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12 03 01 Amended Agenda adding Vision Downtown Item CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA PUBLIC NOTICE OF MEETING AMENDED AGENDA Government Body: City Council Time: 6:30 p.m. Date: December 3, 2001 Place of Meeting: Public Library Auditorium NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the above identified governmental body will meet at the time, date and place as set forth above. The Agenda for the meeting is amended as follows: Action Item #1 1. Presentation of Vision Downtown Results David Rusk to make verbal presentation on the results of the Vision Downtown process, requesting adoption of the Vision Downtown document as the community's shared vision for downtown Dubuque, and requesting referral to the City Manager for consideration in the annual budget process. Communication from the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission in support of the Vision Downtown document and a Comprehensive Downtown Planning Process. RESOLUTION Adopting the Vision Downtown document Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution This notice is given pursuant to Chapter 21, Code of Iowa, 2001, and applicable local regulations of the City of Dubuque, Iowa and/or governmental body holding the meeting. Jeanne F. Schneider City Clerk Any Visual or Hearing Impaired Persons Needing Special Assistance or Persons with Special Accessibility Needs Should Contact the City Clerk's Office at (319) 589-4120 or TDD (319) 589-4193 in the Human Rights Department at Least 48 Hours PHor to the Meeting City Hatl (563) 589-4210 office (563) 589~22_1 fax planning~cityofdubuque.org November 30, 2001 The Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Dubuque 50 W. 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 RE: Support for Vision Downtown and a Comprehensive Downtown Planning Process Dear Mayor and City Council Members: The Long Range Planning Advisory Commission has reviewed the final draft of the Vision Downtown document that will be presented to the City Council on December 3, 2001 by the Downtown Planning Committee, a subcommittee of the Commission. The City Council directed that a comprehensive downtown planning process be implemented through the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission with assistance from the Downtown Planning Commiffee. The downtown planning area is the service area for Dubuque Main Street Ltd. The comprehensive downtown planning process has four steps: 1. Create a shared community vision for Downtown Dubuque - "Vision Downtown". 2. Assess the Vision relative to reality. 3. Assess the Vision and reality relative to existing plans. 4. Create a comprehensive downtown master plan based on the Vision and assessments. The City Council sponsored the first step, a downtown visioning process, with an allocation of $30,000 in City funds. This funding was matched by the State of Iowa's Main Street Program with in-kind services of a facilitator valued at $7,500. The downtown visioning process utilized a citizen questionnaire, two community meetings, a reactor group session and a validation survey to develop the Vision Downtown document. The Commission believes this document reflects the community's consensus of a vision for downtown Dubuque. The cost estimate for a comprehensive downtown planning process is $100,000. The State of Iowa has a community development fund that provides grants of up to $50,000 to cities for this type of project. The Commission recommends that the City apply for this funding for creation of a comprehensive downtown master plan. The Commission has voted unanimously to endorse the Vision Downtown document, and to respectfully request that the City Council sponsor the comprehensive downtown planning process by budgeting $50,000 in City funds to match a $50,000 state grant. Sincerely, Mary Lynn Neumeister, Chairperson Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Service People h ttegtit~ Resportsibillty Innovation Teamwork Preparer: Laura Carstens Address: City Hall, 50W. 13th Street Telephone: 563-589-4210 RESOLUTION NO. - 01 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE VISION DOWNTOWN DOCUMENT Whereas, the City Council has adopted a Comprehensive Plan that includes goals and objectives supporting downtown revitalization; and Whereas, the City Council has sponsored a downtown visioning process as a first step in the creation of a Comprehensive Downtown Master Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. That the City Council does hereby adopt the Vision Downtown document as the community's shared vision for downtown Dubuque, and refer to the City Manager for consideration in the annual budget process. Passed, approved and adopted this day of , 2001. Attest: Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk MEMORANDUM November 30, 2001 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Vision Downtown Dave Rusk. Chair of the Downtown Planning Committee has provided the attached documents for Monday night's presentation to the City Council. He will be making this information public at a media conference on Monday, December 3, at 9:00 a.m. at the Five Flags Majestic Room. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl. Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser. Assistant City Manager CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM November 20, 2001 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Vision Downtown Committee Lisa Sesterhenn, Assistant Planner Vision Downtown News Conference Please note that the time of the news conference was incorrectly stated as noon in the memo of November 16, 2001 from the Planning Services Department. Please mark your calendar for 9:00 a.m. in the Majestic Room of the Five Flags Civic Center on December 3. 2001 for the news conference announcing Vision Downtown. cc: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM JOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH NEWS CONFERENCE Monday, December 3 9 a.m. Majestic Room Five Flags Civic Center Please attend this important news conference to announce VISION DOWNTOWN, A future for the Heart of our City Vision Downtown DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FEEDERMAN IIM GIBBS IIM GIESEN DA~/ID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM IOCHUM DAN LO~ IANCO ANN MICHAt~KI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH Dear Stakeholder, December 3, 2001 It is our community's downtown, nestled below the magnificant bluffs that shape its western border, and proximate to the great river that runs just to its east, that is the true heart of our city. Our downtown bcst reflects our heritage and the unique character of our community that accompanies it. Oar downtown is a major source of a strong community pride that has been hurtled since our earliest days as a Mississippi River settlement. Thea~ is no otber precinct or neighborhood in. Dubuque that holds mor~ of what we have been, what we are, and what we can be than our downtown. There have been many studies, plans and programs toward fostering a revitalization of Down- town Dubuque over the years. More recently, n~ny voices in our community have suggested that now is the time to begin anew a comprehensive effort to guide the heart of our city toward a future that we can ail be proud of. Th~ explosive development unfolding at the riverfront areas of our downtown brings with it the need for thoughtful dialogue on the impacts and opportunities that will doubtless arrive in its wake. VISION DOWNTOWN and the comprehensive planning effort that will follow are the products of that community dialogue. The VISION DOWNTOWN document captures the consansus community vision for the future of Downtown Dubuque. This archival binder captures the process that created it. The vision was crafted through a hig~y inclusive process that iucluded community meetings, a citizen questionnaire, reactor group session, and validation survey. The document was initially developed and then refined at each step of the process and, in its final form, offers individual vision statements organized into six dimensions. It is important to note that, in this context, VISION DOWNTOWN is not a plan, but rather, a vision - a general'unprioritized consensus description of a preferred destination. It will be necessary to create a plan that specifies the detailed act[un items and resources that must be applied to reach that destination. The Downtown Planning Committee recommends that a comFrehensive downtown master plan be developed on the foundation of VISION DOWNTOWN and is prepared to lead that planning process as well. The downtown visioning process was sponsored by the City of Dubuque with support from Dubuque Main Street, Ltd., Main Street Iowa, and The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. The Down- town Planning Committee, a subcommittee of the City of Dubuque Long Range Planning Advis0r~ Corn- mission composed of both commissioners and other members of the community, provided planning and implementation leadership to the effort. Many individuals and o~anizations have supported the community visioning process that ere- ated VISION DOWNTOWN. Over two thousand individuals have participated dire{fly in the process; many more have offered indirect input as well. The Downtown Planning Committee wishes to thank ail who have participated or othe~vise supported the process. The success of the downtown visioning process must be measured in at least two ways. First, it is aiready apparent that success has been achieved in terms of the openness and iuclusivity of the process. This is paramount to ensuring the community ownership necessary to fuel the effort to make the vision a reality. A second success criterion is more difficult and has yet to be measured - the degree to which our community sustains the vision through the creation and iarptementation of plans and actions to do so. You are asked to review this archival records binder and the VISION DOWNTOWN document and stand ready to offer additional input and support to the planning effort that will follow. '" Downtown Planning Committee City of Dubuque Table of Contents VISION DOWNTOWN Archival Records Binder I. Downtown Planning Committee II, Target Area Map III. Meetings and Communication a) Presentation to City Council b) Meeting Minutes c) Communications IV. Previous Plans/Studies/Programs V. Planning Process VI. Visioning Process VII. Vision Downtown Rollout Process VIII. Questionnaire Materials IX. Community Meeting I Materials X. Community Meeting I1 Materials Xt. Reactor Group Session Materials XII. Validation Survey Materials XIII. Vision Downtown Final Document XIV. Product Rollout XV. Press Clippings XVI. Budgetary Accounting I. Downtown Planning Committee DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE ~-I "~ ~ -=' -~1~ Jim Giesen Community Leader Doris Hingtgen Duggan Realty Bob Felderman Continental Realty & ~elderman Appraisals Jim Holz Mid-State Associates Steve Horman Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Jim Gibbs Remax Realty Pam Jochum State Representative Dan LoBianco Dubuque Main Street Ltd. Ann Michalski City Council Ruth Nash Community Leader Mary Lynn Neurneister NeumeisterAnimal Hospital Art Roche Mercy Medical Center Dave Rusk Julien's Journal John Walsh D B & T Laura Carstens City of Dubuque Planning Services Department David Harris City of Dubuque Housing Department Richard Russell City of Dubuque Building Services Department Lisa Sesterhenn City of Dubuque Planning Services Department DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE TASK FORCES AND CONSULTANTS SUPPORT TASK FORCES PROCESS TASK FORCE IPTF) Responsible for overall process development and guidance of process ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TASK FORCE (ATF) Responsible for documentation, records, logistics and services for meetings, clerical and communications support PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PROMOTION Responsible for developing and participation in the process TASK FORCE (PRTF) implementing public awareness and CONSULTANTS SUPPORT PROC.ESS FACILITATOR Responsible for helping guide/advise overall process, writing and presenting drafts of Vision Downtown, participating in all meetings of committee, community meetins, reactor group session, working with surve~ consultant SURVEYS CONSULTANT Responsible for developing citizen survey instrument, advising on distribution & collection; analysis & presentation of citizen surveys; developing, executing and reporting results on validation survey; working with committee, task forces, and Process Facilitator as .required. !1. Target Area Map ,? / / / / / Recommended Geographic Scope of Downtown Comprehensive Plan (Dubuque Main Street Umited Service Area) I0~0 Feet 500 III. Meetings and Communication a. Presentation to City Council b. Meeting Minutes c. Communications A. Presentation to City Council J.D. COMMUNICATIONS INC. publishers of Julien's.Journal -- The Dubuque Area Magazine -- 700 Locust, Suite 850 · P,O. Box 801, Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0801 · Ph. (319) 557~1914 Fax (319) 557-9635 Date: April 24, 2000 To: Hon Mayor and City Council City of Dubuque From: Dave Rusk, Downttwn Comprehensive Planning to Plan Group fAn Action Initiative Task Force from the Community Housing Summit Action Conference) Subject: Request for inclusion on agenda of council meeting of 5/1/2000. This is to request approximately ten minutes on the agenda of the council meeting of May 1, 2000 to present the attached request for council action. Media in receipt of this request and attached materials are asked to hold for coverage until after the May 1st council meeting. Promoting our Community~ its Institutions and its People since 1976 Date: May 1, 2000 To: Hon. Mayor and City Council, City of Dubuque From: Downto~vn Comprehensive Planning to Plan Group (An Action Initiative Task Force from the Community Housing Summit Action Conference.) Subject: City sponsorsh/p of comprehensive downtown planning process INTRODUCTION This communication is to formally request that the City Council officially endorse and sponsor a comprehensive planning process for the area known and to be defined as "Downtown Dubuque" and that that process be implemented through the City of Dubuque Long Range Planning Advisory Commissmn with assistance from the Downtown Comprehensive Planning to Plan Group, and, further, that the process include a highly participative and inclusive visioning element, an assessment of the resulting shared vision relative to current realities and also to existing plans, and, finally, the creation of an updated comprehensive master plan for the downtown based on the shared community vision. BACKGROUND On February 11, approximately 80 individuals came together at a Honsing Summit Action Conference sponsored by the City of Dubuque Housing Services Department. The invited attendees included realtors, landlords, tenants, community leaders, representatives from commerce, essential services, housing development and management, and government interests. From that ten-hour day of committed citizens working in pairs, in mixed groups, in stakeholder groups, and together as a whole, came seven Action Initiative Task Forces whose work is to provide the strategic directions and actions that will form the heart of the city's Five Year Consolidated Plan for Housing, Community and Econon~c Developmem, and will consequently guide the investment of over $20 million over the next five years. The Downtown Comprehensive Planning to Plan Gronp is the name adopted by one of the seven task forces and was chosen to clearly reflect its mission of spurting the creation of a comprehensive master plan for Downtown Dubuque. The group has had several meetings since the February conference to discuss the state of downtown plans and planning, the need for a fresh and reenergized downtown planning effort that would engage the broader communi!y, and strategies for approaching and implementing truly comprehensive downtown master planning. The group has reviewed our community visioning and comprehensive planning efforts of the 1990's and also the Downtown Development Strategy of January 1998 which included an overview of downtown districts and recent activity relative to them, the downtown traffic circulation study, ten prior downtown stmlies, and a downtown redevelopment strateLv which in mm included an historic overview of recent and future initiatives, and potential initiataves. The group also discussed "Smart Growth" concepts and strategies and the confluence of community development issues that have a focus on the downtown. These include provision for housing alternatives across the affordability scale, commercial development and redevelopment, neighborhtxxt revitalization, and historic properties preservation, among others. DISCUSSION The Downtown Comprehensive Planning to Plan Group is a broad cross section of community interests and leadership that came together over a common interest in seeing Downtown Dubuque reach a potential 'beyond what it today enjoys. The group was actually rooted in the Housing Action Conference through a shared recognition that the availability of adeqtkate housing is critical to community growth and quality of life. The group has concluded that our downtown is a leverage opportunity relative to meeting the housing challenge but also to meeting other community needs as welt. It is our downtown, nestled below the magnificent bluffs that shape its western border, and proximate to the great river that runs just to its east. that is the true heart of our city. It best reflects our community's character and its heritage. It best defines the sense of place that is Dubuque. The downtown belongs to our entire communi .ry. It is the traditional center of our community and a key source of our community pride. There have been a number of events recently, in addition to the Community Housing Summit Action Conference, which point to the good timing for a renewed focus on downtown planning: The Council tabled ambitious renovation plans for Town Clock Plaza over a continued lack of agreement over the best approach to revitalizing the area. A recent seminar on historic preservation initiatives toward providing for affordable housing in downtown and other older neighborhoods brought together a unique partnership of the Center for Dubuque History, the City of Dubuque Historic Preservatton Commission, the Dubuque County Historical Society, the State Historical Society, City of Dubuque Housing Services, the Dubuque Board of Realtors and the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. Dubuque Main Street Ltd. held what has become an annual seminar of upper level residential/lower level commercial use of existing, often historically significant, buildings in the downtown.' Recent initiatives toward further expanding our community commitmem to riverfront development and other growth strategies bring with them a need for thoughtful dialogue on impacts an~d opportunities relative to the downtown. As a backdrop to all of this, the annual budget presentation of the City of Dubuque Economic Development Department featured as a major theme, a "Smart Growth" approach to commnnity development and redevelopment, representing a balanced approach to urban growth which includes an~ong its stategies investment and reinvestment in our city center. There have been many plans and programs toward fostering downtown development and redevelopment. We would like to recommend building on these efforts ,vith a highly inclusive and higNy participative process of building consensus and ownership of plans and programs in the broader community. We have learned through Vision 2000 that the process of community engagement is a powerful engine. The broader community deserves an opportunity to help determine what kind of downtown we have. This concept of community visioning is at the heart of a process we recommend for the development of a comprehensive master plan for the downtown. The recommended Downtown Comprehensive Planning Process consists of four basic elemems: · Create a Shared Community Vision for Downtown Dubuque · Assess the Vision relative to reality · Assess the Vision and Reality relative to existing plans · Create a Comprehensive Downtown Master Plan The final product could be something on the order of a mini version of the City Comprehensive Plan. This is consistent with the strategy of the City Long Range Planning Advisory Commission in implementing neighborhoed planning initiatives. CONCLUSION City Council sponsorship is crucial to ensuring the success of this effort. The Council, representing the interests of the city of Dubuque, ~s a key stakeholder in the future of Downtown Dubuque. City resources in the form of staff support and funding will be necessary. The council is itself an experienced visioning and planning body and can help guide the process. Clearly this effort is in need of city ownership and authorization to proceed. RECOMMENDED ACTION It is recommended that the City Council officially endorse and Sponsor a comprehensive planmng process for the area known and to be defined as "Downtown Dubuque" and that that process be implemented through the City of Dubuque Long Range Planning Advisory Commission with assistance from the Downtown Comprehensive Planning to Plan Group, and, further', that the process include a highly participative and inclusive visioning element, an assessment of the resulting shared vision relative to current realities and also to existing plans, and, finally, the creation of an updated comprehensive master plan for the downtown based on the shared community vision. Attachments: Roster, Downtown Comprehensive Planning to Plan Group Downtown Development Strategy, January 1998. Downtown Comprehensive Planning to Plan Group (An Action Initiative Task Force ['rom the Commun/ty Housing Summit Action Conference) Jim Burke City CED Department Laura Carstens City Planning Department Bob Fetderman Continental Realty Giesen, Jim City Communi .ty Developmem Block Grant Advisory Commission Hingtgen, Doris Duggan Realty Holz, Jim MSA Professional Services Pam Jochum State Representative Dan LoBianco Dubuque Main Street Ltd. Ann Michalski City Council Ruth Nash Dubuque County Fine Arts Society Art Roche Mercy Health Center David Rusk Julien's Journal Rich Russell City Building Deparrmem John Walsh DB&T B. Meeting and Communication O? FT PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission November $, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2, City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa Committee Members: Jim Holz, Dan LoBianco, Doris Hingrgen, Jokn Walsh, Mary Lynn Neumeister, Ann Michalski, Ruth Nash, Jim Gibbs, Steve Horman, Jim Giesen. Dave Rusk, and Bob Felderman; Staff Members: Laura Carstens, David Harris. Rich Russell, and Lisa Sesterherm; Guests: Pat Callahan, Bill Banm, Len Decker, and Karen Turk. Committee Members: Art Roche and Pam Jochum. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at l 1:45 a.m. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: Motion by Felderman, seconded by Horman to approve the minutes of October 8, 2001 passed unanimously. Michalski added that'she wanted to reiterate her support of downtown projects like the vision downtown prgcess. ACTION ITEMS: Vision Downtown Final Product: Rusk distributed the Vision Downtown Product Rollout and Archival Records Binder handouts, He also distributed a mock-up of the City Focus insert which contains the vision document and a letter'from the committee. The letter was copied for connnittee members and Rusk read the letter to the committee. After a discussion, ir was agreed that Rusk would revise the letter so it reads as more ora "call to action", is shorter than the first version, and would move the process type information to the back of the document. Rusk stated that the product will be rolled out on December 3ra with a new conference in the morning and a presentation to the City Council in the evening. It was agreed by the committee that the City Council will be asked to adopt by resolution the vision document and refer the document to the City Manager for consideration during the 2002/03 budget process. Review Validation Survey Results: Representatives from Loras College presented a summary of the validation survey results and distributed an executive summary of the results. Leu Decker, Loras College stated that the survey validates each dimension and statement in the vision document, ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended at 1:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Sesterheun, Assistant Planner Adopted PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission October 8, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2, City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa Committee Members: Jim Holz, Dan LoBianco, Ann Michalski, Ruth Nash, Jim Gibbs, Steve Horman, Jim Giesen, Dave Rusk, and Bob Felderman; Staff Members: Laura Carstens, David Harris, Rich Russell, and Lisa Sesterhenn. Guest: Pat Callahan (via conference call). Committee Members: Art Roche, Mary Lynn Neumeister, Doris Hingtgen, Para Jochum, and John Walsh. