PC 10/14/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

Brian Dutchover, 450 Main Street, Suite 206, said he is a Pleasanto resident, has a business downtown, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the DA. He stated that he is strongly opposed to mandating retail-only for first floor buildings' the downtown. He felt it was unfair to mandate to the property owners any restriction 0 that sort, and was very concerned that should a retail tenant vacate a non-retail tenant could ot be encouraged to rent it. He urged that the Commission consider this issue carefully. Chairman Hovingh discussed with Mr. Dutchover the concept of not requiring banks to be downtown in regard to the retail-only issue. Harold Coursey, 610 Main Street, said he owned Main Street Art G lery and that he would be very impacted by the reconstruction. He urged that Division Str t be kept open to traffic, and that the entrance to the Old County Fair parking lot be ade open to two-way access. He felt it would be a great help if cars could drive from St. Mary's Street and park in the County Fair lot. He expressed concern for businesses if Mai Street is totally closed for four-six weeks. In regard to comments that promotion and adve ising of downtown during reconstruction would be done, he hoped that money would b available for this purpose and felt it extremely important that advertising be done. H also suggested that directional signs be put up directing people to various businesses du . ng reconstruction of streets and closure. Mr. Higdon responded to Mr. Coursey's suggestion in regard to the County Fair lot, stating that he is not sure the area is wide enough, but that the City willi k into it. Mr. Iserson added that the County Fair parking lot is private property so this wo Id have to be worked out with the property owner. He further encouraged business peopl to talk to the owners of their buildings and encourage them to work with the City as much a possible in regard to the use of any parking lots. In response to Mr. Coursey's concern about closing any streets for ur-six weeks, Mr. Higdon clarified that the Task Force had recommended that the City speed the schedule as much as possible to get it over with. It is the intent to have some nd of sidewalk on the street at all times to facilitate foot traffic during the time the street ould be under construction, as well as access to the side street parking lots. Mr. igdon further explained how and when the City will lay utility lines during street closure. e reiterated that there was a five-year plan in place for downtown reconstruction; however the Task Force recommended that this be shortened as much as possible. Mr. Higd n strongly encouraged people to come and talk to City staff members about their particular situation, as to deliveries, etc, and also to fill out the questionnaire the City is prov ding. He further noted they will have a number of staff members working full-time on thes matters. Barry Gardner, 555 Main Street, stated that his business is also in e closed blocks. He referred to a comment from staff in regard to working with their in ividual property owners and felt it was not the tenant's responsibility to do that, but the City s. Mr. Iserson stated Planning Commission Minutes October l4, 1992 Page 11