation [00:15:19] really worked out well. [00:15:20] Across the hall would be the living, [00:15:23] dining, kitchen area in there, [00:15:25] as well as the exercise room here. [00:15:28] Full height glass, as much as we can get, [00:15:30] again, with the natural light. [00:15:31] There's clear story windows in here. [00:15:33] You'll see more of this a little bit [00:15:34] here in the elevations and sections. [00:15:37] The apparatus space, here's the two there [00:15:39] that we described, support spaces flanking either side. [00:15:43] So what you have here, that's the decon shower [00:15:45] in that area there. [00:15:47] Right there's the bunker storage, [00:15:50] and where we have the [00:15:54] compressor room and support spaces like that, [00:15:55] again, flanking either side. [00:15:58] So moving to the exterior elevations, [00:16:01] and these are a little distorted. [00:16:03] I apologize here. [00:16:05] So we'll start with, this is the south elevation, [00:16:07] which you would see from Marine Parkway. [00:16:10] So what we tried to do, looking for a cost-effective [00:16:14] solution to create an aesthetic. [00:16:17] So we're using a masonry block, a cinder block, [00:16:20] you might call it cinder or concrete block. [00:16:22] It's color integrated, so it gives us the ability [00:16:25] to get a cost-effective aesthetic, [00:16:27] and we can use different colors, [00:16:28] and it's hard to see here a little bit, [00:16:30] but at about six foot, we can change. [00:16:31] We have a two-tone going on through that zone. [00:16:34] As we move towards the middle of the building, [00:16:36] the entry, if you will, this is a fiber cement siding. [00:16:40] So a little higher-end material. [00:16:42] We want to really emphasize the entry for wayfinding. [00:16:46] You can see the expression of the sloped roofs. [00:16:48] This is allowing the natural daylight into these spaces. [00:16:53] The entry element, this is a metal clad element. [00:16:58] Again, to signify entry, and there's a slight nod, [00:17:01] there's a little hole in the roof, if you will, [00:17:03] with the flag going through as a slight nod [00:17:05] to the iconic fire pole. [00:17:08] Just a slight little gesture towards that. [00:17:11] Moving to this massing here, the larger massing [00:17:13] for the apparatus base, it's mostly clad [00:17:15] in a score stucco, again, cost-saving measures, [00:17:19] but we wanted to keep the brick base. [00:17:22] And you'll notice there's a warm gray palette [00:17:25] that we kept throughout, and that's really to, [00:17:28] we're gonna highlight certain areas in color [00:17:30] as we move through, one of which being the logo right there. [00:17:33] As we move around to the east elevation, [00:17:35] this is effectively the rear, [00:17:36] or what would be opposite of Grand Boulevard. [00:17:41] So we've minimized some of the finish treatment here, [00:17:44] again, as a cost-saving measure. [00:17:47] In the roof form, we've popped up [00:17:48] another clear story opportunity, [00:17:50] which is that, that you see right there. [00:17:52] Again, to be able to flood that space with natural light. [00:17:55] As we move around, I wanna go to this one. [00:17:57] This is the north facade. [00:17:58] Again, emphasizing the bunks. [00:18:01] So here, you can see the windows right there. [00:18:03] We're using that same colored CMU. [00:18:06] This is standing seam metal. [00:18:08] As we move to the larger mass, [00:18:10] we're gonna go to the stucco, [00:18:11] scored stucco with the brick base. [00:18:14] And finally, moving to the west elevation, [00:18:16] which would face Grand Boulevard. [00:18:19] So there's a real opportunity to create [00:18:20] a feature wall here, if you will. [00:18:22] So this is effectively the end of that bay of bunks. [00:18:28] So it's showing there's a brick cladding, [00:18:30] the nice brick cladding. [00:18:31] And I don't think you can probably see, [00:18:33] but there is a contemporary twist, [00:18:36] if you will, on the Maltese Cross, [00:18:38] with a circular opening in it. [00:18:41] And what we've done, and you'll see [00:18:42] in some of the 3D shots, [00:18:43] there's actually a backdrop of a wall. [00:18:45] So this space behind is lit in a colored light. [00:18:50] So you're gonna see the light through. [00:18:51] So it gives the opportunity, again, [00:18:52] to pick up the red, the iconic red in a fire station. [00:18:56] We're gonna pick the red here and the red there. [00:18:58] And then this colored light can be changed [00:19:00] throughout the year, corresponding [00:19:03] to certain seasonal events and what have you. [00:19:06] And then we'll move to, these are building sections. [00:19:10] They're getting a little more technical. [00:19:12] But the reason for these, and again, [00:19:13] there'll be some hard copies here that you can look at, [00:19:16] is to show the opportunity for clear story lighting, [00:19:19] even in the corridor that serves the bunks. [00:19:22] There's clear story lighting there for the bays. [00:19:25] You can see, there's a clear story opportunity here [00:19:27] and here, east and west, to serve the bays. [00:19:31] This here is the clear story lighting [00:19:33] within the corridor, again, that