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 11:45 a.m. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: Motion by Horman, seconded by Felderman to approve the minutes of September 10, 2001 passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS: Success in Main Street Plarmina and Development Audio Conference: Sesterhema reviewed the materials for the audio conference call on Wednesday, October 10, 2001. Michalski, Russell and Rusk stated that they planned to attend the audio conference. Review Vision Document: Rusk distributed the 3~a draft nfthe Vision Docament. He stated that the committee's goal is to finalize the vision document that should be tested via the validation survey. Rusk read through the draft and after a discussion the committee reached consensus on a 4~" draft of the document. Review Validation Survey: Sesterhenn confirmed that L0ras College is planning to work with Advanced Data-Comm on the validation survey and that Len Decker has already prepared a 1~ draft nfthe survey. She stated that Leu would finalize the survey based on feedback from today's meeting. Michalski asked Rusk i£the media will be covering this phase of the visioning process noting the importance and the statistical significance of the validation survey. Rusk stated that the media will continue to be involved in the process. Review Budget for Visionin~ Process: The committee discussed the status of the budget and reviewed other funding sources. Rusk asked LoBianco to prepare a status report of fnndtng requests for the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended at 1:10 p.m. /ec~?~mitted, ~ Res.p Lisa ¢¢sterherm, Assistant Planner Adopted PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission September 10, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2, City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa Committee Members: Jim Holz, Mary Lynn Neumeisrer, Doris Hin~gen, Jim Gibbs. Steve Horman. Jim Giesen, Dave Rusk, Para Jochurn, Bob Felderman, and John Walsh; Staff Members: Laura Cars~ens, David Harris, Jean Noel and Lisa Sesterhenn. Guests: Pat Callahan. Committee Members: Ruth Nash, Art Roche, Dan LoBianco, Ann Michalski, and Rich Russell. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 11:35 a.m. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: Motion by Harris, seconded by Horman to approve the minutes of August 13, 2001 passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS: Logistics for Community Meeting 2: Rusk presented an update on the public relations campaign for community meeting 2 and then distributed the draft vision document. He asked the committee ro refer to the document as the vision document which contains 6 dimensions and that each dimension includes multiple vision statements. Pat Callahan gave an overview of the agenda for the meeting and reviewed the instructions for the committee members. Pat also confirmed that the reactor group meeting will be held on October 4, 2001. Validation Survey: Sesterhenn confirmed that Loras College is planning to work with Advanced Data-Corem on the validation survey. Rusk requested that the results of the survey be ready for the committee's November meeting, ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended at 12:15 p.m. Respectfull submitted, Lis f~n, Assistant Planner 7kdopted PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission August 13, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2, City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa Commit"tee Members: Ruth Nash, Jim Holz, Mary Lynn Neumeister, Doris Hingtgen, Art Roche, Dan LoBianco, Jim Giesen, Dave Rusk, Para Jochum, Ann Michalski, Bob Feldennan, and John Walsh; Staff Members: Jean Noel and Lisa Sesterhenn. Guests: Leu Decker and Tom Pusateri. Committee Members: Jim Gibbs, Steve Honnan, Laura Carstens, David Harris, and Rich Russell. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 11:40 a.m. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: Motion by Michalski, seconded by Felderman to approve the minutes of July 9, 2001 with the following budget process clarification passed unanimously: Michalski clarified that in order for staff to receive funds for new projects, it needs to be on the council's list of high or medium priorities. ACTION ITEMS: Review Questionnaire Results: Leu Decker and Tom Pusateri reviewed the results o£ the 1411 questionnaires that were returned by the deadline with the committee. A handout of the results was included with the August agenda packet. Review Community Meeting Notes: Rusk asked the committee to review the small group presentation notes to ensure that they were inclusive of the discussions that were held at the 5rst community meeting. Review 1~ Draft of Vision Statement: Rusk reviewed the difference between a vision and a plan with the committee. He stated that a vision is a description of a destination, lie then asked the committee if the vision statement adequately reflected the source documents (the questionnaire analysis and the community meeting notes). The committee discussed the vision statement and changes to the vision were recorded by Rusk. Motion by Walsh, seconded by Neumeister to approve the f'~rst draft of the vision statement with the changes noted by Rusk passed unanimously. It was determined that Rusk would give the changes to Pat Callahan for inclusion in the draft vision document. 2"a Community Meetina Plans: The committee reviewed plans for the September 15, 2001 community meeting. After a discussion, it was determined that the 2"a community meeting Minutes - Downtown Planning Committee August 13, 2001 Page 2 should be set up for 150 participants and that invitations, press releases, and PSA's would follow the same format as the first community' meeting. By consensus, the committee also agreed that a short presentation of the questionnaire results should be included as aa agenda kern for the 2nd community meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended at 1:35 p.m. Lisa Sesterh(~f-~, Assistant Plann Adopted PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission July 9, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2, City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa Committee Members: Ruth Nash, Jim Holz, Dan LoBianco, Jim Giesen, Dave Rusk, Para Jochum, Ann Michalski, Steve Horman, Bob Felderman, and John Walsh; Staff Members: David Harris, Jean Noel, and Lisa Sesterhenn. Guest: Pat Callahma (via conference call). Committee Members: Jim Gibbs, Mary Lynn Neumeister, Art Roche, Doris Hingtgen, Laura Carstens, and R/ch Russell. ACTION ITEMS: CommuniW Meeting Plan: The committee reviewed the agenda, facilitator notes, discussion notes and meeting plans for Saturday's community meeting. Rusk requested that committee members be at Five Flags by 7:30 a.m. Staff will order cat'nations for committee members to wear and will bring extra copies of City Focus to the meeting. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 11:50 a.m. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: Motion by Giesen, seconded by LoBianco to approve the minutes of June 11, 2001 as submitted passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS: Update on Promotion Plan: Rusk updated the committee on the ongoing promotion plan. He stated that the media should be commended for their coverage of the Vision Downtown process, the questionnaire and the community meeting He also commended various commumty groups for sharing Vision Downtown information with their constituencies. Budget Update: Sesterhenn reviewed the Vision Downtown budget with the committee. The committee discussed the $1000 rental charge from Five Flags. Staff will discuss waiving the rental fee with the Leisure Services Manager for both community meetings. LoBianco updated the committee on other funding applications. Next Steps: The Committee reviewed tentative plans for the September 15, 2001 community meeting. After a discussion, it was determined that the final agenda for this meeting would be set at the committee's August meeting after the questionnaire results and initial draft of Vision Downtown are presented. Minutes - Downtown Planning Committee July 9, 2001 Page 2 Comprehensive Plan: Michalski rewewed the budgeting and funding process for FY 2003. She stated that in order for the council to allocate funds for a project, it needs to be identified as a top or medium priority by the council. She also stated that the council priorities are generally set at the end of August for the next fiscal year. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended at 12:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Se Assistant Planner PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission June 11, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2, City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street, Dubuqne, Iowa Committee Members: Ruth Nash, Jim Holz, Dan LoBianco, Jim Giesen, Doris Hingtgen, Dave Rusk, Para Jochum, Ann Michalski, and John Walsh; Staff Members: Rich Russell, David Harris, Jean Noel, Laura Carstens, and Lisa Sesterherm. Guest: Pat Callahan Committee Members: Steve Horman, Jim Gibbs, Bob Felderman, Mary Lynn Neumeister and Art Roche. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 11:45 a.m. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staffpresented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: The minutes were approved by consensus. INTRODUCTIONS: Pat Caliahan, Vision Downtown Facilitator, was introduced to the Vision Downtown Committee. ACTION ITEMS: Update on Promotion Plan: Rusk reviewed the promotion plan with the Conunittee including the news conference and recent news articles about the process. He stated that the radio stations will run PSAs starting on June 25, 2001. He shared a letter from the Cultural Alliance stating their support for the project and willingness to distribute information to their members. Rusk informed the Committee that he has posters advertising the survey and meeting available at his office. Commtm_it¥ Meetine Plan: Harris reviewed the agenda for the community meeting. Callahan said he would deliver his instructions to the small groups, asking them to select a leader, complete the sign-in sheet, focus on their task, and write down their ideas. After a discussion, it was decided that each small group would report one new idea to the large gronp, rotating through the groups until all new ideas had been presented. After a discussion, it was determined that the facilitators will come from the groups and committee members may rotate throughout the groups. It was suggested that committee members wear carnations or something to identify them as members of the committee. After a discussion, it was determined that attendees should receive an agenda when they enter Five Flags. The agenda wilt have a number on it that will direct them to a table following the keynote speech. LoBianco reported on the status of our agreement with Robert Gibbs, the keynote speaker. It was decided that the committee should meet with the speaker on Friday night and for staff to arrange a dinner at the Holiday Inn. Minutes - Downtown Planning Committee Jtme 11, 2001 Page 2 Budget Update: Sesterherm stated that she would provide an updated budget at the next meeting, and noted that we should be looking for other grant and in-kind opportunities. LoBianco stated that Alliant may g~ve up to $2000, People's Natural Gas/Energy One $950, funding from National Main Street is ~'iffy" and the Diamond Jo Casino is a possibility m pursue. Next Steps: Sesterhenn confirmed that September 15, 2001 was the date of Community Meeting 2. After a discussion, it was decided that the committee would review a summary/outline of a draft vision document from Pat Callahan, and a draft report of the questionnaire analysis from Len Decker, at their August 13 meeting in preparation for the second community- meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended at 1:15 p.m. Respectfulli.~submitted,,~ 0~--.~ L~sa Seste enn, Assistant Planner PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission May 14, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2, City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa Committee Members: Mary Lynn Neumeister, Ruth Nash, Jim Holz, Dan LoBianco, Jim Giesen, Art Roche, Doris Hingtgen, and Dave Rusk; Staff Members: Rich Russell, David Harris, Laura Carstens, and Lisa Sestethenn. Committee Members: John Walsh and Steve Horman. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 11:50 a.m. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meefmgs Law. MI~UTES: The minutes were approved by consensus. ACTION ITEMS: Confirm Community Meetin,o Plan: Rusk confirmed that the Community Meeting will be held on July 14, 2001 from 8-12. Harris gave an overview of the agenda and stated that the administrative task force should meet before the next meeting to determine the additional details regarding the meeting facilitation and agenda. Roche and Carstens agreed to join Harris and Rusk on this task force and noted that Pat Callahan needs to be at this meeting. LoBianco stated that the keynote speaker will be Robert Gibbs. Rusk will contact the Holiday Inn to arrange for lodging for Mr. Gibbs. LoBianco will let staff know if Mr. Gibbs would like any background information before his visit. Confirm Citizen Questiorma/m: After reviewing the draft questionnaire, the committee discussed whether to add cleanliness and safety' as variables to the questionnaire. Both additions were defeated by a vote of 2-6 for cleanliness and 3-5 for safety. Confirm Promotional Plan: Rusk reviewed the promotional plan materials. After a discussion, it was determined that the tag line for the logo should be: A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY instead of: A FUTURE FOR OUR CITY CENTRE. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended at 1:30 p.m. Res~ submitted, Lisa Se~jer~etm, Assistant Planner Adopted PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission April 9, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2, City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street. Dubuque, Iowa Committee Members: Steve Horman, Ruth Nash, Jim Holz, Dan LoBianco, and Dave Rusk; Guest: Leu Decker (Loras College); Staff Members: Rich Russell, David Harris, Laura Carstens. and Lisa Sesterhenn. Committee Members: John Walsh, Mary Lynn Neumeister, Jim Giesen, Doris Hingtgen, and Art Roche. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was not officially called to order because ora lack of Committee members for a quorum. The issue of attendance was discussed. It was agreed that Doris Hingren, Art Roche. and John Walsh should be contacted to determine if their schedules will permit them to attend these meetings. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: The minutes were approved by consensus of the Committee members present. ACTION ITEMS: Representation of Historic Preservation Commission: By consensus, Jim Gibbs, Historic Preservation Commission, will join the Downtown Planning Committee starting in May. Review Draft of Survey: Rusk introduced Len Decker from the Loras College Center for Business and Social Research. Decker and Sesterhenn revie;ved the draft Citizen Survey with the Committee. It was agreed that Sesterherm would revise the survey and Decker would pre-test the survey. The committee will review the revised survey for final approval in May. Keynote Speaker and Facilitator: LoBianco reported that Pat Callahan has "penciled" in July 14, 2001 as the most likely date for the first community meeting and will be available to meet with the Committee for planning purposes before July 14. 2001. LoBianco also stated that he has been researching keynote speakers. He distributed information,on Robert Gibbs and will have additional materials available at the next core process meeting subcommittee meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended at 1:30 p.m. Respec~mitted, Lisa S este~e~, Assistant Planner PRESENT: ABSENT: MINUTES DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE Long Range Planning Advisory Commission March 12, 2001, 11:30 A.M. Conference Room #2. City Hall Annex 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa Committee Members: Mary Lynn Neumeistet, John Walsh, Ruth Nash, Dan LoBianco, Dave Rusk, and Jim Giesen; Staff Members: Rich Russell, David Harris, Lisa Sesterherm. Committee Members: Pam Jochum, Ann Michalski, Doris Hingtgen, Bob Felderman, Steve Horman, Art Roche, and Jim Hnlz; StaffMember Laura Carstens. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was not called to order because ora lack of Committee members for a quorum. The meeting was cominued for discussion purposes only beginning at 11:40 a.m. Consensus was that Committee members who have not been able to attend a meeting be noted as ad hoc committee members until their schedules are freed up to attend these meetings. It was noted that this will allow the group to conduct business according to the bylaws of the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission. By consensus, Para Jochum, Ann Michalski, and Bob Felderman will be denoted as ad hoc committee members starting with the April meeting. CERTIFICATION OF COMPL}ANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: The minutes were approved by consensus of the Committee members present. ACTION ITEMS: Meetin,* Schedule Rusk distributed a schedule of Committee meetings for the remainder of the year and noted that the meetings will be held the 2na Monday of each month at 11:30 a.m. The only exception is November when the meeting will be held the 1st Monday of the month. Status of Budeet Request Sesterhenn reported that the Planning Services budget has been approved which included the Committee's $30,000 fi.~nding request for Vision Downtown. Status Report on Core Process Committee Rusk briefed the Committee on the work of the core process group and revised milestones chart. He noted that the first community meeting will be held in July. July 14 is the preferred date for the meeting and July 28 is the back-up date. Rusk also distributed and reviewed the proposed task force structure and April, May and June meeting agendas. By consensus, the Committee adopted the milestones chart, task force struature and meeting agendas. Minutes - Downtown Plarming Committee March 12, 2001 Page 2 Privme Fundin~ Sources LoBianco reported that the Main Street Program will provide in-kind funds for Pat Callahan as the facilitator for the Vision Downtowxq process. It was agreed that LoBianco would research the contact names from the National League of Cities. American Planning Association, Center for New Urbanism, Urban Land Institute, National Civic League, and National Main Street for potential keynote speakers. He will bring a list of recommended speakers to the April meeting for action by the Committee. ITEMS FROM THE COMMITTEE: Nash updated the Committee on 7 new "Big City" cultural opportunities in Dubuque. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting ended ar 12:55 p.m. Respectfully snbmitted, Adoptbd C. Communications November 26, 2001 Vision Downtown Planning Committee Planning Department City of Dubuque 50 West 13~ Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Downtown Planning Committee and Dubuque Main Street Board of Directors: IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Dubuque is at an exciting crossroads in the development of its historic city center. If the riverfront is the community's front porch, Downtown Dubuque, with its unique and varied districts, must compliment and complete this historic mansion on the Mississippi. In our opinion, Downtown Dubuque is gaining momentum with an on-going public improvement program, new developments and enterprises including specialty retail and service businesses, as well as upper story rehabilitation for both commercial and residential uses. Considerable time and energy is being invested in the development of a comprehensive plan for downtown. This vision will serve as a catalyst for the further gro~vth and revitalization of Downtown Dubuque, The completion of the Vision Downtown document is well timed and should help assure that the momentum of planned developments is felt throughout the heart of your community. The developmeht of this vision statement also helped Dubuque Main Street attain national certification, a benchmark for outstanding downtown development. The National Main Street Center and Main Street I0wa award this certification to only those communities who have met or exceeded eleven defined criteria relevant to downtown revitalization. Dubuque Main Street Ltd. must continue to be the guardian ofdowntown's historic treasures and a champion for its future. Therefore, during our recent annual program visit, Main Street Iowa encouraged the board to work closely with the city in the fmlher refinement and development of the comprehensive plan for downtown. The board was encouraged to consider the following points: · The focus of Dubuque Main Street's goals, objectives and activities should be directly tied to the comprehensive plan. · Each Main Street board member should review the vision in relation to the objectives of the Main Street committees and determine implementation steps for the next 12 to 18 months. · The Main Street board should schedule an extended work meeting (3 to 4 hours) to revlew the vision, prioritize action statements and develop a program o£work to complete specific tasks with estimated budgetary needs. We applaud your continued efforts in protecting and revitalizing the commercial districts and neighborhoods of Downtown Dubuque. The successful implementation of this plan will serve as a model for Other communities to emulate. Sincerely, ~ ,: - ' Jar% seatofi, St~/te C06rdin/~tor ' Main Sti:eet lbwa ' ' ~ · Iowa Department of Economic Development THOMAS 1. VILSACIC GOVERNOR. SALLYJ. PEDERSON LT. GOVERNOR C.J.Niles, Director · 200 East Grand Avenue · Des Moines. Iowa 50309-1827 · 515.242.4700 · Fox: 515.242.4809 info~ided.state.imus, TTy: 1.800.735.2942 · www.$ta~e.la, us/ided IV. Previous Plans/Studies/Programs OVERVIEW OF THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT A. Historic Old Main District The Historic Old Ma in District is an area from the Jones Street Connector to 5th Street and Locust Street to Highway 151/61. The area was the original commercial distr~ct in Dubuque and contains many historical buildings. The area has a mix of uses including retail stores, small offices and housing, The Five Flags Civic Center and the Five Flags Holiday Inn are also in the Historic Old Main District, B, Cable Car Square District The Cable Car Square area is an eight block area from 1st to 5th Streets and Locust Street to the bluff. The ~)dmar7 function of the Cable Car Square area is retail to serve the tourism market and the general population. The businesses are relatively small specialty shops..There is some residential housing in this area. Raphael's Cathedral is in this area.. C. Upper Main District The Upper Main District is an area from 9th Street to 14th Street from iowa Street to the bluff. There is a mix of uses in this area, led by housing, retail and commercial business and office use. The area also houses churches, non-profit organizations and governmental institutions. There is some weakness in the retail sector of this district, with higher than average vacancy rates. There is also vacant upper stow residential space. The areas east and west of the Town Clock Plaza are primarily office and commercial businesses. There is some housing along Bluff Street. The area,includes the Courthouse and the Law Enforcement Center. D. Town Clock Plaza The Town Clock Plaza is an eight square block area from 5th to 9th Streets betweed Locust and iowa Streets. The Town Clock Plaza is a pedestrian mall constructed in the late 1960's. The primary function of the TCP is commercial office. The secondary function of the TCP are commercial and retail businesses which serve the office businesses and their em ~loyees. There are a few retail businesses which serve a clientele outside of the TCP and the downtown area E. Riverfront District The Rivedront area is located on the south end of the Fourth Street Peninsula along the Ice Harbor, The businesses are the casino and related river businesses, retail shops in the Ice Harbor Emporium and commercial businesses. 