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Parks Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2000 Page 6 • 1 Mr. Krier began by stating that he wished to bring the Commission up to speed on the Shopping 2 Center redevelopment project. He would review the anticipated schedule and ask the 3 Commission's assistance in the upcoming months to move the project ahead. 4 Mr. Krier continued by providing a history of the project. Over a year ago, it was decided to cre- 5 ate a redevelopment vision because it was determined important to maintain the community 6 shopping center. It was believed that the center could be a viable shopping center. After much 7 discussion, which included possibilities such as tearing down the center and implementing an of- 8 fice/warehouse structure, a plan was developed in 1999 from the Planning Commission, the City 9 Council, and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The plan determined that the shopping 10 center would be maintained as a viable center. One of the elements in maintaining and 1 l revitalizing the center was to create a village green area. This would be an attraction that would 12 make the center stand out from others in the area. 13 Consequently, in the latter part of 1999, the City worked with the Shopping Center owners and 14 owners of The Hitching Post to acquire easements on the land so the village green could take 15 place. Mr. Krier cautioned that the village green area is only one part of the redevelopment. 16 Mr. Krier presented a sketch of the proposed Shopping Center redevelopment and reviewed each 17 aspect of the plan with the Commission. Furthermore, he stated that the firm of BRW has been 18 retained to assist in the detailed design of the project. 19 Mr. Krier depicted that the final designs would be developed over the summer, and in the fall, the 20 designs would be ready for approval. During the winter, bids would open and construction 21 would begin in 2001. 22 Ganley asked about water features of the redevelopment. Mr. Krier stated that originally ponds 23 were considered as a decorative feature, but the cost estimates approached $2.5 million and the 24 ponds were deemed unrealistic. Instead, a type of decorative fountain would be implemented. 25 Mr. Krier stated that the primary goal is to revitalize.the community,shopping center and there 26 were many decisions left to be made, such as light standards, benches, and vegetation. Options 27 must be considered with the owners as well so that the design theme is carried throughout the 28 center. 29 Zurbey mentioned that he hoped the new center would provide for adequate parking. Mr. Krier 30 responded that parking had been a consideration and would be improved as much as possible. 31 Mr. Krier stated that the next step would be to bring the firm of BRW in with some thoughts and 32 ideas. 33 Jindra thanked Mr. Krier for his presentation and information. • 34 VIII. OTHER BUSINESS.