serves the bunks. [00:19:37] And this bottom image is kind of a reverse image [00:19:39] of the same apparatus phase with the clear story lighting. [00:19:42] You can see some of it beyond there. [00:19:44] This is the exercise room, [00:19:47] and there's a clear story windows there. [00:19:50] So moving, these are 3D shots. [00:19:53] Get a little more realism. [00:19:54] Hopefully kind of puts it all together, [00:19:56] rather than looking at 3D elevations. [00:19:58] So you're looking at your north elevation here. [00:20:02] And again, no northern light, no direct light. [00:20:05] This is our feature wall right there. [00:20:07] So as we move around, we're now on Grand Boulevard, [00:20:11] looking on the west elevation. [00:20:13] So there's that feature wall with the light. [00:20:15] Again, being able to change that color. [00:20:18] Taking this facade here, and again, [00:20:19] a slightly higher end material, this fiber cement siding, [00:20:23] as a backdrop for building signage, [00:20:26] for the civic presence to the city. [00:20:29] And you'll see beyond, that's that entry element. [00:20:33] Again, as a wayfinding device for entering to the building. [00:20:38] And the last image here, this is what you would approach [00:20:40] from Marine Parkway, is kind of a second front, if you will. [00:20:44] A 3D shot, the expressive forms of the slope roofs, [00:20:48] allowing the daylight in. [00:20:49] Even into this entry element here, [00:20:51] and there's one on that face. [00:20:53] This here is the screened-in porch [00:20:55] that Chief Fitch had mentioned earlier. [00:20:58] So it's a screened porch, [00:20:58] and there's a little outdoor area there. [00:21:02] And then, I think we're gonna move, [00:21:04] the last thing we have is, [00:21:05] we want to put together just a quick little animation. [00:21:07] Just kind of put it all together in kind of a 3D real time. [00:21:11] So hopefully, it makes sense. [00:21:14] So that'll be the Grand Boulevard in Marine Parkway. [00:21:26] You see our building siding. [00:21:41] And this is a 3D kind of eye level, if you will. [00:21:43] As we move around from the north, [00:21:44] we're on the north facade. [00:21:46] We'll roll around to the west and then the south. [00:21:49] And that is that drop back with the light. [00:21:54] So it's your street presence there off of Grand Boulevard. [00:22:03] And rolling around Marine Parkway, the south exposure. [00:22:11] And that's the conclusion, [00:22:12] and it would open it up to any questions, if you might have. [00:22:30] Questions, anyone? [00:22:32] One only thing that, [00:22:35] the only thing I noticed, [00:22:37] you said that the bays were set [00:22:38] so that folks could go in either direction. [00:22:41] I'm guessing that everyone's gonna come out to the south. [00:22:46] That's probably the priority. [00:22:47] Because you're not gonna know what call [00:22:48] to get to pre-switch yourself or whatever. [00:22:55] Yeah, I would assume that would be the priority as well. [00:22:58] It's adoptable, but that's the intended priority. [00:23:01] Councilman Altman, to answer your question, [00:23:03] yes, the trucks will exit to the south [00:23:05] out on Marine Parkway, [00:23:06] but we do have the option in the future [00:23:10] if we acquired transport, [00:23:12] if we needed a rescuer or a district chief, [00:23:14] we could have a unit slide out of the north. [00:23:18] Yeah, that makes sense. [00:23:22] You mean when we get the transport. [00:23:28] Thank you very much. [00:23:29] Mr. Mayor, before we close, [00:23:31] I should have indicated to you [00:23:35] that the property where we are proposing [00:23:37] to establish the station is already city-owned property. [00:23:41] So the cost of the $2.4 million [00:23:46] that I indicated would be the project budget, [00:23:48] would be devoted exclusively to construction. [00:23:52] We haven't landscaped yet fully the plans [00:23:56] that you saw before you. [00:23:57] They're just conceptual. [00:23:58] We want your buy-in before we take it [00:24:00] to the final project detail. [00:24:03] And I wanted to thank the men and women [00:24:07] of the staff in the fire department [00:24:10] for participating in the review of these plans, [00:24:14] and they advanced many helpful suggestions to us. [00:24:16] So thank you. [00:24:18] Yeah, given the existing station too, [00:24:20] this is a great step forward. [00:24:22] So, okay, thank you.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 3
You arrived here from a search for “Chopper Davis” — transcript expanded below
Presentation by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc. RE: Railroad Square Design
discussedJason Jensen of Wannemacher Jensen Architects presented conceptual design options for refreshing Railroad Square as a 'convertible street' with underground utilities, planters, crosswalks, cafe-style string lighting, a shelter/lawn area, market stall layouts, food truck spots, and a mural. Council provided feedback praising the design while raising concerns about shade/heat, delivery vehicle access for businesses, golf cart parking, and asked staff to consider extending the concept south to Cavalier Square and west toward the river/Bank Street.