2 2. OVERVIEW OF RECENT BUSINESS ACTIVITY The information on the downtown business districts used in writing the Business Activity Overview was prepared by the staff of Dubuque Main Street Ltd. It includes the time period of 1986-1996. The overview is presented to provide information on the levels of business activi .ty in each district which can be used to determine potential trends and deYelop possible goals and strategies for future actions. A. Historic Old Main District The Historic Old Main District showed a net gain of 164 employees and construction improvements of $2,406,666 in the past ten years, Two-thirds of the employment growth was generated from hotel development .The other one-third of employmen[ growth came from the various small businesses in the district. There was a net increase of ten new businesses in ten years. The district has a strong concentration of small business which serve the retail and the service markets. The business district is relatively stable with many long time businesses. The district has experienced growth in the number of residential units. B. Cable Car Square District The Cable Car Square District experienced a net increase of twenty-eigM new businesses since 1987, with six expansions. Most of the new businesses to the district were retail establishments who capitalized on the developing retail market. There was an increase of twenty-one jobs in the district in this time period. The district has a reputaticm as a center for tourists and for specialty items for local residents. This has contributed to the retail 9 rowth and ,to a certain amount of stability among the businesses. C. Upper Main District The Upper Main District experienced growth of 113 jobs from 1986-90 with much of the increase coming from three businesses. However, this increase was negated from 1991-95 with the decrease of 124 jobs in the district. There was a net loss of 23 businesses since 1986, with 27 business losses coming since 1992. There wer~ several small businesses who located in the district in the past, but this was offset by a larger number of decreases in businesses. The Upper Main District experienced a higher level of business turnover than did the other downtown districts. The businesses in the district are not concentrated, but are s Dread throughout the area, There are a rarge number of residential units and several religious and non-profit organizations in the district. The reconstruction of the Dubuque Bank ano Trust building was a major recent investment in this area. 3 D. Town Clock Plaza District The Town Clock Plaza District experienced significant growth in total employment and construction expenditures from 1987-96. There was a net increase of 406 jobs and investment in remodeling and new construction of,$12.666 705. The maiority of the increases in employment were generated from the businesses with office workers. There was a net gain of only 6 new businesses in the period, however, there were 53 expansions by the businesses in the district. An analysis was conducted of the kinds of businesses on the Town Clock Plaza to identify the employment levels in the different business functions. The analysis was confined to the businesses located in an area from Fifth Street to Ninth Street and Locust Street to Iowa Street. Five categories were used to define the businesses including: Large Office (generally businesses with over 50 employees); Moderate/Small Office (businesses with 50 employees or less); Professional (law firms, medical offices and mental health offices); Government (City, County and State; etc.); Non-profit (agencies etc.); Retail; Food and Beverage(Restaurants). Below is a summary of the results: Business Function Number of Number of Percentage/Percentage/ Businesses Employees Businesses Emplpyees Large Office 10 1,525 8 % 65 % Moderate/Small Office 66 369 55 % 16 % Professional Office 18 188 15 % 8 % Government Office 8 143 7 % 6 % Non-Profit Office 7 50 6 % 2 % Retail 8 48 7 % 2 % Food and Beverage 3 18 2.5% .76% 120 2,341 Some interesting aspects of the summary are that the ten businesses classified as Large Office represent 65% of the employees working on the Town Clock Plaza and the total employment of all of the offices represents 97% of the employees and 90% of the businesses. Retail and Food and Beverage represent the rest. The totals do not include a current 31an to create an additional 120 office jobs on the Town Clock Plaza. The levels of each of the functions of the businesses on the Town Clock Plaza have changed in the past several years. In the early 1980's the area had several retail businesses and food and beverage businesses, which occupied the storefronts. The Town Clock Plaza has seen the addition of new Large Office businesses and growth the Large Office businesses since the early 1980's. 4 Another interesting aspect of Town Clock Plaza is the difference in the occupancy rates in the past thiAeen years. The occupancy rates in 1984 Were between fifty and sixty percent, but now stand at over ninety percent. Much of the increase in occupancy can be a~ributed to the growth of the office businesses on the Town Clock Plaza. E. Ice Harbor District The primary businesses of the Ice Harbor District are located at the Portside and in the [ce Harbor Emporium. The employment growth of 356 and the investment in the district of S8,638,705 came from the addition of the casino. 5 3. REVIEW OF DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC CIRCULATION STUDY The Downtown Traffic Circulation Study began in 1995. The purpose of the study was to identify the current needs of the downtowr area in terms of traffic, parking, streetscapes, and the Town Clock Plaza. The Urban Renewal Street System was established in the late 1960s and may not serve the current traffic needs for this area. The establishment of riverboat gambling, a new parking ramp in the downtown, the construction of the Trilog Building, and the Clarion Hotel are a few examples of developments which have had a major impact on the services and needs of the downtown area. The opening of U.S. 61 has shifted the highway traffic from the downtown area to east of the downtown. Travel patterns leading to and frorri U.S. 61 through the area have also changed. The Locust Street connector, in tying in Dodge Street (U.S. 201 with the new U.S. 61 has physically separated the Historic Old Main and the South Main districts ~'rom each other. The connector acts as a barrier between these two neighborhoods. A. Traffic Issues Signalize the intersection at Seventeenth and Whi(e Streets Traffic volume and capacity studies were performed on the streets and intersections within the study district. They revealed that there are no intersections in which the traffic signals should be removed, They did reveal, however, that the intersection of Seventeenth and White Streets warrants the installation of a traffic signal, The traffic signal was installed in December, 1997. Convert One-way Streets to Two-way Streets Traffic volume and capacity studies were conducted on the streets with one-way traffic. The studies concluded that the traffic system would benefit if the one-way traffic on Iowa. Main, Fourth and Fifth Streets was converted to two-way traffic. City staff held a public meeting with business and property owners adjacent to the above streets to receive their in,ouT on the potential conversions. Their responses were very positive to the potential changes. The conversion of the streets to two-way will be completed by June 1, 1998, B. Parking System Issues Res ~onse to Current and Future Parkinq System Needs The consultant conducted a study of' current and future parking demand, including a review of business growth trends. They concluded that the demand for parking may increase in certain areas and createthe need for additional parking in the two to five year time period. They have identified specific areas in which business growth may create the need for additional parking. The consultant also worked with City staff, the 6 Chamber of Commerce and Dubuque Main Street Limited to identify potential sites for development as parking lots or parking ramps. The basis for future parking demand is based on predicted business 9 rowth. There are five sites that are identified as having potential for future developmem. They are in different areas of the downtown. A process is being developed to collect and review downtown employment data in five years, and then make a determination if there is an increase in parking demand which necessitates the develcpment of one or more of the five sites. The City Council approved the use of the approach for the parking lot and ramp system to continue a dialogue with the local businesses on their parking needs and to look for opportunities to infill the downtown area with parking spaces to meet the needs of businesses. Based on business expansion in the Town Clock Plaza the construction of an addition to the Fifth Street Parking Ramp is proposed in the Fiscal Year 1999 Budget. This improvement would add 250 spaces to the parking system. The budget also includes funds in Fiscal Year 1999 for the construction of 24 parking spaces near Third and Main, The five year capital improvement plan includes funding for 78 parking spaces in Fiscal Year 2003 and 88 :)arking spaces beyond Fiscal Year 2003. C. Gateways and streetscapes issues The City Council approved the recommendation for addressing the gateways and streetscapes, which included building partnerships between the City and the Dubuque Main Street Ltd., the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, the property owners and businesses and the public to study the issues and develop plans for consideration by the public and the City Council. Gateways The City Council reviewed the proposals in the study for potential gateway improvements and selected the Locust/Dodge connector, the Fourth/Fifth Street and Highway 61/151 intersection and the Ninth Street and Highway 61/151 intersection as the three community gateways for improvements. City staff is working with the stakeholders in a process to develop the plans for the community gateway improvements. The funding for the improvements is in the Fiscal Year 1999 Budget. Streetscaoes City staff is beginning discussions with the Historic Old Main property owners, Dubuque Main Street Ltd. and the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce on the benefits streetscape improvements would have for th~ district. If there is a consensus for making streetscape improvements, City staff would work with the stakeholders to determine the location of the improvements the type of improvements and a plan to finance the improvements. This would be presented in the Fiscal Year 2000 budget process. 7 D. Town Clock Plaza Issues The City Council approved the recommendation of the Downtown Traffic Circulation Study for making improvements to the Town Clock Plaza. The plan includes five orimary points: Form a ~)artnership with the businesses on the north end of the Town Clock Plaza to develop a plan to open to traffic Eig nth Street from Iowa to Locust and Main Street from Eighth Street to Ninth Street. Also to determine the nature of the improvements and the methods to finance them. Leave Sixth and Seventh Streets and Main Street from Fifth Street to Eighth Street closed to traffic. Review the impact of the opening ?fthe Eighth Street and Main from Eighth Street to Ninth Street in future years and determine if it would be beneficial for the T6wn Clock Plaza to open additional streets. Consider a plan to make cosmetic improvements to the Town Clock Plaza, including replacing the light posts with more historic lighting, installing historic benches and trash receptacles, replacing the overgrown trees with new trees and replacing any overgrown landscaping and cleadng obstructions, like the kiosks, from the center of the Town Clock Plaza. Do not make any improvements to the existing pavement in the Town Clock Plaza outside of general maintenance and leave the Town Clock in its current location Meetings have been held between City staff and the property owners on the Town Clock Plaza to develop a plan for the improvements to the Town Clock Plaza and to finance any improvements. The plans will be presented to the City Council at the February 4, 1998 budget hearings. Minutes of the meetings are attached. 4. REVIEW OF PRIOR DOWNTOWN STUDIES A.- Dubuque Development Program The Dubuque Development Prog"am was prepared for the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce in 1965 by Victor Gruen and Associates. The Dubuque Development Program was a comprehensive study relating all aspects of the city's future physical development and improvement into a single coordinated program of public investment directly proportioned to the community's development potentials and resources. The Dubuque Development Program was a condensation of eleven separate technical reports, one of which was a Downtown Study..'['he Downtown Study included: an economic analysis and evaluation of downtown functions, identification of opportunities for growth, and projections of land use requirements. detailed land use and circulation analysis, physical plan and design, and scheduled development program in relation to the projections for economic base, population and land use requirements. The Dubuque Development Program outlined a downtown development program for the regional business center and its immediately adjacent and interrelated residential and industrial areas, to include: a corn 2act, business center developed along Main Street with a central pedestrian mall. a new department store site on the east side of Main Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets. immediately adjacent, off-street parking facilities along the parallel north-south streets. a concentration of offices at each end of the business center, with a new County- City Building at the entrance to downtown from U.S. 20. a renewed automotive service area adjacent to the east side of the retail core. organization of institutional, public and C uasi-public uses adjacent to the business center between Bluff and Locust Streets. rehabilitation of the Jackson Park area as a residential neighborh ood. limitation of any further business encroachment north of Eleventh Street, except for neig ~borhood business directly servicing the Jackson Park residential area. clarification of neighborhood business between the Jackson Park and Wa shington Street neighborhoods. redevelopment around the St. Raphael Cathedral as a new apartment area. eventual creation of a civic center at the southern end of the retail core between the Julien Hotel and the proposed County-City Building. 9 definition to the existing wholesale-industrial areas south and east of the business center. B. Economic Development Plan The Economic Development Plan prepared by Welton Becket/Peat Mar~vick was completed in 1984. The study was initiated by the Dubuque Area Economic Development Steering Committee, a coalition of the local Dubuque business community, government and organized labor. As a result of this plan, the Steedng Committee formed the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. The basic purpose of this study was to determine the best overall strategy for economic development in Dubuque. A five-year plan for economic development and a one-year action plan were prepared. The study recommends initiation of a master development planning process for a tourism complex at the Ice Harbor, through the following actions: 1) Designate the Ice Harbor as a special planning district with the possibility of declaring the area as a redevelopment zone/tax increment district. 2) Prepare developmen~ guidelines and stands -ds for the area. 3) Continue to monitor and coordinate with the State on the planning and construction of new highway extension. 4) Identify any parcels of land that must be acquired for development. 5) Prepare financing strategy to fund land acquisition, necessary site clearance and infrastructure. 6) Solicit proposals for a master developer of the site. C. Old Main Neighborhood Reinvestment Strategy The Old Main Reinvestment Strategy was the product of a neighborhood-based planning effort supported by Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. and the City. This strategy was adopted by the City Council as part of the amended Downtown Dubuque Urban Renewal Plan on May 2, 1994. The primary goals of the strategy are: 1) 2) 3) ~) 5) Creation of a thriving commercial and residential neighborhood, Preservation of historic Old Main, Creation of a clean attractive streetscape, Improved pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and Improved parking opportunities. To achieve these goals, twenty-four tasks were identified including a marketing plan, facade design projects, loan programs, building ~nspection program, removal of 10 overhead wires, traffic and parking study, and a streetscape plan. The Strategy included a E~rovision that three years after adoption of the Strategy there would be a review of the efforts of property owners to bring their buildings into compliance with codes. D. Old Main Place Marketing Plan The Old Main Place Marketing Plan was completed in November 1996. This plan was prepared by Real Estate Planning Group and Clarion Associates for Dubuque Main Street. Ltd. and the City of Dubuque as an element of the Old Main Neighborhood Reinvestment Strategy. The purpose of the study was to assess the potential market support and to develop a comprehensive marketing, recruitment and redevelopment strategy for the Old Main District. The plan includes demogra :)hic and economic analysis and a qualitative analysis of the downtown market. The results of focus group meetings, a telephone survey and a visitor interc~ ot survey are presented. The plan recommends b, vo priorities for the Old Main area: 1) find tenants for the two adult business uses on the street, and 2) focus business planning efforts on the intersection of 3rd and Main Street. Six objectives are outlined. These include: 1) Create activity in the Old Main area by introducing live-work lofts that will encourage small business to occupy the upper floors as residences and provide ground floor business and commercial space. 2) Develop tourism on Ice Harbor with active museums and entertainment. 3) Develop a theme for promotion of Old Main as a "Live Work" area 4) Remember the details - package the image · provide a visual closure to the cul-de-sac on Main * signage is needed to direct people to parking * provide interpretation of the historical significance of the area - create excitement through lighting, signage, and outdoor activity ' deve top uniform design of street furniture with Cable Car Square "connect Cable Car. downtown and Ice Harbor with Old Main by a trolley * beautify the bridges over the freeway - planters 5) Business recruitment program ' target new start-up businesses * recruit business services that support live-work environment: printYcopy shops, photo stores, travel agencies, computer shops, restaurants. 11 6) to recruit retail tenants: - begin "Live and Work on Old Main" promotion program - preoare leasing support materials - encourage existing retailers to help recruit Risk mitigation - the greatest risk is to do nothing ' an alternative is to associate more strongly with the Ice Harbor ' must have full commitment and participation of community to be successful H. Dubuque Comprehensive Plan Adcoted by the City Council in two phases in 1994 and 1995, the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan builds on the Vision 2000 community planning process conducted in 1991 and 1992. The Comprehensive Plan contains policies, goals and objectives for physical, economic and social aspects of the community, and a systems map that identifies development in potential growth areas. Dubuque's Comprehensive Plan consists of fourteen elements represented in three categories: Physical Environment -~ Land Use and Urban Design, Transportation Infrastructure and Environmental Quality; Economic Environment - City Fiscal and Economic Development; and Social Environment -- Health Housing, Human Services Education, Cultural Arts, Recreation, Public Safety and Diversity. The Comprehensive Plan includes a number of goals and objectives related to downtown Dubuque. Here are a few examples: Protect downtown commercial core and encourage continued reinvestment and redevelc.oment. Provide, maintain and im prove a parking system, designed to meet the needs of the patrons of downtown business and retail establishments and downtown employees. Continue to encourage and enhance downtown development by striving to meet current parking needs and providing expansion programs that are cost-effective and innovative. Supporz downtown revitalization and neighborhood business development. F. Freeway 61/151 Corridor Plan The Freeway Corridor Plan was adopted in February, 1990 by the City Council. The ,clan was developed as a land use and development guide for public and private property along the freeway corridor by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Freeway Planning Committee. The purpose octhe plan was to study the potential impacts and opportunities the new Freeway 61/151 would present the City. 12 The Freeway Corridor Plan addresses the three-mile long corridor as a whole made up of twelve soecific target areas. The plan makes recommendations which primarily affect the physical appearance and the economic redevelopment of lands adjacent to the new roadway. The majori~ of the recommendations presented in the plan require some form of public intervention, whether in terms of public policy, public funds or staff time. Six target areas of the Freeway Corridor Plan overlap the boundaries of the Downtown Circulation S[udy. These are: Flat Iron Park, Little Dublin, Historic Old Main, Ice Harbor. CentralANhite Corridors and 9th Street/11th Street interchanges. :or each area, the Freeway Corridor Plan provides background information on existing conditions: physical constraints and opportunities, development history, property ownership, current land use, and current zoning. The plan also delineates goals and recommended policylimplem~ntation steps for each target area. G. Riverfront Plan The Riverfront Plan represents a compilation of ideas generated from surveys of the general public, riverfront property owners and businesses, as well as brainstorming sessions and public meetings coordinated by the Long Range Planning Commission. Several meetings were held between the property owners and City staff on the future of the Fourth Street Peninsula. The City Council adopted the pla(] and its action agenda in March 1994. Implementation of the plan depends on both public and private sector efforts to improve the riverfront. Based on a site analysis and a market demand assessment, the goals of the Riverfront Plan are grouped into four planning components: (1) Recreation, Entertainment, Culture and Education; (2) Public Infrastructure; (3) Environmental; and (4) Economic Development. The Riverfront Plan recommends focusing redevelopment on the 4th Street Peninsula, adjacent to the downtown employment base. The plan also recommends protecting and enhancing links between the 4th Street Peninsula downtown and tile extension of Heritage Trail through the community. In February of 1993, the Fourth Street Peninsula property owners recommended to the City Council to put into place techniques for the cooperative public/private efforts for the development and revCtalization of the area. It also called for a review after the five years to determine if the cooperative efforts were successful. The City Council approved the proposal on February 15, 1993. Riverwalk and Amenities The City, Chamber of Commerce, and Convention and Visitors Bureau developed the private sector Riverfront Development Committee to conduct public information,, marketing, and fundraising. These efforts will augment the City's financial commitment to three major riverfront development projects: Heritage Trail, Mississippi Riverwalk, and Water Works Park. 13 City Staff and the consulting firm of BRW, Inc., have developed and evaluated design alternatives for the Mississippi Riverwalk and Amenities project on the Fourth Street Peninsula. In July, 1997, the City Council approved designs for: riverside walkway along the floodwali and levee; A river's edge plaza on both sides of the floodwall gate to the riverboat landing outside the Ice Harbor; A decorative plaza and public amphitheate- at the Star Brewery and urban design and streetscape elements; Designs for a harbor walkway linking the river's edge plaza and iowa Welcome Center with the south rim of the Ice Harbor are being developed by BRW, Inc., and City staffto coordinate with the River Discovery Center. City efforts on the Riverwalk project are being coordinated with the Dubuque County 14istorical Society's River Discovery Center and the Dubuque Museum of Art's FIoodwall Mural Project. H. Heritage Trail Master Plan The Heritage Trail M~ster Plan was adopted by the City Council in October 1996. The principal route will extend Heritage Trail 7.5 miles from 32nd Street from the north end of the City through neighborhoods and downtown Dubuque to the Ice Harbor, and then south to the Mines of Spain State Recreation Al'ea. The principal route is the backbone of an 18-mile Heritage Trail rivedront system, with connections to rivedront parks and attractions. The Heritage Trail will be another element in the City's tourist economy and a link between downtown and the riverfront. The Heritage Trail Riverfront System also may become the spine of a citywide bike and hike trail system with links through downtown neighborhoods and historic districts to the west and south ends of town. I, Cable Car Square Development Plan The Cable Car Square Development Plan was prepared in July of 1991 by the Dubuque Main Street Ltd. The Design Committee of the DMSL reviewed many as.oects of the Cable Car Square area and used property owner and resident input to create the plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide strategies, design guidelines and a design concept for retaining and enhancing the historic character of the Cable Car Square area. The Design Committee wrote the plan in the context of meeting several objectives, Including: (1) Preserve and enhance the historical integrity; (2) Increase the quality of the streetscape and structures; (3) Create an identity of visual consistency, festiveness and ambience; (4) Facilitate access to, and involvement with the area; (5) Increase economic viability and a~ractiveness; (6) Create public amenities. 