08-09-95 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 15, 1995 presented this evening are conceptual. The consultants are now coming back to the City to determine if what is being presented is a reflection of what the community wants. Fifield reported that the first town meeting was held on May 31st to gather information from the public on how they currently view the Rice Street/Little Canada Road area and what they would like to see in the future. After the town meeting, three workshops were held each focusing on different aspects for coming up with a tool the City can use to guide development decision in the Rice Street/Little Canada Road area. That resulted in the consultants drafting a vision statement for the area as well as a series of development concepts. Fifield reported that before the final document is prepared, the consultants are now coming back to the public to ensure that what has been developed thus far reflects the needs and desires of the community. Fifield recapped the results of the May 31st town meeting, including responses to four questions which were asked at that meeting. The first question dealt with people's vision for the area and what they would like to see 15 years from today. Fifield reported that 118 responses were received, were detailed, and gave some clear ideas such as family restaurant, additional senior housing, grocery store, etc. The second question asked people to identify what they liked about the area. Groups identified 75 things that they like about the Rice Street area. These responses were grouped into uses, qualities, and environmental. 45% dealt with specific uses, but no single use stood out. Groups liked a variety of qualities about Rice Street. A key environmental characteristic was Round Lake. Next participants were asked to identify the most important changes that need to be made in the area. 51 responses were received. 37% dealt with qualities, the most common was making the area an attractive and convenient place to shop. Suggested improvements included paths, roads and area identity. Uses were the least common form of chanqe suggested. And finally, participants were asked to identify barriers to makinq the changes that have been suggested. Physical, financial and attitudes were listed as barriers. Fifield reported that the information gathered at the town meeting was important in shaping the work done to date. The approach has been to try and look at all of the factors and forces that will shape and guide development in this area. Fifield reported that his 2