- direction:Council gave direction to staff/architect to proceed with design elements including undergrounding overhead utilities, shade structures, hardscape and landscape features, and to consult business owners. (none)
- direction:Council requested the design team explore extending the project south to Cavalier Square and west toward Bank Street/the river. (none)
AdamsBank StreetCavalier SquareFrontier buildingGrand BoulevardNebraska AvenueRailroad SquareBoulevard Beef and AleChasco FiestaRose's BistroWanna TacoWannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.Wright's MarketCouncilman AllmanDebbieJason JensenMr. DavisCapital Improvement PlanChasco FiestaConvertible Street conceptRailroad Square DesignRecreation Aquatic Center Improvement ProjectSims Park▶ Jump to 24:25 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:24:25] Thank you. [00:24:27] Next, we have a presentation [00:24:29] by Wanamaker Jensen on Railroad Square. [00:24:32] We do, we have Jason Jensen in attendance this evening [00:24:36] from Wanamaker Jensen in regard [00:24:39] to some conceptual design options for Railroad Square. [00:24:44] The purpose of the project in large part [00:24:48] is to improve both the pedestrian experience [00:24:55] and the confusion of some vehicular traffic [00:24:58] and parking that seems to be occurring in that space. [00:25:02] It just needs to be reclaimed [00:25:04] as coveted public space for use. [00:25:09] And we're talking about refreshing it, [00:25:11] and I won't talk too much, Jason. [00:25:13] It's okay. [00:25:14] You do a great job presenting it. [00:25:14] I'm sure, thank you. [00:25:16] I think most of you will recognize Jason. [00:25:19] He worked with us on the Sims Park project [00:25:21] as well as the Recreation Aquatic Center [00:25:25] Improvement Project. [00:25:27] And he has come up with some options [00:25:29] for us to consider as we move forward [00:25:34] with a project to improve that space. [00:25:41] Debbie, thank you for the introduction. [00:25:45] Definitely excited for your downtown [00:25:47] to review this project, [00:25:49] and commend you all for looking [00:25:51] into a progressive way of thinking [00:25:53] about the pedestrians, thinking about your downtown [00:25:55] and the growth, and continuing to build [00:25:58] on the growth that we see from Sims Park [00:26:00] and building out from that. [00:26:04] The railroad square is indicative [00:26:08] of what we call a convertible street. [00:26:13] So it's already taking steps with that, [00:26:17] obviously, with the crossings, [00:26:18] being able to close that down [00:26:20] for certain events and times. [00:26:23] So we wanted to take that a step further [00:26:26] and really analyze it and see how we can improve that. [00:26:29] Next slide. [00:26:34] So the first thing that we looked at [00:26:36] was all of the connections between the drives [00:26:40] and Nebraska, and looking at what happens [00:26:43] when you do close that down, [00:26:45] and how do we create both a easily transitioned street [00:26:51] from a vehicular to a more pedestrian-friendly street, [00:26:55] and still allow for the access [00:26:58] and the drives to function well, [00:27:01] and to provide a safe space, easy to find, [00:27:06] create the wayfinding needed, [00:27:08] and support all of the businesses. [00:27:11] These conditions, certainly in the era of COVID, [00:27:15] we were thinking about spaces [00:27:17] that you can continue to build outside of your restaurant, [00:27:21] your location, to provide additional seating [00:27:26] and fresh air, more distancing opportunities. [00:27:29] It's become something that's been repeated [00:27:34] over a lot of downtowns more recently. [00:27:36] Go to the next slide. [00:27:40] Some of the site conditions that you see [00:27:43] were a lot of the power lines at this location. [00:27:46] We have a tremendous amount of infrastructure [00:27:48] hanging above your heads, [00:27:50] and it's maybe not the most beautiful pedestrian bridge [00:27:55] in a way for that. [00:27:57] And then we have a couple blank walls along the side [00:28:01] that we wanted to have give to that street experience [00:28:05] instead of being the seeming like the back or alley side [00:28:10] of some of those spaces. [00:28:11] So how could we make that the front of those spaces? [00:28:15] And then with some of the pedestrian sidewalks and parking, [00:28:21] like right now, if you see in the bottom left-hand corner, [00:28:25] it's really indicative of how a lot of the parking [00:28:27] happens directly off of the street [00:28:29] and blocks a lot of the pedestrian way. [00:28:31] And it is being used without a lot of regulation [00:28:36] along that corridor. [00:28:37] So to give a little more standard [00:28:39] and preference to the pedestrian. [00:28:44] Next slide. [00:28:48] So we thought of this in a few different ways. [00:28:50] Think of it in a market situation. [00:28:53] Think of it on a weekend situation where it's just open [00:28:58] and maybe a group event or a larger event [00:29:01] that may have a market with it [00:29:03] or may just be a larger venue with, [00:29:08] maybe there's a quartet or a small group, [00:29:11] not something that competes with Sims, [00:29:12] but more of an intimate setting. [00:29:14] So the group area we placed in the middle [00:29:18] that would be supporting the market, [00:29:21] supporting the rest of that corridor. [00:29:24] I want to make sure that we're emphasizing [00:29:25] the entry to that area, [00:29:28] clearly denoted within the downtown, [00:29:31] and provide easily accessible, [00:29:35] easily marked off places for a market to occur within that. [00:29:40] And then to also direct the traffic in a way [00:29:45] that wouldn't impede that from occurring. [00:29:48] Next