14 The Design Committee made several recommendations to improve the appearance '~nd the viability of the Cable Car Square area. Many of the recommendations related directly to the initiatives ofthe.~!ty of Dubuque, which resulted from the Downtown Traffic Circulation Study. They inElude: (1) Increase the number of two hour parking meters; (2) Create two-way traffic on 4th Street: (3) Provide theme for surfacing sidewalks; (4) Maintain the historic style of existing structures; (5) Improve directional and informational signage; (6) Visually connect Cable Car Square, Historic Old Main District, and the Third Street Overpass with historical lights; (7) Develop a street planting plan; (8) Install benches, a clock, and ~)[antings. The plan recognizes Cable Car Square's special character and the need to create specific improvements to maintain and enhance, its vitality. J. Convention and Meeting Market Study The Dubuque Convention and Visitors Bureau contracted with Certec Inc. in 1994 to conduct a study of the potential of the convention and meeting market in Dubuque. The study resulted in the following findings: (1) There is a strong potential to increase the number room nights in Dubuque; (2) There is a tack of sufficient meeting space to compete effectively for convention business; (3) Several modifications to the Five Flags Civic Center were suggested to increase meeting space. The study concluded that, "The primary limitation [to increasing the convention market is the lack of sufficient size and quality to compete effectively against other communities that offer such a facility." The study suggested a growth strategy to increase the number of conventions in Dubuque each year. The growth strategy is to: (1) Remove the ice rink and let other facilities meet this need; (2) Expand the Five Flags Civic Center west across Fifth Street with meeting rooms for 1,500 to 2.500 delegates; (3) Use the existing Five Flags Civic Center for exhibition space; (4) Undertake community initiatives to make Dubuque more attractive to groups holding conventions and meetings by; (1) Improving the downtown; (2) Developing the riverfront; (3) Completing the highway improvements; (4) Increasing shopping opportunities for attendees; (5) Improve tourism signage. 15 5. DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGY A. Historic Overview In 1967 the City of Dubuque began redevelopment of its downtown core to revitalize the region sen/lng retail activities of the area. The plan, as contained in the Downtown Dubuque Urban Renewal Plan, was comprehensive in scope. It sought not only to provide cleared sites for construction of new commercial facilities, but also addressed needs for additional parkin9 facilities and other public works, for improvement of traffic access and for creating a new sense of identity. Much of the early momentum of the plan was lost when some major retail tenants, Rosheks and Montgomery Wards, relocated out. of the downtown area in the early lgT0's. However, the decade of the '70s was a period of rapid growth in the Dubuque economy. After a brie~ period of limited downtown development activity, there was renewed confidence that an expanding economy would support the new regional retail complex envisioned in the City's Urban Renewal Plan. The years 1976-1983 witnessed a series of attempts to capture that perceived development opportunity. Those efforts, however, stalled due to the lack of a timely commitment to construction of primary highway entrances to downtown and the inability of developers to gain commitments from department stores to occupy the project. The onset of the 198,%1983 recession caused a significant loss of local economic momentum. At the same time, major retailers were reassessing their regional development strategies. In late 1982, ~he designated retail center developer, withdrew from the project. Shortly thereafter, JC Penney, the key target department store tenant, announced its plan to occupy a vacated s~ace in the Kennedy Mall. With the lack of interest by other major retailers including Van Maur and Dillards the redevelopment plan, based solely on major retail development had to be re-examined. In May, 1983, the City arranged a round-table discussion of the downtown situation. Th is meeting was attended by key players in downtown Dubuque, including the banks, retail interests, and property owners as well as the City. Don Zuchelli of Zuchelli, Hunter Associates facilitated the discussion which ultimately reached consensus that: 1) Development of major new retail facilities in downtown Dubuque was not feasible for sometime to come, and 2) The community should refocus its downtown redevelopment efforts to a mixed- use strategy. It was agreed that it would still be possible to achieve the City's underlying purpose in the original Urban Renewal Project which was to re-establish downtown Dubuque as a center of community activity and, thereby, to generate support for the continued maintenance and redevelopment of the adjacent areas, which might otherwise suffer 16 growing obsolescence and blight. This essential goal did not have to rely exclusively on new retail investment. It could be served as well by more diverse types of development. Based on these conclusions, the City concentrated its redevelopment efforts downtown on recruitment of service and information industry employers, development of a hotel adjoining the Five Flags Center, and enhancement of the Ice Harbor area as a tourist destination. The Holiday Inn, Fifth Street Parking Ramp, Trilog, and Ice Harbor casino projects are the result of these efforts. n addition to pursuing physical development projects, the City determined that a successful downtown strategy must include a broader base of participants. This was based on the recognition that downtown development is a process which re¢ uires ongoing management and coordination of private as well as public resources and that there needs to be a strong ~)rivate sector partner. For this reason, the City sponsored a local site for a National Trust video conference on downtown'development and submitted an application for selection as a Main Street pilot ci.ty in 1984. Since that time, the City has provided annual financial suppor~ for Dubuque Main Street Ltd. B. Recent and Future Initiatives With a mixed-use strategy for downtown redevelopment and a new partner in place, the City since 1984 has undertaken a number of initiatives within the various areas which make up downtown. These areas include Town Clock Plaza, Old Main, Cable Car Square, Upper Main and Ice Harbor. Town Clock Plaza. In the Town Clock Plaza area a tax rncrement financing district is place and a building rehab loan program has been created. Future initiatives include opening 8th Street and Main Street between 8th and 9th to traffic; providing streetscape improvements throughout Town Clock Plaza; and, expansion of parking through construction of anbther level on the 5th Street Parking Ramp. The keys for success in this area include: im Droving access for employees and customers; creating a camous-like atmosphere with improved amenities; increasing parking; and, encouraging a mix of businesses, including retail and eating establishments, which will support the primary office activity within this area. Old Main. In Old Main, the City continues to work with property owners and Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. to implement the Neighborhood Reinvestment Strategy. Current programs include a building rehab loan program, building facade improvement grant program, enhanced code enforcement, and the improvement of the freeway frontage by burying overhead wires. Dubuque Main Street Ltd. Is currently developing an action plan for improving downtown, including strategies for business retention and recruitment. The property owners from the Old Main area have been the most active thus far in the process. This 17 has led to the emergence of their issues as the center of the discussions, Staff is working in partnership with Main Street and proper~y owners in this process. Future initiatives will include: gateway improvements along Locust Street and the freeway; streetscape improvements along Main Street; acquisition and disposition of the Merchant's Hotel and Cinema X buildings; development of off-street parking; and, enhancing linkages to the Ice Harbor and Cable Car areas. The keys for success for redevelopment of this area include: addressing the deteriorated condition of the Merchant's Hotel and Cinema X buildings; improving the public streetscape on Main Street: development of upper floor housing; expansion of off-street parking; and, provision of improved directional s~gnage. Cable Car Square. The Cable Car Square area. has ben.fitted from past projects including rezoning to the OC O~ce-Commercial District and funding for improvements to the Redstone Inn. Future initiatives include the installation of historic lights funded partially by property owners and through an ISTEA grant. The keys to success ~n this area are: continued collaboration with property owners; improved traffic circulation; and, improvements to directional signage and parking throug hour the area. Ui2Der Main. The Upper Main area has benefitted from the City's designation as an urban ~evitalization area; modification in parking regulations; and, funding for rehabilitation of housing. The Farmers' Market, now managed by Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. continues to be an important part of the vitality of this area and the entire downtown. Future initiatives will include: the renovation of the Iowa Inn as the Stout Place Apartments; and, work with Prescott School for possible conversion of 12th Street to school grounds. The keys to success in this area include: increasing housing opportunities; intensifying code enforcement, particularly for older under-utilized properties; and continued collaboration with neighborhood organizations and institutions. Ice Harbor. The Ice Harbor and adjoining 4th Street Peninsula Area have been the focus of significant public improvements including development of docking facilities for the casino gambling boat, improvements to 5th 6th, and Bell Street, ~nd construction of the 3rd Street overpass. Private development activities have included development of the Iowa Welcome Center and National River's Hall of Fame as well as the Diamond Jo Casino facilities. The City has su ~ported continued development of the area through establishment of a special zoning district which permits flexible use of property and by engaging properly owners in ongoing dialogue about the area. The five year timeframe in which the City Council agreed to review efforts for further development of the Fourth Street Peninsula will end in February of 1998. 18 The City, Chamber of Commerce, and Convention andViskors Bureau developed the private sector Riverfront Development Committee to conduct public information marketing, and fundra ising. These efforts will augment the City's financial commitment to three major riverfront development projects: Heritage Trail, Mississippi River~valk, and Water Works Park. City Staff and the consulting firm of BRW, Inc., have developed and evaluated design alternatives for the Mississippi Riverwalk and Amenities project on the Fourth Street Peninsula. n July, 1997, the City Council approved designs for: riverside walkway along the floodwall and levee; A river's edge plaza on both sides of the floodwall gate to the riverboat landing outside the Ice Harbor; A decorative plaza and public amphitheater at the Star Brewery and urban design and streetscape elements; Designs for a harbor walkway linking the river's edge plaza and [owa Welcome Center with the south rim of the Ice Harbor are b~ing developed by BRW, Inc., and City staff to coordinate with the River Discovery Center. City efforts on the Riverwalk project are being coordinated with the Dubuque County Historical Society's River Discovery Center and the Dubuque Museum of Art's Floodwall Mural Project. Future initiatives will include the construction of the Riverwalk and other improvements; construction of gateway improvements at 5th and White Streets; pedestrian linkage improvements between downtown and the Ice Harbor area; and, upgrading of directional signage. The keys to success in this area include: supporting and building off of the planned museum expansion; diversification of entertainment and activity; expanding public access to the River; and, development of a consistent and helpful directional signage system. C. Potential Initiatives In addition to the future initiatives described above, there are other initiatives identified 'n prior planning studies which the City Council may wish to include in the City's downtown strategy. These include: a comprehensive directional signage program, planning for the development of additional meeting space to accommodate business and convention needs, and a program to encourage development of additional housing in downtown. 19 V. Planning Process Downtown Planning - Create a shared community vision - Assess vision vs. reality - Assess vision/reality vs. existing plans - Create plan [Comprehensive Downtown Master Plan] DOWNTOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS · Create Downtown Vision · Assess Vision vs. Reality · Assess Vision/Reality vs. Existing Plans · Create Downtown Plan SEEK COUNCIL SPONSORSHIP (Link to Harris presentation on Housing Action Conference) · Create Presentation · Test wlth Ann Michalski · Test with Downtown Planning Group PRESENTATION ELEMENTS · Roots of Downtown Planning Group (who are we?) · Why we need a Downtown Comprehensive Plan · Recommended Process (see above) · Why we need council sponsorship ~ Key stakeholders ~ Experienced visioners and planners - We need city ownership/authorization to proceed - We need city resources · Recommend referring to Long Range Planning Advisory Commission (Neighborhood/area subplanning) · Possibly use Downtown Planning Group as Process Steering Commi tree VI. Visioning Process Vision Downtown Creating a shared community vision through a highly inclusive community dialogue - Citizen Questionnaire - Community Meeting I - Community Meeting II - Reactor Group Session - Validation Survey Final publication/documentation VISION DOWNTOWN MILESTONES ADOPT VISION DOWNTOWN MILESTONES MAR COMMUNITY MEETING I / CITIZEN SURVEY JUL FIRST DRAFT VISION DOWNTOWN AUG COMMUNITY MEETING II SEP SECOND DRAFT VISION DOWNTOWN OCT REACTOR GROUP SESSION OCT THIRD DRAFT VISION DOWNTOWN NOV VALIDATION SURVEY NOV (DOWNTOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING NEXT STEPS) NOV FINAL DRAFT VISION DOWNTOWN DEC PRINT VISION DOWNTOWN DEC DISTRIBUTE VISION DOWNTOWN JAN VII. Vision Downtown Rollout Process Downtown Planning Committee Rollout Promotion Plan May 28-31 Brief media executive contacts June 4 Rollont entire planning process & expectations Mailing ro key stakeholder groups list*, downtown property owners 10 a.m. news conference Council presemation June 25 Promote questionnaire & Community Meeting i News release & personal follow up/tracking, posters June 30 City Focus** plus extra inserts at City Hall and CSPL Front page teaser, intro & explanation page, questionnaire, poster July 1-13 Promote questionnaire & Community Meeting I Public service announcemen[s Editorials & imerviews July 14 Community Meeting I Key stakeholders list includes Chamber clubs and orgs, DACU Churches. c~ty boards & commissions, neighborhood associations, city council, others ** Regular mailing of residences (24,292) plus businesses (2175j, P.O. boxes (1428). downtown property owners (1000) (total 28,895) DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN IIM GIBgS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM ]OCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSK! RUTH NASH NEWS CONFERENCE Monday, June 4 10 a.m. Majestic Room Five Flags Civic Center Please attend this important news conference on the City of Dubuque Downtown Planning Process Help Plan a Future for Downtown Dubuque There have been many plans and programs toward fostering the revitalization of Downtown Dubuque over the years. More re- cently, many voices in our community have suggested that now is the time to begin anew a comprehensive effort to guide the heart of our city toward a future we can all be proud of. The explosive growth and development just beginning on our waterfront brings with it the need for thoughtful dialogue on the impacts, opportuni- ties and synergies that will doubtless arrive with it. It is our downtown, nestled below the magnificent bluffs that shape its western border, and proximate to the great river that runs just to its east, that is the true heart of our city. It best reflects our commu- nity character and heritage. It best defines the sense of place that is Dubuque. The downtown belongs to our entire community and is a key source of our community pride. The City of Dubuque has embarked on a comprehensive planning process for its downtown and all our citizens are invited and en- couraged to participate in what is expected to be a highly inclusive effort. The Downtown Planning Committee, comprised of a cross section of community leaders and planners has been assigned by the City Council and its Long Range Planning Advisory Commis- sion to lead a comprehensive downtown planning process. The overall downtown planning process is to include four essential elements: * Develop a Shared Community Vision for Downtown Dubuque * Assess that Vision relative to Today's Reality * Assess the Vision and Reality relative to Existing Plans * Create a Comprehensive Downtown Master P1an The creation of a shared community vision for our downtown is appropriately and necessarily the foundation to the entire down- town planning process. We have learned from the community-wide Vision 2000 and comprehensive planning process of the 1990's, that broad citizen engagement is a powerful engine. It is a commit- ment to an open and inviting visioning and planning process that lies at the heart of the work strategy of the Downtown Planning Committee and, in particular, its sponsoring of VISION DOWN- TOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY. VISION DOWNTOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY, is a multi-step process that will culminate in a shared com- munity vision for Downtown Dubuque. The process will include a citizen questionnaire, community meetings and a validation survey, all designed to together ensure that the product is truly a shared community vision and therefore a credible and legitimate founda- tion on which to build a comprehensive master plan for our down- town. The first opportunity to participate in VISION DOWNTOWN is to complete and return a Citizen Questionnaire to help the Downtown Planning Committee initially assess overall community sentiment regarding general attributes to be considered in the visioning and planning process. The questionnaire will be distributed through the July issue of City Focus in a convenient tear-out and mail format, no postage required. The Downtown Planning Committee asks that all citizens who receive the questionnaire complete and mail it per the instructions. For any who, for whatever reason, do not receive City Focus, copies of the questionnaire will be available at City Hall and at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library beginning July 2nd. A second opportunity to participate in VISION DOWNTOWN is to attend the initial community meeting scheduled for Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m.-noon in the Five Flags Civic Center Arena. We will hear from a nationally recognized urban planning executive who will challenge us to think openly and boldly about our downtown and then break out into discussion groups to "envision" a future for our downtown. The results of the Citizen Questionnaire and first community meet- ing will together form the first draft .of VISION DOWNTOWN. An additional community meeting; reactor group session, and valida- tion survey will later result in additional drafts and, ultimately, in a final shared community vision for our downtown, VISION DOWNTOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY. The Downtown Planning Committee asks that all our citizens watch for developments and announcements regarding additional opportunities to participate in the downtown planning effort in the local media as the process further unfolds. In the meantime, we remind all to complete and mail questionnaires and attend the com- munity meeting July 14. It's our downtown...let's all be a part of its future! David Wm. Rusk, chair Downtown Planning Committee logo I'd like to say a word about our logo. Anyone who was a~ all attentive to ~he Vision 2000 effort of the early 1990's will no doubt recognize that the Vision Downtown logo is decidedly reminiscent of the logo used in Vision 2000. This is a deliberate result of our effort to link this downtown visioning effort to the success of that earlier effort. The visioning process that we are employing is substantially similar as well. We ask that whenever possible the Vison Downtown logo be used when referencing the project in the media or elsewhere. This will greatly aid our effort in keeping the project and its importance highly visible in the community. As to the logo itself, we hope that its diamond shape con3urs thaoughts that perhaps our downtown is our next Field of Dreams, and that the sun shines brightly overhead of our downtown in its special setting between the river and our magnificent bluffs. OTHER THINGS HAPPENING TODAY 2 MAILINGS The approximately 600 property -owners in the designated downtown area will receive a mailed briefing on all this plus 2 a list of approzimately 300 key stakeholder groups aue being advised in a similar fashion and asked to in turn alert and encourage their constituents to participaue. This listing incloudes clubs and organizations, neighborhood Associations, civic and service groups and the like. In fact the whole reason that we called this news conference at this time is to ensure that all parties get the initial overview of our visioning and planning process together at the same time as a cohesive message. We wanted all these parties as well as our friends in the media advised at once. We will be asking for further help in getting the word out again as we approach the distribution of the citizen questionnaire in City Focus and as we get closer to the July 14 community meeting DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN ]tM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM IOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH NEWS RELEASE: June 4, 2001 Contact: David Wm Rusk Laura Carstens (o) 557-1914 (o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 COMPREHENSIVE DOWNTOWN PLANNING PROCESS TO BEGIN WITH COMMUNITY VISIONING The Downtown Planning Committee for the City of Dubuque is today announcing that the downtown comprehensive planning process wig begin this summer with a Series of steps develop a shared community vision for the future of Downtown Dubuque. VISION DOWNTOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY, will engage the broader community in the downtown planning effort through a citizen questionnaire, commu- nity meetings~ and a validation survey. Background and further detail are contained in the attachment. "Help Plan a Future for Downtown Dubuque." The Downtown Planning Committee asks that local and area media join us as community parmers in publicizing this critical planning effort and fostering participation, including an inifiai program of urging citizens to complete and return the questionnaire and attend the first community meeting on July 14. DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS IIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM'HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM ]OCH UM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH SPECIAL MEMO TO KEY STAKEHOLDER GROUPS June 4, 2001 Contact: DavidWm. Rusk Laura Carsrens (o) 557-1914 (o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 COMPREHENSIVE DOWNTOWN PLANNING PROCESS TO BEGIN WITH COMMUNITY VISIONING The Downtown Planning Committee for the City of Dubuque is today announcing that the downtown comprehensive planning process will begin this summer with a series of steps to develop a shared community vision for the future of Downtown Dubuque. VISION DOWNTOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY. will engage the broader community in the downtown planning effort through a citizen questionnaire, commu- nity meetings, and a validation survey. Background and further detail are contained in the attachment, "Help Plan a Future for Downtown Dubuque." As the current leader of your group, please advise your constituents of this information via newsletter or other means and encourage their participation in the planning process. In particular, please urge them to complete and return the questionnaire and attend the first commumty meeting on July 14. DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS jIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN ]IM HOL2 STEVE HORMAN ?AM ]OCH UM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELl. LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH SPECIAL MEMO TO DOWNTOWN PROPERTY OWNERS: June 4.2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Laura Carstens (o) 557-1914 (o~ 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 COMPREHENSIVE DO'WNTOWN PLANNING PROCESS TO BEGIN WITH COMMUNITY VISIONING The Downtown Planning Committee for the City of Dubuque is today announcing that the downtown comprehensive planning process will begin this summer with a series of steps to develop a shared community vision for the future of Downtown Dubuque. VTSION DOWNTOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY, will engage the broader communky in the downtown planning effort through a Citizen Questionnaire, com- munity meetings, and a validation survey. Background and further detail are contained in the attachment, "Help Plan a Furore for Downtown Dubuque." DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBb JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTG~N JiM, HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM JOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MAltY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH NEWS RELEASE: June 25. 