HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/01/2011 04B-3 Minutes 01-13-2011 Council North First Street Committee ill
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North First Street Committee
January 13, 2011
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City Council present: Chair Rick Ensey, Maureen Adkison, Kathy Coffey
City staff: Michael Morales, Joan Davenport
Community members: Scott Filkins, John Gasperetti, Enrique Jevons, Michael Krause, Randy
LaPierre, Rick Phillips, Sonny Shah, Ben Shoval, Dennis Vanover, Jay Wildgen, Roger Wilson
North First Street Corridor Revitalization Project SIED Planning Grant Scoping: In 2010 the City
received a SIED planning grant in the amount of $25,000 for the North First Street corridor. The
funding will be used to begin a community mobilization and visioning process to determine
options for infrastructure and public facilities related to North First Street, and to develop
illustrations and cost estimates for recommended improvements. This project is a priority of the
Yakima City Council. Project consultants Jeffrey Louman (Huibregtse, Louman Associates) and
Colie Hough -Beck (HBB Landscape Architecture) gave examples of local and regional
revitalization projects they have worked on, including the Downtown Yakima Futures Initiative.
They shared information about the scope and timeline for the planning process.
Michael Morales spoke about the mill district development and expected impacts to the North
First Street area. He reiterated that Council is setting the pace on this project and shared
Council's expectation that the area businesses and property owners will help Council frame the
vision for the improvements through a steering committee. He briefly outlined potential funding
mechanisms including leveraging of LIFT funds (Local Infrastructure Financing Tool), grants,
is loans and some potential for public funding.
Steering Committee / Block Captains: Councilmember Coffey encouraged the business
representatives and property owners to volunteer as block captains. The block captains will
gather information and ideas and bring them forward to the committee. Volunteers at the
meeting included Enrique Jevons, Michael Krause, Randy LaPierre, Sonny Shah, Ben Shoval,
Jay Wildgen and Roger Wilson..
The business representatives shared stories of their safety challenges. They stated that the
project must address both the appearance and safety of the area. •
Community communication: Discussion ensued regarding outreach to the larger community.
Jay Wildgen, General Manager of the Clarion Hotel, offered to help coordinate a community
meeting when the time comes. He will also work with City Community Relations Manager
Randy Beehler to coordinate media requests. The businesses also requested help with an
informational flyer they•can give to their customers.
City staff will follow up with block captain volunteers and will also contact additional community
members to help prepare for the next meeting (March 3).
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R ck Ensey, Chair .