slide. [00:29:51] So to bring your attention to a few elements, [00:29:56] on the far right side, [00:30:00] The parking space, as it comes to Nebraska, [00:30:04] we have a little bit of a landscape buffer. [00:30:06] So we keep the parking within the parking lot [00:30:09] instead of coming onto Nebraska. [00:30:11] So that allows us a little more green space, [00:30:13] allows us to create more of an entry feature on Adams. [00:30:19] And then as you move farther to the left, in the middle, [00:30:24] you see a little bit of a lawn and a shelter. [00:30:27] We're thinking of that shelter as something [00:30:29] that could be simply a shelter, a place for, [00:30:34] to stop and have shade during the week, [00:30:37] have picnic eating area, [00:30:39] but then could also double as a small support, [00:30:45] not a full band shell, [00:30:47] but support those type of activities during a market. [00:30:50] So if you ever visit, for instance, [00:30:53] the Saturday morning market in St. Petersburg [00:30:55] is extremely large and there's always a place [00:30:58] for music to occur there. [00:30:59] So we wanted to place that right at the center. [00:31:02] The green ovals are planters that help organize [00:31:10] and prevent some of that parking [00:31:12] that's happening across the pedestrian way. [00:31:16] The small orange pieces are benches [00:31:20] that are built into those planters. [00:31:24] And the pink that you see crossing, [00:31:26] no, we're not going to paint your street pink, [00:31:28] but that is denoting that we would have crosswalks. [00:31:31] So we're not repaving, we're not spending a lot of money [00:31:36] lifting up at this point. [00:31:38] We want to spend the money [00:31:39] on putting that infrastructure away, [00:31:42] on small crossings for those pedestrian ways [00:31:46] and the planters and a little bit of those medians. [00:31:51] The yellow that you see crisscrossing, [00:31:54] we're looking at cafe-style string lights [00:31:57] that would go back and forth across the pedestrian way. [00:32:01] So you have a different type of lighting. [00:32:03] You don't have necessarily the harsh street lighting [00:32:06] for cafe seating. [00:32:09] Next slide. [00:32:13] In this mode, it shows the placement of market stalls. [00:32:17] So in blue shows how those stalls occur [00:32:20] between the planters and we've positioned everything [00:32:24] in such a way that it helps with that stall placement. [00:32:28] We just completed a market for the pure approach [00:32:32] that uses this type of transition [00:32:34] where we have some solid elements and some tent elements [00:32:38] and keeping the interval at a way [00:32:40] that really helps with the spacing, [00:32:45] that gives them some opportunities. [00:32:47] If it's a food vendor, [00:32:48] they could have some small tables outside. [00:32:51] It gives enough opportunities for that type of flexibility. [00:32:55] And then depending on the size of market, [00:32:57] you can start at the center and grow out from there, [00:33:01] but wanted to make sure that we were thinking [00:33:03] of the street in multiple ways. [00:33:06] Also, a couple of food truck locations, [00:33:09] a little bit hard to see, but the upper right-hand side, [00:33:13] particularly added a couple of opportunities [00:33:17] for food trucks to come in there [00:33:20] from the right side of the drawing. [00:33:24] Next slide. [00:33:28] This is a picture of how that space might be activated [00:33:31] with the market stalls. [00:33:33] You see the tents that denote that. [00:33:35] The bottom, you see how the crosswalk might occur [00:33:40] across the existing street. [00:33:43] Planters and the seating help define the street better [00:33:47] than it is currently. [00:33:49] Integrating some more landscape around the perimeter. [00:33:55] To the right would be the little lawn [00:33:59] with a shelter to it. [00:34:00] So where you see the mural, [00:34:03] we're thinking that one, to work with the frontier building [00:34:07] and potentially add a mural on the side [00:34:11] that would face that little courtyard, [00:34:13] and then looking at screening on the wall [00:34:17] that faces the pedestrian ways. [00:34:20] So those we have included in the budgeting [00:34:24] in the previous look ahead at this. [00:34:27] And you can see how the cafe-style lighting goes across. [00:34:32] If we were at night, you would see that stringing the way [00:34:37] through that corridor. [00:34:38] So this is a way of being extremely strategic, [00:34:43] getting rid of the predominant amount [00:34:46] of the overhead lines that were crisscrossing everywhere. [00:34:50] We do need to maintain the higher voltage lines [00:34:53] that are along that corridor. [00:34:55] Those are the ones that are a lot more expensive [00:34:59] to put underground. [00:35:00] So we're being very judicious [00:35:03] with where we're spending the dollars [00:35:06] with these improvements. [00:35:08] But I think at the end of the day, [00:35:09] you have a very active street. [00:35:12] Recently, the city of Clearwater closed a portion [00:35:15] of their main Cleveland Street coming into downtown. [00:35:19] That's been really well-received, [00:35:21] and that is actually a main corridor, [00:35:25] not as much as it used to be before they moved the bridge [00:35:28] over to Clearwater Beach. [00:35:29] But they've struggled with their downtown very much so, [00:35:33] and that was one really positive spark to their downtown [00:35:39] that they were able to measure even through 2020. [00:35:43] So with that, I'll take any questions you may have. [00:35:51] Questions? [00:35:53] I like it. [00:35:54] It looks really good. [00:35:55] I really like the incorporation [00:35:56] of the bigger of the shade trees along