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Laura Carstens (oD 557-1914 (o~, 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 VISION DOWNTOWTq, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY CITIZENS OF DUBUQUE URGED TO COMPLETE THEIR QUESTIONNAIRES AND ATTEND JULY 14 COMMUNITY MEETING The Downtown Planning Committee of the City of Dubuque is urging citizens to complete and return the questionnakes to be distributed in the July issue of City Focus. Additional copies of the questionnaire are ava/labte at City HaLl and the Carnegie-Stout PubLic Library. Citizens are also encouraged to attend the July 14 community meeting at Five Flags Civic Center Arena. 8 a.m.-noon, during which they will have the oppormmty to exchange views on the future of our downtown. According to Dave Rusk. Chdir of the Downtown Planrdng Committee. "VISION DOWN- TOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY is intended to be a highly participa- tive and inclusive process and we hope citizens will take full advantage of these opportunities m offer input to the future of our downtown.-" Note attachment: "Help Plan a Future far Downtown Dubuque" DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN VISION DOWNTOWN PSA - 30 sec. Hello, I'm Dave Rusk, Chair of the Downtown Planning Commit- tee for the City of Dubuque, urging you to participate in VISION DOWNTOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY. Please complete and return the Citizen Questionnaire distributed in the July issue of City Focus per the instructions. Also, please plan to attend a community meeting to exchange views on the future of our downtown on Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m.-noon at the Five Flags Civic Center Arena. It's your downtown...be a part of its future! It's YOUR DOWNTOWN be a part of its future Help plan the future of DOWNTOWN DUBUQUE FILL OUT YOUR CITIZEN QUESTIONNAIRE Available in July issue of City Focus or at City Hall or the Carnegie Stout Public Library ATTEND THE COMMUNITY MEETING 8 a.m.-noon, Saturda)/, July 14. Five Flags Civic Center Arena DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR lAURA CARSTENS BOB FELD~:RMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESFN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN j~M HOLZ ST!eVE HORMAN PAM JOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMI!ISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL [.ISA SESTERHENN ]OHN WALSH NEWS RELEASE: July 10, 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Laura Carstens (o) 557-1914 (o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 VISION DOWNTOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY CITIZENS OF DUBUQUE URGED TO COMPLETE THEIR QUESTIONNAIRES AND ATTEND JULY 14 COMMUNITY MEETING The Downtown Planning Committee of the City. of Dubuque is urgmg citizens to complete and return the questionnaires distributed in the July issue of City Focu& Additional copies of the questionnaire are available at City Hall and the Carnegie-Stout Public Library. Citizens are also encouraged to attend the July 14 community meeting at Five Flags Civic Center Arena, 8 a.m,-noon, during which they will have the opportunity to exchange views on the future of our downtown. According to Dave Rusk. Chair of the Downtown Planning Committee, "VISION DOWN- TOWN, A ~E FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY is intended to be a highly participa- tive and inclusive process and we hope citizens will take full advantage of these opportunities to offer inpm to the futura of our downtown." DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JiM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM _LOCH UM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSK[ RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH NEWS RELEASE: July 16, 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Laura Carstens (o) 557-1914 ~o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE URGES CITIZENS TO RETURN QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 23 The Downtown Planning Committee of the Cit3 of Dubuque is urging citizens to complete and return by July 23 the questionnaires distributed in the July issue of City Focus. Additional copies of the questionnaire are available at City Hall and the Carnegie-Stout Public Library. According to Dave Rusk, Chair of the Downtown Planning Committee, "VISION DOWN- TOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY is intended to be a highly participa- tiv~ and inclusive process." Rusk added that. "Over 1000 questionnaires have been returned already and over 100 people participated in a community meeting on Saturday." Rusk reminds citizens that retm'ning their questionnaires by July 23 will ensure that the/r VoLces are included in the first draft of Vision Downtown. VIII. Questionnaire Materials It's YOUR DOWNTOW'N be a part of its future Help plan the future of DOWNTOWN DUBUQUE FILL OUT YOUR CITIZEN QUESTIONNAIRE ATTEND THE COMMUNITY MEETING 8 a.m. - noon, Saturday, July 14, Five Flags Civic Center Arena elp Plan OWi'I t OWI'I by David Wm. Rusk Future Dubuque ['here have been many plans and programs toward fostering the · evitalization of Downtown Dubuque over the years. More recently, nany voices in our ¢ommumty have suggested that now is the time o begin ane~ a comprehensive effort to guide the heart of our city oward a future we can all be proud of. The explosive growth and tevelopmem just beginning on our waterfront brings with it the need 'or thoughtful dialogue on the impacts, opportunities and synergies hat will doubtless arrive with it. t is our downtown, nestled below the magnificent bluffs that shape ts western border, and pro,hate to the great fiver that runs just to ts east, that is the uae heart of our city. It best reflects our :ommunity character and heritage. It best defines the sense of place hat is Dubuque. The downtown belongs to our entire community tnd is a key snnrce of our commnnity pride. [~he City of Dubuque has embarked on a comprehensive planning ~rocess for its downtown and all our citizens are invited and mcouraged to participate m what is expected to be a highly inclusive :ffort. The Downtown Pla~3ning Committee, comprised of a cross ,ection of community leaders and planners, has been assigned by the .~ity Council and its Long Range Planning Advisory Commission to cad a comprehensive downtown planning process. ['he overall downtown planning process is to include four essentiaJ · Develop a Shared Community Vision for Downtown Dubuque · Assess that Vision relative to Today's Reality · Assess the Vision and Reality relative m Existing Plans . Create a Comprehensive Downtown Master Plan Re creation of a shared community vision for our downtown is tpproprlately and necessarily the foundation to the entire downtown ~lanning process. We have learned from the community-wide Vision ~000 and comprehensive planning process,of the 1990's. that broad :itizen engagement is a powerfuI engine, It is a commitment to an ~pen and inviting visioning and planning process that lies at the heart the work strategy of the Dowmown Plarming Committee and. in ~articular. its sponsoring of Vision Downtown, A Fature for the 7eart of our City. Vision Downtown, A Futnre for the Heart of our City, is a multi-stop process that will culminate in a shared community vis~on for Downtown Dubuque. The process will include a citizen questionnaire, communky meetings and a validation survey, ali designed m mgether ensure that the product is truly a shared community vision and therefore a credible and legitimate foundation on which to build a comprehensive master plan for our downtown. The firsl opportunity [o pardmpate in Vision Downtown is m complete and return a cfuzen questionnaire ro help the Downtown Planning Committee initially assess overall community semimem~, regarding general attributes to be considered in the visioning ant planning process. The quesnonnaire comes to you in this issue of City Focus in a convenient mar-out and mail format, no postage required, Please complete and mail the questionnaire per the instructions. A second opportunity to partimpate in Vision Downtown is to attend the initial community meeting scheduled for Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m.-noon in the Five Flags Civic Center Arena. We will hear from a nationally recognized urban planning executive who will challenge us to think openly and boldly about our downtown and then break out into discussion groups to "envision" a future for our downtown. The results of the citizen questionnaire and first community meeting will together form the first draft of Vision Downtmvn. An additional community meeting, reactor group session, and validation survey will later resuk in additional drafts and, tiltimately, in a final shared community vision for our downtown, Vision Downtown, A Furore for the Heart of our City. Watch for developments and announcements regarding additional opportunities to participate in the downtown planning effort in thF local media as the process further unfolds. In the meantime, complete and mail your questionnaire aud attend the commun/ty meeting July 14. It's your downtown...be a part of its future[ Vision Downtown: A Future for the Heart of our City Please complete the following questions m helg the Downtown Planning Committee learr_ about your opinions concerning downtowz Dubuque. Your responses will remain totally anonymous. Please feel free to duplicate this form, however, only one questionnaire shunk be completed per person. For planning purposes, the Committee has defined "downtown" Dubuque as skown on the other side of the questionnaire. Please mail the questionnaire back by July 23, 2001. The postage is prepaid. If you were plarm/ng an ideal downtown for Dubuque, how tmporrant is each of the following ro your vision? Circle the number tha~ represents your opinion of the importance of each. Very Important Somewhat Not Imporrunt lmportan~ Imporram Low to moderate housing 4 3 2 1 Upscale housing 4 3 2 1 Mixed housing (low, moderate, upscale) 4 3 2 I Unique shoppmg, restaurants, entertainment, tourism amenities ~ 3 2 1 General retail businesses a 3 2 1 Corporate offices '~ 3 2 1 Professional and service types of business 4 3 2 1 Increased employment opportunities 4 3 2 Cultural arts and recreational opl~orthnities 4 3 2 1 Educational opportunities a 3 2 1 Public open areas and green spaces a 3 2 1 Maintain historic character ~ 3 2 I Mass transit accessibility ~ 3 2 1 Pedestrian/bike accessibility ~ 3 2 I Parking 4 3 2 I Of the following 15 features of downtown, rar~k the top five that are most desirable to your ideal vision, desirable feature you would like to see, and up to a "5" as the fifth most desirable feature. General retail busmesses . Maintain historic character Upscaie housing Pedestrian/bike accessibility Professiomal and service types of businesses Mass transit accessibility Low to moderate housing Parking Use a "I' to indicate the most Cultural arts and recreational opporamities EducafionaJ opportunities Public open areas and green spaces Mixed housing (iow. moderate, upscale) Corporate offices Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, tourism amenities Increased employment opportunities Please use this space for any comments you would like to share regarding your vision.for downtown Dubuque answer the following demographic quesnons so we know we are getting opinions from a wide variety of people in the Dubuque unity. is your age? [] 18 or under [] 19-34 [] 35-59 : check one of the following: [] Male [] Female many times do you visit the downtown area in an average month? E Five times a week or more [] Once a week E 2-3 rimes per month ~ of the following statements apply to you (check all that apply)? live th the downtown area own property in the downtown area work in the downtown area [] 60 or older [] Once a month or less E I operate a business located in the downtown area [] These statements do not apply tc me. I""~ Please fold along the dashed lines and tape shut. ...... .~AmE~ ~ ~ UNITED STATES BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 1115 DUBUQUE. IA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE CITY HALL PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT 50 WEST 13TH STREET DUBUQUE IA 52001-9928 Vision DowntOwn: A Future for the Heart of Our City Produced by The Center for Business and Social Research at Loras College Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0175 by Thomas Pusateri, Ph.D. CBSR Senior Research Associate Professor of Psychology and Len Decker, Ph.D. CBSR Director August 2001 VISION DOWNTOWN PAGE 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary Introduction 3 Data Gathering Procedures 3 Character/stics of the Sample 3 Age and Sex 3 Figure lA: Age of Respondents Compared to Census 4 Fiffare lB; Sex of Respondents Compared ro Cen._~'us 4 Frequency of Visits and Connections to Downtown Area 5 Figure 2: Frequency of Visiting Down~own 6 Figure 3: Connections to Downwwn 7 Ratings of Importance for Each Downtown Feature 8 Figure 4: Ratings oJ~Importance for each Downtown Feal'are 9 Ratings of Top Five Most Desirable Traits 10 Figure 5: Rankings of Top Five Desirable Downtown Feattires 1 Differences in Response Patterns t2 Differences based on age 12 Differences based on sex 13 Table 1: Differences in Response Patterns Based on Demographic Characleristics 14 Differences based on connections to downtown 15 Table 2: Differences in Response Patterns t~ased on Connections to Downtown 16 Table 3: Differences in Responses of Owners/Opera~ors, ResidertIs, and Employees 17 Transcription of Open-ended Responses Appendix A VISION DOWNTOWN PAGE 2 VISION DOWNTOWN: A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The following summary statements are based upon the responses of 1411 Dubuque dtizens who cotopteted a questionnaire contained in the July issue of "City Focus": Those who responded to the survey were disproportionately 35 years of age or older and more often female than male compared to the age and sex composition of the City of Dubuque as indicated by 2000 U.S. Census data. 2. Approximately one-third of respondents indicated that they visit downtown Dubuque five or more times a week/md about a quarter indicated that they visit once a month or less. Approximately one-third [453 of 1338) of those who responded ro questions concerning their connections to the downtown area indicated having one or toore connections. Among these 453 respondents, 71% work downtown, 31% live downtown, 21% own property downtown, and 20% operate a business downtown. Six downtown features received ratings of 'very important or 'important" from at least 75% of the respondents: Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, tourism amenities; Maintain historic character; Increased employment opportunities; Cultural arts and recreational opportunities; Public open areas and green spaces; and Parking. Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and tourism amenities and Maintain historic character were the two downtown features that received the most ratings of ~very important" as wel/as the most ranldngs in the top five most desirable traits for downtown Dubuque. Five additional features of downtown Dubuque were ranked among the top five desirable traits by ar least one-third of respondents: Cultural arts and recreational opportunities, Public open areas and green spaces, Genera/rets/l, Parking, and increased employment opportanities. Respondents aged 60 or older rated General retail businesses, Mass t~ansit accessibility, Corporate offices, and Low to moderate housing as more important to their vision of downtown Dubuque than those under the age of 60. Those younger than 60 rated Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and tourism amenities, Cultural arts and recreational opportunit/es, Public open areas and green spaces, and Pedestr/an/bike accessibility as more important than those aged 60 or more. Respondents 35-59 years of age gave mbre importance to Maintaining historic character than those younger and alder than them. Females, more often than males, rated the following as more imparrant m their vision of downtown Dubuque: Maintain kistoric character, Parking, General retail, Mass transit accessibil/ty, Increased educational opportunities, and Low to moderate housing. Those who visit downtown Dubuque more than once a week, compared to those who visit less than once a week, rated the following as more knparrant to their vision of downtown Dubuque: Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and tourism amen/ties; Cultural arts and recreational opportunities, Pedestrian/b/kc accesalbil/ty, and Mixed housing. I0. Those who live, own property, work, or operate a business downtown rated Upscale housing as more important to their vision of downtown Dubuque and ranked Professional and service types of businesses in their top 5 choices more frequently than those who do not have these connections. Owners/operators of downtown businesses and downtown employees rated Corporate offices as "very important' more often than residents of downtown Dubuque. Owners/operators of downtown businesses also gave lower ratings and rankings than downtown employees and residents to Low to moderate housing while downtown residents gave more extreme ratings to this item compared to downtown employees. VISION' DOWNTOWN PAGE 3 VISION DOWNTOWN: A FUTURE FOP, THE HEART OF OUR CITY INTRODUCTION This report represents the 'citizen questionnaire' phase of a multi-stage process for developing a shared community vision for Downtown Dubuque. The Dubuque City Council and its Long Range Planning Advisory Commission assigned the Downtown Planning Committee, comprised of a cross section of community leaders and planners, the task of leading a comprehensive downtown planning process. Previous and future community meetings, as well as a validation survey of Dubuque citizens, will be combined with the results of this citizen survey m create the foundation for building a shared, comprehensive master plan for downtown Dubuque. DATA-GATHERING PROCESS The data for this report was gathered by means of a self-administered questionnaire that appeared as an insert in the duly 2001 issue of"City Focus,' the quarterly newsletter of the City of Dubuque. This newsletter containing the survey instrument was sent ro an estimated 28,000 households, downtown businesses, and post office boxes in the City of Dubuque. Surveys were returned from 1411 addresses, representing a response rate of 5%. The instrument used in this survey was constructed from the input provided by members of the City of Dubuque Planning Services Department as well as representatives of various segments of the Dubuque community who are also members of the Downtown Planning Committee. Six major categories were included in the questionnaire: 11 housing, 2) commerce, 3) culture and education, 4} public open areas, 5) historical features and 6) transportation. Respondents provided opinions on fifteen items representing specific examples of each of these features of downtown Dubuque. They were first asked to indicate the level of importance they attach to each of the fifteen items and, secondly, they ranked the top five items they considered most desirable to their ideal vision of downtown Dubuque. Respondents also provided data on three demographic characteristics: age, sex, and the frequency with which they visit downtown Dubuque. The final section of the questionnaire asked respondents to indicate the types of connections they have with downtown Dubuque: do they live downtown, own property downtown, work downtown, operate a business downtown, or none of the above. Respondents were also invited to share comments regarding their vision for downtown Dubuque in an open-ended item at the end of the questionnaire. These responses are provided in Appendix A of this report. CHA_RACTERISTICI$ OF THE SA-M.PLE Age and sex. A total of 1411 respondents completed and returned the survey. When compared to the population of the City of Dubuque based on the 2000 U.S. Census, the sample of 1411 respondents contains disproportionately [87% v. the 61% expected from the U.S. Census data) more citizens whose age is 35 years or older and 16% fewer citizens between the ages of 18 and 34 (see Figure lA). The sample also contains 5% more females and 5% fewer males than expected from the U.S. Census data (see Fignlre lB). One possible explanation for these disparities is the manner in which surveys were distributed. Each survey was mailed to a household. The person who completed and returned the survey was more likely ro be an alder member of the household and a female. Caution should be taken when interpreting the following data because the opinions of younger adults {age 18-35) and males are underrepresented in the data. A later section of rims report will discuss differences in the opinions of respondents based on age and sex, which w/Il help provide a more accurate interpretation of the results. FIGURE IA: AGE OF RESPONDENTS (INNER RING) versus DUBUQUE 2000 CENSUS DATA (OUTER RING) The sample overrepresents the opinions of Dubuque citizens aged 35 and older. This may be due to.the way surveys were distributed by mail to households, Only one member of a household responded; this person tended to be an older member of the household. FIGURE lB: SEX OF RESPONDENTS (INNER RING) versus DUBUQUE 2000 CENSUS DATA [OUTER RING) The sample also overrepresents the opinions of females. VISION DOWNTOWN PAGE 5 Frequency of visits and connections to the duw~tOwn area. When asked how many times they visited downtown Dubuque in an average month, approximately one-third of the respondents indicated that they visit five times a week or more/md about one- qua~er indicated they visit once a month or less [see Fi~tre 2). Similarly, when asked the types of connections (live, own proper~y, work, operate a business] they have to the dov~o~a area, approximately one-third {453 of 1338) who responded to the question indicated one or more connections {see Figure 3). Of these 453 people connected to the downtown area, 7 t% work downtown, 31% live downtown, 21% own property downtown, and 20% operate a business downtown. There are no census-type data with which to determine how well the patterns of reslvonses to these questions represent the cilizens of Dubuque. Nevertheless, there appear to be sufficient numbers of respondents who have multiple contacts as well as no contact with the downtown area with which to make meaningful comparisons. FIGURE 2: FREQUENCY OF VISITING DOWNTOWN 500- 450- 400- 350- 250- 200- 150- 100- 50- How many visits downtown? I [] 5 [] Once/week [] 2-3/month [] 1/month less [] No or more or response FIGURE 3: CONNECTIONS TO DOWNTOWN 900- 600- 500- 400 - 300 [] I live downtown []1 own property downtown [] I work downtown [] I operate a business downtown [] These dO nOt apply to me Percentages are are based on the t338 respondents who provided a response. Some provided more than one response, so the percentages add up to more than 100% of the total, VISION DOWNTOWN PAGE RATING~ OF IMPORTANCE FOR EACH DOWNTOWN FEATI/RE Figure 4 displays the respondents' ratings of the importance of all fifteen features to the/r vision of the ideal downtown on a four-point scale (very important, important, somewhat important, not important). Some citizens provided no response m some of the features. In Figure 4, the features are organized with the item receiving the most ratings of "very important~ at the top mud the feature receiving the fewest ratings of 'very important" at the bottom. Six features received ratings of "very important" or "important" from at least 75% of the respondents: Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, tourism amenities Ma/ntain historic character Increased employment opporVanities Cultural arts and recreational opportunities Public open areas and green spaces Parking The first two items, "Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, tourism amenities" and "Maintain historic character" were rated as "very important" by approximately two- thirds of the respondents, while the other four items listed above were rated as "very important" by about half of the sample. Two items, both related to downtown housing, received ratings of "very important" or ~important' from fewer than 50% of the respondents: Upscale housing Low to moderate housing The other feature related to housing, "Mixed housing (low, mdderate, upscale) was rated as "very important" or "important' by slightly more than 50% of the respondents. FIGURE 4: RATINGS OF IMPORTANCE FOR EACH DOWNTOWN FEATURE I [] Very Im_p_o_rtant [] Important [] Somewhat Im_portant [] Not Important [] No response Unique Historic characl Increased em Cultural Public open Parkin Mass Ped~ Educational oPl Mixed housin Corporate Low to moderate housin Upscale housin( 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percentage of 1411 responses 0 © VISION DOWNTOWN PAGE 10 RANKINGS OF THE TOP FIVE MOST DESIRABLE FEATLrRES Figure 5 indicates how frequently respondents ranked each imm among the top five most desirable features. The two items most frequently ranked among the top five features were the same items that received the most ratings of"very important": Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment~ tourism axnenities Maintain historic character Each of these items was also ranked # 1 by approximately 25% of the respondents. No other item received more than 10% of the rank/ngs as the #I item. Respondents to this survey appear to view these two items as most essential to the future vision of downtown Dubuque. Five other items were ranked among the top five features by at least one-third of the respondents, four of which had also received high ratings of importance: Cultural arts and recreational Opportunities Public open areas and green spaces General retail Parking Increased employment opportunities The same two items that were rated as least important were also the items r~nked among the top five features by fewer than 10% of respondents: Upscale housing Low to moderate housing FIGURE 5: RANKINGS OF TOP 5 DESIRABLE DOWNTOWN FEATURES I []Ranked I []Ranked 2 []Ranked 3 []Ranked 4 []Ranked 5 []Unranked I Unique Historic character- Cultural arts- Public open areas- General retail- Parking Increased em Mixed PedE Professional/service- Mass transit Corporate offices- Educational opportunities- Upscale housing- Low to moderate housing o% NOTES: "Unique shopping" was the most frequently ranked feature. "Historic character" received the most #1 rankings and was the second most frequently ranked feature. "Cultural arts" and "Public open areas" were next in the rankings. "Upscale housing" and "Low to moderate housing" were the least frequently ranked features, although "Mixed housing" received overall rankings than some other features. 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Percentage of 1411 respondents 100% VISION DOVJ'NTOWN PAGE 12 DIFFEiT,_ENCES IN RESPONSE PATTERNS Table 1 identifies differences in response patterns based on respondents' ages and sexes. These differences were identified via the chi-square statistic. This statistic compares patterns of responses from different groups (e.g., age groups) and indicates how likely the different patterns are simply due to chance fluctuations. Differences with a low probability of being sunply due to chance fluctuations are indicative of probable differences in the response patterns provided by those groups. Because the chi-square statistic is more likely to indicate non-chance differences with larger samples, the CBSR chose a conservative level of probability (p<0.005) for reporting differences between the groups in this analysis. Differences based on age. Several age-related differences emerged [see Table l), pr/madly when comparing Dubuque citizens aged 60 and older to those respondents under 60 years of age: When compared to younger respondents, those respondents aged 60 and older rated the following features as more important to their vision of downtown: General retail businesses Mass transit accessibility Corporate offices Low to moderate housing They ranked the following feature more frequently in the top five features: Low to moderate housing They rated the following features as less important to their vision: Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, tourism a~nenities Cultural a~s and recreational opportunities Public open areas and green spaces Pedestrian/bike accessibility They ranked the following feature less frequently in the top five features: Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, tourism amenities They also: Visit the downtown area on a less frequent basis Have fewer connections (e.g., live, work, own property, etc.) to downtown For example, whereas 75% of those under 60 rated "Unique shopping..." as "very important", only abou~ 60% of those 60 and older rated this feature as "very important". [n contrast, approximately 43% of those 60 and older rated "General retail" as "very important" compared to approxnnately 37% of those under 60 years of age. Respondents between the ages of 35 and 59 gave more importance to "Maintain historic character" than the other two age groups; 72% rated this feature as "very important" compared to 67% of respondents under the age of 35 and 60% of the respondents aged 60 or older. In addition, they ranked this feature more frequently among the top five features than the other age groups. The 35-59 age group was also more likely to operate a business downtown than the other groups, whereas the under 35 group was more likely to live downtown. Except for these differences, the patterns of responses provided by respondents under the age of 35 did not differ substantially from those respondents in the 35-59 age group. However, the sample of respondents contains fewer individuals under the age of 35 than expected from the U.S. Census data, so it is difficult to know whether these two age groups actually share a similar vision for downtown Dubuque or whether this shared vision is restricted to those who took the time to complete and mail back a survey. VISION DOWNTOWN PAGE 13 Differences based on sex. There were severe d~fferences in the response patterns of males a~d females (see Table t): When compared to males, female respondents rated the following features as more important to their vision of downtown: Maintain historic character Parking General retail Mass transit accessibility Increased ed~lcational opportunities Low to moderate hous'mg Females rated the following features as less important to their vision: Corporate offices Females also: Visit the downtown area on a less frequen~ basis Are less likely ~o own property or operate a business downtown TABLE 1: DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE PATTERNS BASED ON DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS (Statistically significant differences are reported and are based on the chi-square statistic, p<0.005) DOWNTOWN FEATURES (Organized in AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES SEX*RELATED DIFFERENCES declining order by Importance ratings) Under 35 35 to 59 60 or older Male Female Unique shopping, restaurants, ... Rated+ Ranked+ Rated+ Ranked+ Rated- Maintain historic character Rated+ Ranked+ Rated+ Increased employment opportunities Cultural arts & recreationan Rated+ Rated+ Rated- Public open areas & green spaces Rated+ Rated+ Rated- Parking Rated+ General retail Rated+ Rated+ Mass transit accessibility Rated+ Rated+ Pedestrlan/blke accessibility Rated+ ~ Rated+ Rated- Professional & service businesses Educational opportunities Rated+ Mixed housing (Iow, mod., upscale) Corporate offices Rated+ Ranked+ Rated+ Rated- Low to moderate housing Rated+ Rated+ Upscale housing Frequency of visits to downtown Visits less Visits more I live downtown Yes more often No more often I own property downtown Yes more often I work downtown No more often I operate a business downtown Yes more often Yes more often These do not apply to me Yes more often Yes more often NOTES: Rated+ = This group gave this ~eature higher ratings of importance than the other group(s). Rated- = Lower ratings. Ranked+ This group ranked this feature more frequently than the other group(s). Ranked- = Less fr,equent rankings VISION DOWNTOWN PAGE 15 Differences based on connections to downtown. Table 2 compares respondents who are more frequent visitors or have connections to downtown Dubuque to those who visit less frequently or have fewer connections: When compared to respondents who visit downtown Dubuque less than once a week, respondents who visit downtown Dubuque once a week or more rated the following features as more important to their vision of downtown: Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, tourism amenities Cultural arts and recreational opportunities Pedestrian/bike accessibil/ty MLxed housing (low, moderate, upscale) They also: Are more likely to work downtown Respondents who visit Dubuque less frequently than once a week rated the following features as mote important to their vision of downtown: Parking They gave more extreme ratings {both more "very important" ratings and more "not important" ratings" to: General retail They also: Have fewer connections (e.g., live, work, own property, etc.) to downtown Whereas the more frequent visitors were more likely to rate "Unique shopping..." as "very important", the less frequent v/sitors were more likely to rank this feature among the top five most desirable features for the downtown area. When compared to respondents who did not indicate a connection to the downtown area, those respondents who live, own property, work, or operate a business downtown rated the following feature as more important to their vision of downtown: Upscale housing They rated the fo]lowing feature as less important: Parking They gave more extreme ratings {both more "very important" ratings and more "not important" ratings" to: Mass transit accessibility They were also more likely to rank the following feature among the top five: Professional and service types of businesses Based on the responses to the question about connections downtown, respondents who indicated as least one connection were divided into three categories (see Table 3}. First, respondents who indicated that they own property and/or operate a business downtown were classflied as "Owners/Operators". Second, those who indicated that they live downtown but who did not own property or operate a business were classified as "Residents". The flus/group of 'Employees" comprised respondents who indicated that they work downtown but who did not indicate that they own property, operate a business, or live downtown. The analysis of differences in the response patterns of owners/operators, residents, and employe~s indicated differences on only two features. {1) Owners/Operators and Employees rated "Corporate Offices" as "very important" more often than Residents of the downtown area. (2) Owners/Operators gave lower ratings and rankings to "Low to moderate housing" and Residents gave more extreme (both more "very/mportant' and more "not important") ratings to this item when compared to Employees. TABLE 2: DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE PATTERNS BASED ON CONNECTIONS TO DOWNTOWN (Statistically significant differences are reoorted ~nd are based on the chi-square statistic, p<O.O05) DOWNTOWN FEATURES (Organized in ; i ' FREQUENC;Y~:OF~ISITS'~3==~ ~ ~---- ~ a~a~'~ := ~'r~ ~:~ CONNECTIONS TO DOWNTOWN declining order by importance ratings) ~t least i~,~;~:i'I: be~freq'uently?' Own/Live/Work Does not apply Unique shopping, restaurants .... 'i'; ';: Rated-~",;:' ' :;; ..........................................................Maintain historic characte, ;;~;;-:.~--"~;"'~¢~:~" '~'"'"'- · ,,-~ ......:~ ~'''" ~* ...... .... -' :-'~'-:- ... ....... '. Increased employment oppo~unities · ,' ..... ;,, '~ ' * ' Cultural ads & recreationan . Parking -- :" ..-. ': ~ -. Rated+'--'.' Rated- Rated+ General retail :,,.,' · '; ;,3'. ' Rated +and'- ' Mass transit accessibili~ -,'~,'¢,-: ";"' '~:; ;?," . · , Rated + and - .............................................................Pedestrian/bike accessibility ,: :;7~;~';~;7:;:;~;~;' '""-'"'"'"-'"'"'-". ~,, , . , , ....................................................... Professional & se~ice businesses ': - - '.:::' . :/:: Ranked + Educational oppo~unities '=7=~=-'-.-';'?"?' Mixed housing (Iow, mod., upscale', .. Corporate offices ,: · Low to moderate housingI -; ...................................................................................Upscalehousing ,.:: ,'"'~'~ ,:',. ' ;'~, : · , ," "'"~;~;~'; ................................ NOTES; Rated+ = This group gave this feature higher ratings of impo~ance than the other group, Rated- = Lower ratings., RaCed + and - ~ This group gave more ~xtrema (both higher and lower) ratings of )mpo~ance than the othe~ group. Ranked+ = This group ranked this feature more frequently than the other group, 0 0 TABLE 3: DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSES OF OWNERS/OPERATORS, RESIDENTS & EMPLOYEES (Statistically significant differences are reported and are based on the chi-square statistic, p<0.005) DOWNTOWN FEATURES (Organized in ' CONNECTION TO DOWNTOWN DUBUQUE How respondents were classified as Owner/Operator, Resident, or Employee declining order by importance ratings) Owner/Operator · Resident Employee Own Operate Live Work # .... proper{ybusiness Unique shopping, restaurants,.., Owner/ Yes Yes Yes 'Yes 15 ...................................................................................................... ;..~.~ ........................... Operator Maintain historic character · Owner/ Yes Yes Yes 2 ..................................................................................................................... : .................. Operator Owner/ Increased employment opportunities ' Yes Yes Yes 26 Operator Owner/ Cultural arts & recreatlonan ,. : , . · Yes Yes Yes 9 .......................................................................................... : ..................... : ....................... Operator Public open areas & green spaces : .. · . . Owner/ yes Yes Yes Operator Owner/ Yes Yes Parking" ' · Operator · ' i ' ~. Owner/ Yes Yes t8 General retail . Operator Mass transit accessibility · · · ' · · . ,.. Owner/ Operator Yes Yes i..' '' Owner/ Pedestrian/bike accessibility , :' ' ~" " ' Yes Yes 2 · , : Operator Professional & service businesses '.~ ' ": , Owner/ · ,' · Yes Yes 20 · ' · ' Operator " Owner/ Educational opportuniUes ~-i i ' ~ ':.'. ~ ~..' i' ,. " Operator Yes t4 ....................................................................... M,xed hous,ng ,ow. mod., opscs,e ................ ' ' ' i'--"i':i'"":'-i::? .... Owner/ Operator Yes 1 Corporate offices '!~.i! Rated~ · · ' -; ;~ ;: ', ' ' Rated+ ' ResidentYes Yes 25 Low to moderate housing Rated- Ranked: . Rated+ Rated-, =..'/:. ' Resident Yes 69 Upscale housing .-~ ~ ~.....,. :., '~' ~ '- "' - ~' NOTES: Rated+ = This group gave this feature higher ratings (Ranked- = lower ratings) than the other groups. Ranked+ = This group ranked this feature more frequently (Ranked- = Less frequently) than the other group, Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque 5 Jobs, Jobs, Jobs- Parking, Parking! Major retailers are gone in our lifetime. Office Park, the final answer. Unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment(including recreational & cultural arts) should be the primary focus. This part of the balance is most lacking. We need visitors & citizens (of Dubuque) 6 alive to see downtown ~s the place to be. When people t/aink of downtowns with a lot of character and charm (a perfect match to America's river), they think of downtowns with these amenities, i.e. great restaurants unique shopping, mixed styles of entertainment. Some t!rpe of vehicle traffic is a must. 10 12 Maintain existing historic building renovate instead of demolish. Your downto~nu area fort his questionnaire is too large. Some areas 18 will be housing only, while other areas will be business (retail and or corporate) whileyet another area may be tourism only. Thanks for asking for our input. The old'downtown Dubuque was fascinating, continual parking tickets actually killed it. Most of us felt we were penalized (by the tickets), for shopping downtown. It would greatly enhance this area 20 if we could revert back'to many of the stores (even a smaller annex ty~e). Getting the good xmas decorations back. Nostalgia is what most tourists desire. Figure out how to allow people to pack for an hour without the ticket cop waiting for there meter to expirg. ~ Too far to walk from meters. By the time you do businesses have a 21 parking ticket. (2 bedroom apt) for people w/15,000 less a year. Get rid of meters use ramps. Open main st. to traffic. Why pay, parking free at malls on west side. I remember as-a young person going shopping downtown stopping for a sandwich and really enjoying the downtown stores. We went downtown 24 several times a month to shop & dine. Now I don't go downtown at all. It would be so nice to bring those times back. We need to make downtown Dubuque a place to want to go for everyone. Unique shopping, free entertainment so all the iow income f~m41ies can take their children for an enjoyable day. Bike paths for safe 26 riders on bikes. Educational opportunities for teachers and other staff that need to get GEDs every year. Have this all year long at different times & send info to those interested. The businesses on the riverside of Kemper have destroyed its beauty and usefulness toward tourism. We need to maintain a balance 27 between historic and tourism while giving downtown some of the real world access to shopping, restaurants & working. We also need to be careful of destroying the rivers natural beauty & attraction. Downtown should be kept clean. It should be a safe and friendly 28 place for people to visit. Buildings should not be run down looking. 29 Do not open the plaza to auto traffic. People may think the old buildings are seen as historic but other people including myself thinks it's beginning to look like an e~e sore. People want to make downtown so attractive and so profitable 31 but Dubuque has j~ed so m~uy buildings and left a poor ~mount of parking locations that they're killing the meaning of downtown. I wish downtown would be leveled and rebuilt in a properly efficient 32 I sure wish the plaza could remain closed. We miss the little park that was by the Grand Theatre. Downtown needs p~blic open areas. A landowner wants to demolish buildings whole another owner want to 34 open Main St. I think it should remain closed. We don't need another water/amusement park. The river project is going in the wrong direction. Don't spend $2.1 m~llion on the 35 brewery- use it downtown. Taxes are too high for what you get. Get a better service. In,Drove existing facilities and school buildings. We have so m~ny empty downtown buildings that John Green should stay out of other people's business. He should concentrate on tilling 36 the empty ones instead of blocking people f~om filling the existing ones by making more parking. Building up lower main should be the priority. The real mall should 38 be left to the office menfoers. The main reason our friends and relatives come downtown is to see 40 the great architecture. If we continue to demolish buildings, we'll look just like any other town, and thus no reason to come her~. We have to stop ripping down buildings. Every time an old is destroyed, we as a city, loose! Iowa St. should be renamed Parking 41 Ra/np BLVD. How ~bout a scenic bike tour route around downtown? Encourage the city of Dubuque to raaintain the old stairways along the bluffs. Downtown should stay closed to traffic- make it a Gas lQ quarter- 42 walking areas, incmease parking- have fun areas rather than opening ~treetm. Waste of money. Mov~ forward-building up what we have. European cities have heg~n rmall-t!rpe areas in their centers with great success. This supplements the earlier successful pedestrian 48 zones in the historic center. The malls are designed to blend in & give pride a place to be historic. I enjoy visiting Iowa City that has a lot of this. Lets take this opportunity to make downtown a gathering oplace of beauty, history and recreation. Look at Old Town in Kansas City-- historical character, restaurants, shops, outdoor theater, dance, 5O and music- A beautiful area that beckons people & activities. We can combine history with the present to create a beautiful area that cLraws people in. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque 53 A mixture of corporate offices and new tourism opportunities. Developing the Harbor with more moderate to upscale housing. 60 Move the clock back to its former location Think downtown needs restaurants - discount stores. Person living downtown walking has no where to get groceries - basic daily 66 necessities - Bring life back to downtown - t~affic hea~ on central yet no one stops to shop - don't even know what's downtown anlnnore I would prefer using downtow~ for general needs - currently, except 69 to where I get my haircut, MOJO's newly located on 4th & bluff, I shop west end I do not approve of the subsidization of new businesses that will 70 be, or are in competition with established businesses now operating in any area of the city. Everyone should depend on their own restaurants. To do otherwise is unfair. Need a promotion thrust for downtown amenities - shops, galleries, 71 trendy bars, festivals, cost living There is~ already low income housing in and around the downtown area. 72 With more activity, the rivers project and the opening of Main St, we should promote upscale housing for professionals and retirees. 73 Cant read Dubuque is a city with a lot of potential. If historic places like the Greystone and historic Main Street (Betty Jane, etc.) keep 76 getting torn down, Dbq. Will actually lose character and potential. Please use codes for city planning! Some houses/districts just need a little upkeep! 77 Cant read I think downtown Dubuque could be a tourism t!r~e place, similar to Galena if it would upscale some areas & put special shopping & entertainment to attract people locally & out of town with the river, Eagle point park & the gar~bling that is already an added 79 attraction. The beautiful bluffs and the colors in the trees in fall attract out of towners who live in the city. They'll come here for weekend getaways if there were nice restaurants, shopping & recreational activities such as jet ski rental, pontoon rentals, 80 More department stores, like a Wal-Mart. Better housing opportunities so it doesn't-look like the slun~s downtown. I would come downtown much more often if it provided shopping, dining, entertainment options and if parking was available to a reasonable cost. Get the downtown people and the Bluff street 81 people to co-operate & work together - tours, regular hours all are open - unique idea with a trolley tl~pe train/bus would rmake regular route of shopping area. First do away with the parking meters, believe it or not its one of the main reasons people don't like to go downtown. Put in a quality 82 RV, and camping facility. Cut back on the extrezne rules for the historic housing repairs & remodels, be more flexible! Some people don' t have unlimited funds! We have an older town with great buildings, A few shops (Landsend, 84 Old Navy? Specialty stores, restaurants would ~e some ideas.) Co~ner drug store with fountain? The Grand Opera is great!