there. [00:35:59] I think that helps with the shading, [00:36:00] because I know we talked about doing some, [00:36:02] you know, like over-the-street shades. [00:36:05] I know you can't see in there, [00:36:07] but maybe like some seating would be [00:36:08] actually underneath the trees, too. [00:36:10] Absolutely. [00:36:12] I like the growth on the side of the, [00:36:14] I guess I call it the phone building. [00:36:17] But the growth on that, some ivy or whatever it is. [00:36:20] But it looks really good. [00:36:23] The colored mural really kind of stands out, [00:36:26] makes it pop out there. [00:36:29] So I think overall, I mean, it looks really good. [00:36:31] And getting rid of the utility lines, [00:36:33] that was a huge thing, so. [00:36:34] Really, and that's really the predominant amount [00:36:37] of this particular scope of work. [00:36:40] That's the most of your money is spent [00:36:42] putting those underground. [00:36:44] And I think everything else that we're doing [00:36:45] is just very strategic. [00:36:47] You know, a mural is fairly low cost for a high impact, [00:36:51] so we're trying to be very judicious that way. [00:36:57] Thank you. [00:37:00] Certainly getting the utility underground is important, [00:37:03] and having a chance for us to look at the overall budget [00:37:07] and the capital improvement plan, [00:37:09] and having a bit of a menu of things [00:37:12] that we may be allowed to pre-plan for, [00:37:17] whether or not they're funded initially or not. [00:37:19] But it has been something I've mentioned [00:37:23] to my colleagues for a while. [00:37:24] But in fact, I think, Mayor, you brought up the other day [00:37:27] the possibility or the prognosis for the Chasco Fiesta. [00:37:33] We've had a couple of years where the carnival, [00:37:41] which is a funding source for the non-profit entity [00:37:45] that puts on this and other events, [00:37:51] has always been almost a requirement [00:37:53] in order to match sponsorship money to put events on. [00:37:57] Oftentimes, the food service becomes the choice [00:38:01] for the non-profits to try to make money. [00:38:04] They report, I happen to be on the Chasco Committee, [00:38:07] so I have some knowledge of that, [00:38:08] but they report their income, and it's minimal. [00:38:13] They may make $1,000 or $2,000. [00:38:15] It's my observation that carnivals give us a share [00:38:21] of the carnival rides, but they do not give us a share [00:38:25] of where the real money is, [00:38:28] which is in taking it from our blue-collar community's [00:38:32] pockets to find a treat for their girlfriend [00:38:36] or to get a bigger teddy bear, whatever they do. [00:38:40] And so they don't disclose to us how much money they make. [00:38:44] Other communities put volunteers and non-profit groups [00:38:49] in charge of the more quaint, small-town sort of atmosphere [00:38:54] that you see on the Hallmark Channel [00:38:55] when you see these events, which are pretty common [00:38:59] for what's about to come, which is 500 Christmas movies [00:39:02] that we're gonna have probably over the next couple [00:39:04] of months, but it's approaching that look, [00:39:08] and that's one of the things that I think Coast City [00:39:11] really strives for is to have that same, [00:39:13] we know each other, we're a small town, [00:39:15] and make people feel like they've come [00:39:18] in a nostalgic way to our events. [00:39:20] So I'm gonna continue to push to see [00:39:24] some of the business activity of these events [00:39:27] moved into the town, and in my view, [00:39:30] whether it's this or if that went with, [00:39:32] I think some of us have discussed moving [00:39:35] this corridor down behind, all the way to the river, [00:39:39] the Crossing Grand and continuing that theme, [00:39:42] we create kind of a path from the entrance of the park [00:39:45] into that main business backside. [00:39:50] And so I can see the great benefit in us having booths [00:39:56] and things that we could create entertainment activity, [00:40:02] and let the food vendors and the food trucks pay [00:40:05] and maybe shift our dynamics, because right now, [00:40:09] the events are concerned whether they can be held, [00:40:12] and it's kind of an opportunity for the city [00:40:14] to step in and say, you know, we've got another idea, [00:40:18] because some of the members of these committees [00:40:21] have been telling the city, if you won't do this, [00:40:24] or if we can't do that, if we can't have the carnival, [00:40:27] we can't put the show on. [00:40:29] So that's another discussion for my colleagues. [00:40:32] I just wanted to bring it up while we were on topic [00:40:34] that I would love to see when we have a concert or an event [00:40:39] or a daytime concert, that leading those folks in [00:40:44] to shop and see our town and have some of those [00:40:49] special event type things moved out. [00:40:51] It's a bit of a challenge for maintaining the park, [00:40:56] although maintaining the park is a challenge, [00:40:58] because we haven't had an event for a year, [00:40:59] and it still becomes a challenge sometimes. [00:41:02] But I think having the city, with your help, [00:41:07] bring these kind of drawings out will help us [00:41:10] to retain those events, because there's some discussion, [00:41:14] well, if this doesn't happen, we'll go somewhere else, [00:41:16] or we'll just put the carnival out on the highway, [00:41:19] or whatever. [00:41:20] Initially, we brought that into town for that purpose, [00:41:23] to bring that traffic into our downtown. [00:41:26] The next step, it seems to me, [00:41:27] is to use these kind of amenities and show the city off [00:41:31] when we have those events. [00:41:32] So I'm all for it. [00:41:34] I think it's good. [00:41:36] The