* I think opening the plaza is not going to bring people back downtow~ 86 to shop. There aren't any decent ineepensive stores to shop at ~nd I' why pay to park when you can go to the mall and park for free? Why don't they eliminate the meters? There needs to be low cost housing because not enough e-~oloyers are I paying enough wages, so people can find housing and still have 88 something to live on - no way can someone with family afford 4005 - 6005 per month on 6505 per hr. wage 89 Why would anyone want to go downtown to see more office buildings? 92 Open the 5Lall! Downtown: Look at Platteville, I.C., Independeee, C.R. etc. We need to maintain downtown character. We need public rest rooms 94 for tourism in the downtown area. If yep open it up put on street parking, Those ~'dmop-offs" are a Joke. That doesn't help a business if you can't park to enter it. 100 Put 20-minute max raeters. The meter nazis will enforce is as well as they do the cLrop-offs. Can we screw the downtown up any further? Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Down~own Dubuque in many European countries, they would never think of teawing down historic properties that lend charm & character. Hopefully downtown can retain what is left instead of becoming 101 a concrete parking lot mecca, city leaders might develop proqraras to entice anchor retailers & other entities that would lure citizens to this area. plant more trees and utilize creative landscaping techniques. I would open up the town clock plaza with the exception of t~e 106 block where the town clock is located. Encourage accessibility to downtow~ reasons to re-visit and spend time and money. Outdoor dining/bistro options, A free shuttle that operates between limited stops during the 108 anyone can use it. Ensure the re-openedraain street is one way with only one row of diagonal metered parking with extra wide sidewalks on bothsides, n~%ny places so sit and people. friendly sculptures I would like to see downtown as it was when I was growing up. Like Kaesskey's and Stam~fers also stores that are reasonably priced soda shops & deti's on Coney island. Bring back the old downtown area. ~mmp dancing and more for the teens & kids 110 Please stop tearing down the old buildings! The city shouldencourage more apartments * 19frs above 1 floor businesses. With the 'large amount of ram~ parking you should consider re-moving most to all of the parking meters and 113 post "2 hr zone" etc. Enforcement dollars would still come in but the downtown would be more visitor friendly, as it is in As a new resident to Dubuque I would like to see Dubuque maintain its uniqueness. Wish we had discovered it 20 yrs ago 117 when we were~ralsing our children. Feel we hav~ a lot to offer tourists and part of the ~vision" should include advertising our uniquene~s. DoWntown is dead - there are en~pty buildings from 12=a to 1 1~8 and ideas wont find them Tourism is the goal'. Vision downtown needs to hav~ easy 119 access to an attractive area & attractions to keep tourists returning. We ha~ the beautiful Miss. River & we'v~ never taken advantage of our view- a park setting with a walking path, benches, flowers, etc. so people c~n walk after shopping or 120 working~- visiting art galleries, eating at fine restaurants (NOT fast foo~) with outside tables. When visiting downtown Bilhoa, Spain, there riverfront was so enjoyable & beautiful, Keep the historic buildings I think i~ is totally foolish to open the downtown plaza to the traffic and even more foolish to move the town clock 122 AGAIn. He will not come downtown just for retail shopping there we have to pay to park tsp. when all retail we need is I would not o~en Main St. between 5an and 7=~ St. If Main St. 124 is extended from 9=n and 7th I would make it one-way going south and turning west at the Town Clock. Downtown businesses have to compete with easy ~1 parking. 125 Downtown should return to the "hub" of the city status as it was years ago. The need for retail & tourist elements to 127 attract tourists, but most of all local residents back to downtown! Feel utmost in~portance is to capitalize on our architectural 128 element I enjoyed going downtown as a child. The closing of the Main 133 Street was a big ~istake. Do away with all the parking lots, I and bring back downtown, transit buses will benefit also Don't open the Plaza. Leave as i= wit~ iraprov~ments for 134 workers downtown to enjey lunch/breaks i would like to see the area reraain a place to gather. With 136 convenient parking a'must. Get rid of gm~Woling industry in our town. Include Prescott 137 school in your plan, great opportunities there, a wonderful school. How bout a downtown transit route, grocery store needed for 138 lower income residents. I like the plaza the way it is! It is a delight to see students and office workers be able to use the benches on breaks. The activities under the town clock are unique and I get a sense of pride when visitors also find it so. I cant understand it when KDTH sponsors events there and the T-H' wants to destmoy it. 141 Bring'back the brewery! An open ~ain Street with parking spaces so people can stop and shop theme or have something to eat - not just drive by like 142 Sth St.' just a plane paved street to save money to go wher~ needed much more than fancy bricks ~_nd plants with no place to park. Do not want raain street open to road - hate the brick 143 sidewalks - ugly- hard to walk on - cigarette catcher, dirty, keeps ice on, bad for wheelchairs, walkers, high heels, .uneven It will be exciting to watch the development & enjoy spending 146 more time in downtown Dubuque. Dubuque needs recreational o~portunities and unique shopping and restaurants in order to attract and refrain young 147 professionals. I a~looking forward to moving away from Dubuque due to the lack of these items. Mor~ f~mily activities for ~hildren - children's museum! Saee 148 COSI in Toleto, OH as a good exaz~ple. I would like tosee 2 way traffic through the plaza but still have sidewalk eating & sitting areas. Also have it available 149 for special events that might rescue closing off traffic for a time. Fill up those store fronts! Additional Cements Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Please keep plaza as is. It is unique, relaxing and tourism friendly. Traffic is not needed- it would be like the 50s. 151 Please r~main closed- close new part also. I/we really question what has been changed -Absolutely not worth what Keep sights on the future. Stop demolishing, here to use the structures that are historic. Don't keep moving the old town 152 Upscale housing is important. Low housing is ir~oortant too, but needs to be in historic character and well maintained. I'm sorry I had only 5 ratings. Others are very important 153 too. Obviously we need pedestrian/bike accessibility and public open areas and green spaces. (we can't lum~ together the entire downtown. Different areas lead the/nmelves to different features.) We don't need retail businesSeS downtown. Ha~ plenty on west side. Try to rebuild' and clean up the old m~ss along the 154 river.. Fill up main st. A~d surrounding areas with as many office headquarters as possible. 155 I would like to see better paying jobs in the area. 157 fairs. I don't agree with the decision to open the plaza. When's it 158 going to open anyway? Vcan the city pave the street to look like brick or some ty~e of stone to add character? Use patterned colored asphalt, if there is such a thing. ~xed housing~ry in~oortant to ~aintain healthy balance of people living downtown they are more apt to-shop downtown. 159 Historic character is important- adds the uniqueness & flavor Ca]a't read 162 not a large need no matter how much money we've spend, it will 166 Open up streets. Needs to be a place for growth, primarily business-wise, in order to attract people to co~ downtown, like the west side I don't wish to see the plaza opened; I feel that my tax 172 dollars could be better spent. You need things that will attract younger people to move and 174 As a person who lived in Dubuque all his life, I think it's a sharae thak the city is stuck with the problem of downtown, if the old time landlords would have taken care of the property, the city would not have this problem. ! think it's too late now to backtrack to what downtown was. back from the west end. 181 businesses are not coming back from m~lls. Also, undesirable t~nants will keep shoppers away. 182 We need a n~x of the 15 above. We need all 15 to some extent so it will be a complete are. ] Would like to see downtown used more for things like Dub & all that Jazz or things that bring people from the community together to enjoy the area. something to reduce the ugliness of buildings (roofs, equipment) as seen from the bluffs. T~e view of downtow~ from above Is not attractive. We think the people of Dubuque should have a right to vote on opening or keeping the downtown plaza closed. It's a travesty uo tear down all of the nature =r~es and rip up a wonderful gathering center for no beneficial purpose. Tie in with America's river and bluff street stores with better upscale restaurants and n~xed housing for all living downtown. In my travels I have noted that many areas experiencing revitalization of downtown have free parking as an incentive. Keep green area, place forpeople/eraployees to congregate. Need retail to suppor~ employees. I ma retired from working in the psychiatric field & the stress caused by the pace of today's living standards is enormous. Please restore Dubuque's downtown to the historic character which reflects a time serenity & genteel living that the populace of today is searching for, Dubuque's potential id enormous. Additional Cormaents Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque 5202 I I favor keeping the area closed (Plaza) Downtow~ should remain closed. Cost to open it too expensive. Should increase public open areas and green areas. 203 Encourage more corporate offices and more employment opportunit%es Dubuque is a beautiful place with the exception of large sig~s and billboards. If Dubuque had better control of this it 204 would be a better place. Good Luck with the River Front Project, it sounds great. I don't understand why ~illions of dollars are being spent to tear up ~ain Street when you can no longer drive on the 206 streets in the north end -- especially White Street. It is deplorable and lastly becoming a ghetto-looking area. I do not even live in the north end. Something must he done! The downtown needs specialty shops, trees, flowers, people 207 walking, people laughing, and plenty of ~ultural events Wo~uld tike to see stores like there used to be so people on 209 North~ end have a place to shop & not have to go to the west end of town for everything 211 Good Survey 217 Traffic Patterns Terrible, No north-south thorough fare 219 Tourism including local interest, historic preservation Cable Car square &~America's river project need to be 220 connected by a free or low tram or bus 222 Just do something with the downto~!!! It must be economically viable. Ail business and service must 226 not ~e at west end of town cause we need a highly trained population for economic devetol~nent -~29 Do not open the downtown area to through traffic Try to keep and~intain historic buildings and try to build less businesses as possible, make more educational but yet 233 entertaining places for the younger generation and parents to get involved in 238 Get rid of the parking meters To be successful the downtown area must gave a full 2 lane 240 street with parking on both sides. Anything less will doom it to failure I think with the river front development we Have an ideal 245 opportunity to create an atmosphere that is unique and has a variety of unique shopping, cultural, and recreational opportunities! Brighten up downtown buildings. Keep historic look, but a 246 neat clean look. Get rid of parking meters - have a safe downtown area, day and night Have you been to Boulder, Co.? Their downtown is a plaza. It 247 is always crowded, They offe~ so much, why cant we? I believe that our first priority should be to preserve our historic architecture. Bringing unique businesses to our downtown would truly =om~llment the vision of a prosperous, 248 progressive coumm/nity, Tax incentives to get new businesses downtown, penalties for building owners who !iv~ outside the Midwest? Also bring regular shopping downtown so we don't have to go to the west end. Addltion~l Cements Regarding ~'- The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Leave the plaza alone, alone - we don't need streets there - 251 downtown will never never be like it use to be - leave it alone - we have lived down here 43 years I envision downtown as a center for '~weekend e~nts", where you can count on so~thing happening every weekend, indoor or 253 out, all year round. Unique shopping centers, music, food, all ages - family oriented; Children's n~/seum~, aquariun~, a place you can always find something to do It would be nice to have more stor~s available, so I would not 257 have to drive clear across tow~ to shop i.e. Aldis, another grocery store besides Eagle, movie theatre Do not bring jobs that are min. wage and brag that jobs were added. Make sure the jobs added can pay basic bills, put food on the table. Make sure jobs added do not keep a family on the low income bracket. They deserve better than that. Have current businesses clean up/ remodel the outsides of their 259 buildings so they don't look rundown and neglected. If they're buildings are nice to look at people are more apt to want to venture into building. If its rundown/ugly I wouldn't w~nt to go inside because the inside could be neglected too. If they neglect their area they will probably neglect me as a 261 Don't open the Clock Plaza 262 Unique shipping, restaurants, entertainment, Says it all for me We need a downtown where people of all ages, cultures, etc. feel welcome. Many stores for the shop-o-holies, restaurants, for all cultures - Mexican, Italian, etc. A r~creation/green 263 area/trail for the kids to come play ball, lovers to walk, old men to play chess, etc. A creative downtown would make respected and well-visited toured Dubuque. Get back to what it once was. ~Mainstreet, USA!" Open up 266 Main St. without parking meters, Ra/~ps can be used to long term parking and overflow develop businesses. Several buildings and lower White St. need to be torn 270 (across from the court house) I feel upscale housing will bring tenants demanding and finding ways to provide many of their downtow~ needs. Som~ 271 transportation methods area must to tie the riverfront and downtown area together. The casino/related businesses may want to limit the area to their territory but I feel for downtown to come back there must be a close tie-in component. We need businesses to increase emplo!rment opportunities - decent family recreational plaee~ - good price range for these 274 recreational opportunitie~ - all year long - not just sum~er events. 277 Do not open town clock area with a street! 278 Keep it environmentally sensitive 279 Diversity is the primary ingredient missing in the Dubuque mentality - You just don't get it! "General" retail is just that, general. With literally thousands of general retailers/ strip m~ll~ across the US, the 281 only thing that distinguishes downtown is unigue things and excitement. Trying to compete w/ the ~Big boxes" would not only destroy our unique downtown, it would be an exorcise in futility. YES! Its that simple! 282 WoUldestablishmentslike to encourage moro retail and corporate business In LaCrosse, ~, there are soveral older buildings with boarded upper sto~ywindows that are painted with Victorian laco curtains and ladies looking out the windows. A fun 283 project for somo of the artists in our city! I have the 1000 block of Main St. in mind. Also, we downtown en~ployees need a rotail store like Hartig's again! Keep area for Jazz rests, otc... 284 Make it woll lighted and easy to keep cloan In addition to opening Main St., open 6t~ and 7~ streets west of Main St. This will make it e'asier to enter and exit the 285 former plaza. This talk of giving artists otc, preferential lease rates on n~in street to lure them in is non-sense. They should pay the n~%rket rate. I do not own any real estate on main stroet, good luck dave! I don't see downtown as a raajor shopping area with dept. stores ever again but I do see it as a cultural & recreational 287 area on nights & weekencL~ & a major work place during the day. The downtown workforce are the ones who'll be using any . downtown businesses the most. I think it's the cultural & recreational t~inqs that will draw others. 5lay/June issue of AAA ~Ho~ and Away" has an interesting article on pages 20, 21, and 22. Downtown not only for 290 Dubuquers, but also to attend visitors at the riverfront facilities. Downtown Dubuque needs more energy and vitality. It needs a 291 facelift to keep the wonderful old buildings and history alive. Thanks to ~urban renewal" we've already lost numerous 292 historical treasures. We must act to ke~p our history' preserved. ~belief in upscale housing and unique shopping & restaurants will push the cLrugs and the violent prone individuals out of the downtown, giving us a downtown where people 'aren't afraid to walk, day or night. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Historic DubuqUe has been on the p~rt of our city fathers, Lip 301 service only! We need people, not vehicles, downtown should have trolleys & carriages only through it! Get rid of the oil tanks! Synchronize the stop lights, Fix the 302 streets ; create a downtown DubuqUe web site, TSuank you! I don' t go downtown after because there isn't a lot of stuff for me to do. I enjoy doing activities such as all that jazs. 304 I like Iowa City's downtown - there are a lot of people and things to do Opening downtown to traffic is a waste of time and SS This is 308 now a professional sector. Retail business has moved to the west end and it and will continue to expend there. Don't waste time opening up Main! People like to walk there - Not dodge cars, put a Capital roof over Main 94 and to 64 - Daily entertainment and food vendors like Peoria, IL & St. Paul, ~N. Control loose dogs - should be in pens or fenced in, no walking big dogs! Da~n dangerous to walk. More pedestrian rights like Portland, OR. Tell cops to serve, not harass! Then hire more - be polite. Less Meters - More jobs - hire more people - DubuqUe streets are the worst! Fill holes - Pave - fill crackx - =weep - fix shoulders with black top not 309 stupid rocks - I love dubuqUe - ask for volunteers - mow , sweep, paint, ask ask ask hire more including young people - instill pride in people - More histor~ memorials & modern 0 tourist sites - encourage people to give & philanthropists to beautify and donate! We only g~mble on Boat or track 3 or 4 times a year, hut support it for Jobs ~rnd Tourists / Do a good job on River Front! Get packing house open, even if the city has to buy & sell shares. More dobs, why is Maquoketa so Coney island With the new river development, I hope the downtown is 312 Although I don't go downtown very often hut I'm very much interested and supportive of the-above ~visions" for Dubuque. 313 I would very much like to have the town clock remain in its present location - work M~in street around that area as I have seen this done in another city - especially in Boston. Keep our historic buildings. Downtown movie theatre & a 315 variety of restaurants would be beautiful to new downtown vision, Riverfron% park is a must. Please try and r~nove the parking meters around most popular businesses, don't put anymore money into beautifying the 318 Plaza. Just get more connivance stores to get milk, bread, thread, etc. It would great for this section of downtown to become a 319 neighborhood with residents, shop owners and area employees to interact .daily and to provide an attraction for west end residents to com~ downtown with plenty of parking. Lets leave the downtown streets t~e way they are. We've spent more tha~ enough money with/on consultants, tearing out 320 streets & putting them back in. Provide attractions & opportunities and people will come. We don't have to d_rive right to every establishments door. 322 Set rid of the parking meters People wont come downtown if they feel that it is not worth paying to park. You can go to the west end of town and 326 parking is free. Maybe the city could offer free parking specials events. The parking (pay to park) is what detours a lot of people from downtown Dubuque. 1- 2 way traffic on one way streets parking, open the streets. 2- Restore downtown area to pre-1960's 326 3- Tourist appeal to historic character connects with P~ver Front project 332 ~eave the plaza area alone, there is no need to change it 333 Keep T.C. Plaza the way it is Parking is vital making downtown successful and appealing. Along with parking goes mass transit accessibility. Of course 335 there ~ust be reasons to go downtown. I believe a heart of a city is "its downtown" and gives it the soul & foundation it needs to thrive. If'shopping, cultural activities etc are there, en~loyment 341 opportunities will follow. Education, in general, is now available I've heard from the Chamber that historic tourism is critical to our economic base yet they were unwilling to locate in a historic buildings. A majgr downtown bank likewise took a 344 swipe at our historic downtown. I wonder if they realize that in addition to offering historic Dubuque we pay more at the l~ndfill h/c of these kinds of development plans. Whatever the plans is he consistent with your theories & actions. Have good reasons and be sure people know what your doing. Lea~ pedestrian mall alone - Eight street reopening solved 347 nothing - parking ramps are a joke - ~ry little public parking - all reserved - nnique shopping, restaurants etc would be great if parking availuble - not drop off zones. 348 Don't put street on ~ain St. Mall - Just improve some 349 Keep Main street closed to traffic, Spruce it up I feel that cleanliness is very important - downtown should 350 not have an old, shabby look - hut an historic, clean, A~ditional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque It needs so~thing ~nique to attract both visitors and native 351 Dubuquers that incorporate D~buque's historic character. We have m~ny ~iles of streets in tow~ perhaps over 50 miles. The pedestrian ~ll in downtown is a unique area that needs to be maintained and enhanced to better serve the overwhelming users of the area. The downtow~ office worker has been 353 seriously overlooked in this process. We don't need raore streets. The city is not serving the downtow~ office worker and opening main street will just rm%ke the prohlem worse. A real slap in the face. I would like to see Main street active again. You go downtown 357 and there is no one down there. More stores, restaurants, uniqu9 shopping, etc... Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the downtown 358 Dubuque area. I don't cLrive a car, and feel that as a pedestrian or user of public transportation I see things at ground zero level: up close and slowly. Its i~erative the Main Street be restored to two lane traffic allowing limited timed parking on both sides of the street as 359 originally configured. This would allow a better two way traffic flow encouraging people to come downtown to patronize s/nenities of area. Model Main St. and downtown clock plaza after State St, in Madison. Model various industrial buildings around railroad 365 tracks after Cleveland lakeside area. Need restaurants and drinking establishments, sn~%ll retail shops. A good mix of entertairnnent, unique tourism amenities and also corporate offices would keep downtown alive 24 hrs. a day 7 366 days a week. What we strongly have to offer is the historic character and river. Middle to upper housing in the way of condos would give people places to live with some retail business to support their needs. I co~nend John Butler for preserving the history of the downtown buildings. He has incredible vision for what 370 downtown co~l~orate should be. I appreciate his efforts ~nd hope the city continues to support him. The buildings he has renovated area compliment to the area. I would like to see Main St. o~en to two way traffic and 372 parking on at least one side. Both sides would be better. To get the bL%in St. area .to a historic 60s, 705 era open blain St. Attract good restaurants, specialty shop. Get back some 373 mom and pop business. Look to the future with office m/%d s~ll business, but get a tesan to attract people to co~ downtown. We need a nice downtown to make a good impression for 375 visitors. We need to tear down old nasty looking buildings. The downtown needs to be an attractive tourist destination with core businesses, to bring people to the heart of our city 376 during the day and activities to bring~people there nights and weekends. Transportation, parking and safety ar~ big issues when locating a business or acco~odating the tourists. 