only other comment I would give is, [00:41:38] as you look at that space in there, [00:41:41] and you eliminate the use of automobiles, [00:41:47] I could see the potential for times when it isn't closed, [00:41:53] to allow golf cart parking only, or something like that, [00:41:57] because we have 120 golf carts, [00:41:59] owners that live in our city, [00:42:01] that come in and out of restaurants and lunch [00:42:03] and drive all the time. [00:42:05] That's part of our vibe. [00:42:07] So I would suggest there could be some conversation [00:42:10] about those smaller straight-in parking spaces. [00:42:15] If you had four or five parking spaces, [00:42:18] and as we've had electric car things, [00:42:20] it's like we're accommodating this activity [00:42:23] that we're really sort of projecting. [00:42:25] And just to clarify, absolutely. [00:42:28] I think the beauty of this is, [00:42:30] we're calling it more of a convertible street, [00:42:33] meaning that you have the privy to determine [00:42:37] when it's open, when it's shut. [00:42:40] Most of the cities that are implementing [00:42:44] this type of use are doing a Friday-to-Sunday [00:42:49] type of closure, so you start to create [00:42:52] a little bit of a sense of arrival on the weekends, [00:42:56] that if you can create a sense for your downtown [00:42:59] that I'm just gonna come to this location [00:43:02] without a destination in mind, [00:43:03] just as this is the town's living room, [00:43:08] I'm gonna come here and then decide what to do, [00:43:10] I think you've created something [00:43:12] that really draws into the downtown. [00:43:14] I like the idea of getting rid of the overheads rat's nest. [00:43:21] It doesn't look good. [00:43:23] You sort of hit on one of the couple of questions [00:43:27] that I had, which was, for all practical purposes, [00:43:32] a number of the businesses that either front [00:43:36] or back up to that street need to be able [00:43:40] to have deliveries at some time, [00:43:43] and that's going to involve trucks coming in, [00:43:46] Wright's Market, Rose's Bistro, [00:43:55] probably Wanna Taco, and the others as well. [00:44:00] The bars, they've gotta have the ability [00:44:03] for delivery vehicles to come in, [00:44:05] so we're gonna have to look at it [00:44:08] in terms of what time of day or what days of the week [00:44:13] that it's actually open and available [00:44:15] for them to be able to get deliveries, [00:44:16] because we don't want to put them out of business [00:44:18] because they can't physically get the people in. [00:44:22] The other concern I have, and I don't know [00:44:25] that it's been well addressed on this, [00:44:28] but perhaps with the additional trees it helps, [00:44:33] there's about six or eight months of the year [00:44:36] that during the daytime, that is a brutal desert. [00:44:41] I mean, it's awful. [00:44:44] The pavement picks up the heat, [00:44:47] and it's probably well into triple digits [00:44:52] if you're out there trying to walk around. [00:44:54] At night, it's less bad, but during the daytime, [00:44:58] there's just zero. [00:45:00] shade, and we've got to have something there. Otherwise people won't go there. I think when [00:45:08] the original iteration of Railroad Square was opened up in 2007, there was a thought [00:45:15] that all sorts of stuff would happen down there, but the fact of the matter is all sorts [00:45:19] of stuff doesn't happen down there, and the reason primarily is because it's just too [00:45:24] blame hot, and so we've got to address that. I would encourage you to look at anything [00:45:34] else that we can add that will provide some shade, because that is the biggest single [00:45:40] deficit that that area has. But other than that, the idea of closing it in a little bit, [00:45:50] the decorative railroad-style sidewalks, people mistake for parking spaces, it hasn't [00:46:01] worked out as well as I think some of the folks that originally designed it had hoped. [00:46:06] So doing what you're suggesting there with moving it in with some planters and some other [00:46:10] stuff, probably a good idea. I like Councilman Allman's thought about having that available [00:46:19] as a golf cart zone for times when perhaps we don't have a whole bunch of tents and pedestrians [00:46:32] out there. And I did see Mr. Davis walk in the back. If you'd like to come on down front [00:46:37] and join us for this discussion. [00:46:42] Come sign in, and be nice or he'll card you. [00:46:50] I think the heat, one of the reasons why we're creating some of those planter cutouts, especially [00:46:56] along the parking lot, so you don't have, you have a little bit of a buffer and don't [00:47:01] have as much heat sink effect from the pavement as well. So those are great comments. Thank [00:47:07] you. [00:47:08] Any other thoughts on... [00:47:09] Are we going, is this drawing, I have one question, is this drawing going west of Grand [00:47:17] Boulevard? [00:47:18] Actually, this is just the first phase of a project. And what we wanted to accomplish [00:47:26] this evening was to have you approve some design elements, for instance, sinking the [00:47:33] overhead utilities, establishing shade structures, and the hardscape and landscape features. [00:47:42] And as we further develop the plan, we'll be talking to the business owners. We haven't [00:47:49] had that opportunity yet, but we needed you to sort of help us define the project and [00:47:54] then we'll complete the design. [00:47:55] Okay, then there's one other thing I'd like to see us at least look at and see if there's [00:48:00] a way that we can head south to Cavalier Square. [00:48:03] Okay. [00:48:04] Because, I mean, if, you know, with that park there, we should be tying that into this somehow. [00:48:12] Sure. [00:48:13] And in answer to your question, I would agree with, I think, what you were implying, which [00:48:18] is we probably ought to be looking at ultimately extending this to the west all the way to [00:48:23] the river. [00:48:25] Well, you know, well, to Bank Street anyhow. [00:48:30] At least to Bank Street. [00:48:31] Yeah. [00:48:32] Yeah. [00:48:33] And then, like I said, it's only a parking lot to the Cavalier Square, so. [00:48:38] Right. [00:48:39] You know, I mean, if we're going to go this route, I mean, I would probably go to Cavalier [00:48:43] Square before I went west of Grand. [00:48:46] Okay. [00:48:47] If I'm not mistaken, there was a planning recommendation earlier on, and I like your [00:48:53] idea, and thank you for bringing it up, because that's a great little spot and ought to be [00:48:59] part of a festival if it occurred. [00:49:02] But there was a, someone talked about, I think, from your company, oh, there's enough room, [00:49:07] we could put another small business there or something, if I'm not mistaken, but that's [00:49:13] the rub. [00:49:14] I mean, we like that circulation to go around to the other shops. [00:49:18] In working that, just to throw that out there so everybody knows, that parking lot right [00:49:22] behind Boulevard of Beef and Ale, that's got to be accessible to get in and get out, [00:49:27] because that's private parking. [00:49:28] So it's not going to be something that can be permanent, but it can be something that [00:49:32] we can try to figure a way to access it. [00:49:37] If you could back up a couple of the slides to show that area where the, yeah, that one. [00:49:44] They're talking about a bandshell, if you look at the green, where that parking lot [00:49:49] is on the west side of the Verizon building, they're talking about a bandshell where the [00:49:54] red is and then just sort of a, is that grass or something like that? [00:49:58] Yeah, but see, as I said, I would rather tie it down to Cavalier Square. [00:50:04] That makes the whole area larger and more activity, and I think the people that are [00:50:09] in that strip of buildings on Grand might find, like Boulevard of Beef and Ale did, [00:50:15] access the back side of their buildings and open that side up as businesses. [00:50:19] I mean, the impetus for that piece was thinking that we could still maintain the maintenance [00:50:27] access from the opposite side through those parking side for those businesses there. [00:50:36] We could also look at connections through the parking lot on the right side of the drawing [00:50:43] as well. [00:50:45] I'm going to agree with Chopper's comment, though, and say if you're looking for a reaction, [00:50:51] that's an investment for a feature that contains the excitement and entertainment to the alley, [00:50:58] to the corridor that you're looking at. [00:51:01] Got a stage already, really. [00:51:02] The stage is there. [00:51:03] We've spent a lot of money. [00:51:04] I lost a lot of, well, friends. [00:51:06] You got to go to France. [00:51:08] What the heck are you talking about? [00:51:11] We had a giant naked lady we were going to put on as a mural, but that didn't go over [00:51:15] too well. [00:51:16] It was very tasteful, though, but anyhow, that pathway through there could also be an [00:51:25] additional route for a market, because if you have a market, it may grow, it may create [00:51:31] more activity. [00:51:33] And Missouri Avenue is the location of our newest little art galleries, and they're a [00:51:38] bit isolated, I guess, sometimes, or feel isolated. [00:51:44] So to me, one day we've got to go all the way south by that parking lot and then cut [00:51:52] back Missouri and create some activity on the south side of Missouri even. [00:51:59] So we've talked a lot about our downtown expanding. [00:52:02] It seems that's the center from which it has only a little ways to grow. [00:52:09] I think it would change the whole retail atmosphere on the south side of Missouri. [00:52:13] I think it's all beautiful comments, and I think how we've always talked about it is [00:52:18] that this is a kit of parts and a phase, right? [00:52:23] So you can complete one phase and then use that kit of parts to keep expanding it as [00:52:28] you move forward. [00:52:29] So I think all the comments about where that might grow from are great comments to think [00:52:35] about the next phases. [00:52:38] I consider this part of, since you put that little red dot there, that we are talking [00:52:43] about this phase. [00:52:45] Right. [00:52:46] And that's the thought of it, if you wanted to extend that space through, I think that's [00:52:51] perfect because you're already starting to pull through there. [00:52:55] You're noting that this is a location here because that's an upper shade structure. [00:53:00] It's not a solid structure, inviting people to come through that corridor if you choose [00:53:05] to move that direction. [00:53:06] And we've still got to have vehicle access into that parking lot behind those buildings [00:53:15] that front on Grand Boulevard. [00:53:17] Again, could be convertible. [00:53:19] So if you were having an event, say, we're going to have a festival this Saturday, you're [00:53:25] going to have that as a convertible part of the market just for that day. [00:53:32] Can you have the businesses have enough organization to work the deliveries around that? [00:53:39] But it's a logistical discussion. [00:53:43] It's not just the deliveries in that case, it's also the... [00:53:50] That's parking for those people that they're... [00:53:52] Absolutely. [00:53:53] That's private parking for their clientele. [00:53:56] And I think we've got to take a look at... [00:54:00] The lane that you have full privy to is the parking to the right. [00:54:04] So you have that parking. [00:54:07] If you think of downtown in a larger parking sense, if a portion of that becomes critical [00:54:14] to make a connection, you can start to... [00:54:18] You have full privy of that space. [00:54:22] If we can just keep this dialogue going a little bit, the green spot and your place [00:54:27] where the local bands will play or fire eaters or whoever you've got, whoever comes. [00:54:34] If that wasn't there, you've got a tree. [00:54:39] So again, that's our public parking lot, that little row of parking spaces against the building [00:54:45] is city. [00:54:47] And that's our only way to connect through from Missouri back and forth that we have [00:54:54] control over. [00:54:55] So either we should be talking to the landowner or the private parking lot and saying, hey, [00:55:00] come take a look at this. [00:55:02] Can we provide you those spaces? [00:55:04] And can we ask you to redesign it in a way? [00:55:09] And the second thing I would say is the way you've got it drawn, there really isn't room [00:55:13] for golf carts, but that little small corridor may provide that opportunity for right in [00:55:21] the core of town to just run up against that building with some golf cart parking and [00:55:25] give you a shorter or an easier walk path through, something like that. [00:55:31] That's actually not a bad idea. [00:55:34] If you park in those spaces, it can be interesting backing out because there's not a whole lot [00:55:42] of space there. [00:55:43] Golf carts would not have that issue. [00:55:47] I think it's a great idea on the service if you have another trade with that. [00:55:53] If this sliver of parking were to become part of an agreement together with them, I think [00:56:02] that really gives a lot to the street. [00:56:05] Interesting. [00:56:06] Well, they've been complaining or concerned of getting their customers in. [00:56:12] I think old Clyde Harvey, I don't know if you know him, but I'm sure you do, an attorney [00:56:20] older than me, I should stop now, said that he goes to Rose's Bistro and he's complained [00:56:29] to me that when the event was blocking the street off, it affected his ability during [00:56:34] the COVID to support the business downtown, whatever. [00:56:37] We do have that little riddle with the beef and ale and the Rose's Bistro. [00:56:44] I have to be creative in there for sure because we will get some flack for that. [00:56:51] This may be where we want to start giving serious consideration to the golf cart shuttle [00:56:57] type services doing a loop to get in there because the Clyde hobbies of the world are [00:57:04] going to have trouble. [00:57:07] Anytime you cut off even that little bit of parking because there's a fair number of [00:57:13] people that do frequent those restaurants that are not terribly mobile. [00:57:25] I'm not really concerned about their getting into their spots. [00:57:29] If we utilize our parking spots to end up being more of a road to and from and then [00:57:36] we close it off at different times when we want to. [00:57:38] We've got an event and they know about it, they're aware of it. [00:57:42] They're going to receive business because of it. [00:57:47] That may be that we do give up some of those because there aren't that many spaces. [00:57:51] Like five or six right there. [00:57:54] There's not that many. [00:57:55] Maybe eight when we count the Cavalier Square ones. [00:57:57] We are gaining additional spaces in the Swanson lot and also the lot back on west of Ritchie [00:58:07] Suncoast Theater. [00:58:11] In the net, we're probably okay. [00:58:16] I would think the lot right up against the Verizon building on the west side, there may [00:58:23] be some opportunities to play with that to make it possible to get down to Cavalier Square [00:58:31] and incorporate that in. [00:58:32] It is a shame. [00:58:34] Cavalier Square is, I think easily, the least utilized park in the entire city. [00:58:45] It's never had much reason. [00:58:49] We leased it to one of the restaurants and they were able to do something with it. [00:58:54] Other than that, it's a beautiful little park, but it's very underutilized. [00:59:01] When the city bought it, the blue park came with those parking spaces, so that was the [00:59:10] shape of the property that was for sale. [00:59:13] The real acquisition was to get those parking spaces, and then what do you do with that [00:59:17] little square that you don't have any room to do anything, and then the idea was to make [00:59:21] a pocket park. [00:59:22] But when the Dulcet was operating, the reggae, it was kind of cool to walk through there [00:59:28] and have some life out there. [00:59:31] I would definitely take a look at the lots on the west side of the... [00:59:35] I know Lisa's piece is just entertaining, possibly doing things there too. [00:59:40] Can I give you some... [00:59:42] You've given me clear direction. [00:59:44] Thank you. [00:59:45] You've been through plexiglass. [00:59:47] Yeah, I'm looking forward to COVID being over. [00:59:51] I have enough trouble seeing the screens with my multi-focus lenses without having to look [00:59:59] through... [01:00:00] multiple layers of plexiglass to see. [01:00:02] It helps to reflect on these ideas, though. [01:00:05] Yes, it does. [01:00:07] It's reflecting there and there. [01:00:09] Exactly. [01:00:11] Thank you. [01:00:12] Thank you for the comments and the conversation. [01:00:14] I mean, it's really fabulous to see what's happening [01:00:16] with the downtown and what you all as a group have done [01:00:19] and how you're thinking, so glad to be a part of it. [01:00:21] Thank you. [01:00:22] All right, hope we gave you some good ideas too, Tim. [01:00:24] Absolutely.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 5Adjournment▶ 1:00:25
- 4Communications