378 Making better use of the river front area is a step in the right direction. 379 Keep the old buildings. Put shops ~nd restaurants in the lower portion. Put condos on the upper levels (moderate to up scale.) Use the uniqueness of the old downtown Dubuque and ~ississippi river to cLraw people to llv~, shop and recreate. 383 Plaza should re~aain closed. I think we are not doing the best job in getting our most ~ortant things solved. In my opinion they are good paying 384 jobs, better schools, elderly assistance and good streets. Forget about the expensive riverfront, it will only create more minimumwage jobs. We don't need thegn. I think we~should have more tourism, offices and 385 entertainment. Housing shouldn't be in the downtown area. We have enough parking. 386 Open the plaza! Take back what our founders envisioned. The days of urban renewal are sad re~nembrance. Your efforts are co~ndable and I wish you well. Downtown Dubuque will 388never ~e the sa~e. Fortunately one's memories that we senior citisens have can never be taken from ns. I would appreciate intellectually honest, m~ture and fiscally 390 responsible people making these decisions that which involve our tax dollars. Please don't monun~nt to yourself. If housing is important, then close necessity shopping is ver~ 395 l import~nt' Walking d/stance. (food and general shopping.) Someone called into Pat Fleming's 12:40 radio show and 399 suggested an enclosed glass structure for the exciting plaza. It could have greens as plants etc.., flowers etc... Can't read Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Dowl%town D%lbuc/ue Downtown DBW boasts a flavor of its own --the architecture is beautiful - if we lose this special character, in my opinion 401 we lose the downtown. These buildings and parks are priceless. I think we need to entice businesses downtown to draw people back to increase traffic. We must stop tearing down the old buildings. Although any one 403 old building may not have historic value, it is the large number of old buildings that create the a~mosphere. This quarterly newsletter of our city Is Indeed V~ry ' 412 Impressively Done, Great Job! A downtown with actual individual stores to shop at; Keep 415 offices - west end - open main street. Open arms to new stores and variety of such. Personal owned & operated. Re: City of Dubuque employees: Get rid of some of those ~lazy lumps" that are not carrying a work load. I work in a retail business on the west end and on an average of twice a week, 419 there are 2 men who come into our store and shop. City employees (street ~int) have been ~ites in remote areas- Sleeping! Investigate this stuff - Klostex~aan & Vogt are well aware of what's going on. All of the items identified are important to revitalizing downtown. In mY vision for downtown is that it becomes a 421 bustling hub of our city where people live - walk - and go for entertainment - It must be all encompassing I think there is nothing of interest in the downtown anymore, ~bout the only thing that brings people down are the Jazz 422 festivals, arts and crafts. It would be uice to see a Kohls Store or something that would spark an interest for the whole family. We continue to lose/tear down our historic & beautiful old buildings --Main & Iowa St from 8~ to 13~ is a neglected area. Too much emphasis on parking ram~s and G~mbling. Our downtown is dark - underlit - We removed a~out % our street lighting 423 I ~bout 17 years ago after Vern Norton, our city elect inspector worked long and hard to get us a state of the art lighting system. Why is 3=u street overpass the first street to have snow removed? And downtown the last? Ever tried to walk across la downtown street in the winter time - absolutely no snow removal for pedestrians! Let the "have" give to the "have nots", ¢le~n peaceful place where people get along, variety of people, 430 housing/businesses/services green spaces with beauty neighbors helping neighbors! Item 3 may se~m to be an oxy moron, but intergenerational and socio-economic groups can co-exist. Housing's good, but it doesn't b~ing tourism. If America's River Center/Ha~bor and 431 Vision downtown ace to be viable (~nd profitable) they must be complimentary not competitive - Retail has already moved west, likewise upscale housing. Downtown needs to be the center focus of the area. It n~eds to be nice to look at. It needs to be able to ba~ a good 432 first impression for passerby's and usability by those who stop in to visit and for residents 433 The city should not allow any businesses to buil~ ne~, unless the create a structure that matches the historic look of downtown. Plus they would need to find ways to limit the number of cars/trucks for their employees for parking. Parking ram~s are huge money pits and the city should not construct any more. An extreme ~mount of money is being channeled to fund the 436 River Front development. I personally feel a good portion of these funds could be used to in, rove city services and roads. Downtow~ has great potential for bgth beauty and function. Pride in neighborhoods will go a long way toward enhancing 437 other facets. Unfortunately, the behavior of some downtown residents deters others from living on frequenting the area. We need more affordable housing for seniors in the middle income bracket. Also affordable mass transportation. We are 440 very unhappy that all the old buildings have been torn down to put up new parking r~a~ps. Our old Ri~rtown is no more. I would like to see an area where you can walk along shops, bookstores, etc. A variety of restaurants.and some park-llke 442 space. Possibly limited vehicle streets ~im41ar State Street i~ Madison, WI. W~y provide services (Parking snow removal, maintenance, etc) 444 for downtown businesses'. When outlying businesses pay for their own - cut tax money for area 445 Would like to see it opened and more attraction - restaurant - a good one! Continued use of programs, etc. 448 R~moveparkingmeters Additional Comments Regarding T~e Vision for Downtown Dubuque One glaring omission in the present downtown arrangement - no public restroora~ - I work downtown and am frequently asking for directions to restroonLs/water fountains etc by tourists. 453 If you want to attract tourists make acco~odations for their personal cormfort. Be hospitable] They shoulchn' t hav~ to go to a business/restaurant to use facilities. I would like to see the parking meters on the streets removed. 455 I would stop downtown more often if I would park on the street without looking for change! I never have it We need more things for the teens in this coum~anity. Maybe 456 thew downtown area could provide something recreational for those individuals. Dubuque needs good restaurants neat' the river, bakeries, 457 outdoor dining, a good variety of ethics. Nice landscaping such as flowers, trees as well as park benches etc. will make the dow~town more appealing as a tourist destination. I think Dubuque should keep the beautiful flowering crab trees 458 in town clock plaza. They are so pretty and I enjoy them every year. Don' t cut them down. Unless something is extremely unique or special, I would not 459 have any interest in going downto~. It would surely have to sit up and talk to me. Metered parking is a real problem. I would love to see Dbq. Develop a vision for keeping it's citizens ~home." We go to Galena for great dining, Madison to 460 shop, the QC's for great bike paths. Id love to stay hom~ to do those things. I love Dbq. but I also love the aforementioned ~menities. Take some of the money needlessly spend on City Hall and Bunker Hill and help the poor to low income in Dubuque for 461 rent, food bank, and patrolling high crime area.s. Or else take the money and expand 5 flags across fifth street so we can get come decent entertainment here in Dubuque. It's a sharae we have to go out of town for big name entertaiDmaent, Make certain that whatever is done involve our vast culture, 462 Looking forward to continuation of bike/pedestrian path with accessibility to River Front project & would love to see 463 unique shopping, restaurants with historic preservation that Dubuque. Open downtown main street/~mall shops. We really need to also keep in mind our 18~ thru 21 year olds, there is nothing at all for this are group to do, for there 464 socializing, which is a ver~ ~ortant part Df growing. Other Iowa cities offer 18-19 year old bars for young adults to socialize. Leave downtown (town =lock) the way it Town clock to be left on present plaza location with European 465 ~Round about" cLriving add mall designed to be closed to vehicles for special occasions; shows & displays etc, I feel that there should be I~ore spots for kids 5 and under to do besides parks. Also pools closer by. Not just Sutton 466 pool. Not a lot of people got ~ney or transportation, I hope in your next new letter you ~uys will a~swer these questions. Thank you for your time. 467 Don't want town clock plaza opened street and closed all the small stores. They could have been I feel we lost downtown Dubuque when they closed off main a tourist attraction like Galena. I am sorry our Fore Fathers had no vision. The number i priority should be to black top the cow paths you call streets. For a viable downtown people will have to live there. Ther~ should be stores to supply everyday needs. All segments of society should be welcome. It should be biker & pedestrian friendly. P~blic parking see~ns adequa=e. Traffic flow would make life easier for tourists. Good s~gns on streets. Keep Dubuque at its original character - no Glitz. presex-ve history - the much advance with changing times but do-not need to oopy - they are "original". That is why I left Chicago and am haPPY to say I am from Dubuque. Keep the plaza as is, Closed Make downtown more accessible =o cars Leave town clock plaza alone I don't think the downtown will ever compete or lure retail business to the area. Rather than spend a lot of money trying to build a retail base, we should be sure we don't loose any of our existing tenants, by providing green areas, et=. This type area also good for special events for our general public. Its about time! Much better than Lower main & 4TM St. (you're beating a dead horse) I used to live by Jackson Park, but now I love on the west side. I know I would spend more time downtown if ~fun" activities were available. Also, parking spots/lots need to be abundant {it's the biggest co~plaint I hear about downtown). Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts. Back to t~e way it was before urban renewal Why ahs the city stopped giving ~uc~ attention to flowers and trees in Town Clock Plaza? This is where m~ny festivals are held. Many out-of-town people vi~sit these areas. Can planters be placed along the streets Locust, Bluff, Main to beautify? Preserve historic buildings Additional Comments The Vision for Downtown Dubuque 501 II would like to see more small business people. Outside coffee shops, movie theatres showing good, old movies. 502 Dance place, free parking. Can't rea~.. 506 ~-11 are important. Parking is critical. No one will come if they can' t find a 511 parking space. Be consistent in planning. Have the big picture always in mlnd. It's a shazae we won't have the town clock plaza to enjoy any more. What friendlier place is there in the downtown? The 512 river walk will be nice but it won't be close enough to enjoy for those of us who live within walking distance of the town clock. Don't make the sa~e mistakes as Norfolk. 513 Don't open Main St. Would love to see some businesses again. Keep busses running. 519 Grocery store. Touch of historic Dubuque. Having biked in other to,ms that have Bike paths through the downtown areas is a major tourist attraction. Chicago, 520 Duluth, Des Moines, Davenport, Cedar Falls, Minneapolis and especially Madison attract bikers from all over the Midwest. All of these paths connect to paths outside the cities. It's in~ortant that we hear all sides of this issue. Any naturally recognized urban plan~ing executive must consider that the downtown belongs to the entire .co~anunity. Not to a 524 landlord and not to the charaber of co~nerce. We need to make sure this is truly a shared conmn~nity vision. Not just a big show. Regular activities much like all that jazz to attract people 526 downtown. Develop the downtown into a Ga-lena like destination with many things to do. Please make it easier and less com~llcated to make ~-~rovements on properties .through easier womding and less paperwork in the city code system and stop t~xing people twice on their improvements by making them buy useless permits to 527 make i~oro~ments on property that they own not the city. Then putting those ~rovements on their property taxes the next year, why not give them a tax b~eak for a few years to enjoy the fruits of the labors. 529 There a~e enough~arking ramps. I don't feel that general retail businesses will ever locate in downtown Dubuque. The present ~ke up of this area consists of professional and service t~es of businesses ~nd 532 small to medium eating establisb~nents to ser~e the ~_r~Dloyees of these businesses. Opening up the plaza wilt almost destroy a great place to eat lunch, relax and visit. Nothing in survey about police presence; already good but should be encouraged & sustained. Goals set early when 537 planning begins early. Why not create an environment that encourages film production, and then establish a film com~ssion to market Dubuque to production companies? We have sorae wonderful settings, including much that is historical. My vision for downtown Dubuque includes keeping the town =lock 53S closed. I feel it was a mistake to open 8=h St. between Locust and Main. 541 similar to Galena downtown with artists, specialty shops, good restaurants and entertainment, add cultural arts & rec. and corporate offices and prof. Accountants & lawyers, green spaces and good parking. We need something besides parking r~s. Keep it scenic and 544 relaxing. 546 More =thnic o~ned businesses like Sugar ~y's downtown. 549 If t~ey need to open the town clock plaza, allow parking. Otherwise it is a waste of money. Open up Main' St. to two-way traffic including curb meters and sidewalks. Take a good look at 8~ and see what failure looks like. Cut the bull crap and touchy feely philosophy that 550 caused all this in the first place, and ~rove out the business. Have you ever been to Bakersfield, California? It looks like a concrete desert. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque I think the citizens of Dubuque should have a right to vote on 551 whether or mot the downtown plaza is reopened. A business with video gam~es, board ga~es and popular 553 recreational machines. It should be for all ages, no alcohol, d~-ugs or cigarettes. Just good clean fun downtown year round. There as too much money going to be spent on opening Main St. 554 There should be no parking meters, and there are not enough parking spaces. Offer more things to do downtown and attract more business downtown instead of promoting the west end. Offer special 556 privileges for new businessem downtown. Possibly cheaper rent and not being so strict on historical preservation rules. An occupied building is better than an e~pty one. I was under the assumption that the town clock could not be 557 moved again. Opening do~rntown to 2 way traffic now is e...Can't Instead of fussing over demolition, focus should he on the space-in empty buildings, general m~intenance and less 558 billboards and signs. It ~Betty Jane really wants to remain downtown, there was plenty of space to rent then where they marketplace of entertainment, dialogue, commerce & (?) 562 and shoppers. 563 housing the area will not be taken care of ver~ well. What low housing we now have is, in general, very un kept and I was not in favor of opening the do~rntow~ plaza to traffic. 567 There will be no place to'park, as people employed in that area use up moat of ram~s. The town clock plaza ia nice the 568 garbage & cigarette butts all over the place. We snagged our I mee ~owntown Dubuque as a unique area which offers a variety =f en~lo!rment and cultural activities. Quaint sho~s and open 569 spaces which enhance the historical character of the town would be ideal. Main St. should keep its historical character. Open Main St. 570 as in like lower Main, parking and all. Sire financial 571 r~mps. Ail we need is something to do downtown. In Chica~o Upscale housing is key to the success of many of the other features and the area in general. People who have the 572 viability. I don' t believe any housing should exist in downtown and if so 573 upscale. If we had a better affordable transit system people could co~m~/te to downtown for job opportunities. 574 I think signing (~ireetions) could be greatly improved. DBQ. needs things for young adults (18-23) to do besides bars 579 and teen clubs. $~-~le recreational internet caf~ or lounge If you open the streets I would hope all the empty all the 581 en~ty store spaces are filled so that people don't just d~ive there but stop & shop. Aldo hope that businesses like Betty Jane & Hartig will'hopefully relocate...C~t read Dubuque probably has 300 miles of streets open to traffiC. 3 582 blocks for pedestrians to walk or seems a trivial coercion to walking. There is no place over a block from c~eap parking lot or curb. Car traffic wont bring 1940s retail. ~iniraize the use of parking n~ters. Re-do streets, roads are ' shambles; the city is progressing backward~ in their maintenance. Encourage more professional & service businesses 584 with s_n emphasis on paying living wages.' Limit or discourage low rent housing in area. These buildings are an eye sore and give a negati~image. If the plaza is to be opened up the street should be wide 586 enough for parking on both sides of the street. Not just drop off parking as on 8~ street. Unless there is more downtow~ that is worth going to, it won't 590 make any difference I don't think opening the plaza is the answer. Feeding meters is another turn off for downtown. The pa~t years o3 work by many has created a name for our city as a historic and neat downtown area with shops. We must 592 build on that success and add more offices and ad~i/tional unique shops. Mall should remain closed and used as an office park. 594 Everything from alliance to 11t~ St. should be condemned, torn down and reclaimed as office and educational area. 595 I strongly oppose opening the plaza. Leave it as it is. 643 648 Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Do~rntown D~buq~e don't approve t-he opening of Main St. I don't wish to see Main St opened =o automobile traffic. Grocery store for DT residents. Owners keep up appearance. Clean] Clean! Clean! Happy environment. Our historic integrity is top on the list. We have ~en syste~natically gutting the character of our downtown. restaurants. We definitely need more to do besides hit the bars in this town. We also need to do some big time updating on some of the housing. don't feel that opening the plaza pedestrian mall downtown will benefit the city; i.e. cost of renovation va the hope enticing businesses to relocate to the plaza. Downtown office workers presently enjoy the use of the plaza's benches, picnic tables, shade trees, etc... Can't think the more attractions you have, the more people you'll Opening Main St will not attract more business to downtown. Downtown~st first supply something unique to attract them. Opening the street furnishes only 18 spaces to park per block. It disrupts an already attractive ~destrian ~11 and invites more accidents~ auto as well as pede~trlan! Parking presently... C~'t read Please r~ake an effort to preserve the historical uniqueness of the downtown area. It's our greatest treasure; we owe this to Free, cultural, recreational and educational opportunities should be offered so that more low-income fam/lies n~%y also enjoy our city. Many activities are too expensive & out of reach for %he low income. The downtown should be for all. Not a playground for the rich and tourists. Housing is key, Services and restaurants etc. will follow. Old buildings should be renovated for housing, not toIn down. Why was the flat building next to A~t Museum destroyed with no comment? More shopping centers downtown. Historic preservation very ln~oortant to Du~u~p/e zn general. We must preserve historic buildings, as it is part of the crown to Dz%buque. A~so i~m~ortant to econon~c development. Have regular tours of historic buildings, beginnlng or ending with a do~rntown restaurant or the casino. Encourage businesses to enhance storefronts a~d insides with low interest loans from city. So~tim~s, a coat of paint with good color will attract customers. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Any ideas to bring people downtown are great, plays, craft 651 fairs, Friday night jazz are wonderful. Keep parking reasonable & eliminate parking fees on Saturdays & holidays. Pos~ downtown activities I thought we should hav~ been promoting our downtown as a 657 ~'business - es. Cozporate."I was approved to o~ening the plaza. A lot of money is being wasted on that project. I envision downtown Dubuque with the flair of "Old Dubuque" or "Old town"., an extension of what has begun in the 4~h St.~ 658 area with bars and restaurants, shops & attraction for tourists & Dubuquers alike. 659 Keep it simple! A place we can be proud of, which will encourage tourism and local support. With shopping ra~lls and retail chains I feel that a ~downtown; area is obsolete as for as retail outlets are concerned, the 663 downtown area should prgvide corporate offices, restaurants & entertainment. Also, upscale housing and should have green areas., I feel the opening of main street 'is a mlst~2~e! I hope the present buildings can be restored inside and outside to raake them unique. With loft t!~oe apartments on the 667 utm~er floors, there is such a great o~portunity for this to happen in Dubuque. Restore historic character buildings by eliminating rennodeled store fronts, aluminum swings, overhanging slqus and other 668 ~'tacky" appearances. Create loft apartments in upper floors of existing in area. I feel it is important to open Main street to provide 674 continuity & access & visibility of the businesses in the downtown. You can always close off the street for an occasional evening for nrasic and entertainment. Enforce (possibly update and make more stingent) regulations relating to upkeep of buildings & properties help by landlords 675 responsible for the upkeep & appearance of their rental properties. All the Jazz and beer is fun occasionally but getting rather old. Need other activities downtown. I feel it was a big mistake to open the downtown are again, 678 Many people enjoy having an area to sit and enjoy the downtown. 681 Pleas DO Not Move The Town Clock! Do not open ~Lain Street. Teen drivers & 20 somethings would use it as driving the gut. ~82 More power to you n~king Vision Downtown a reality. We need to have more entertainment for our young adults ages 16-20. They have no wher~ to go - its all on the West End of town. We have a lot of young adults who still live on North- 683 South (downtown) their great kids too who need a place too (r~ dances) we use to have them, they were fun! These young adults are our future too! And leave our town clock where it is! We would like to see more grocery stores downtown. Also 689 eagles, why not an oldies? H!rvee? People will take advantage of a downtown Dubuque if they have 690 something to do there to see and do. See how successful the 4th street area is Main Street opened 692 I am totally opposed to money being spent to open the town clock Plaza to vehicular traffic. Why can you spend all that money without .taking a vote of the people - and the business 693 co=unity. The downtown has been unsupportive of more education money for Dubuque. I will vote no to any of your projects until there is support (financial) for public education in this co~zaunity. I believe that maintaining historic character is i~port~nt but 694 not it that makes revitalizing downtown Dubuque cost prohibitive; om will turn away business/restaurants/shops from choosing to locate in downtown Dubuque. 697 Keep town clock closed! Re~nodel with new look rather that putting in a road. Restaurants are key. Eliminate meters all together preferably - at least eliminate 699 them on Saturdays & during public events downtown. Need a civic c~nter that can offer larger venues (conferences, meetings, sports, special events). The corporate presence downtown is important so the area can help support itself 700 during non peak times without a regular flow of people on a daily, baals #1 above will not survive. Above sky~way for pedestrians from, Diamond Jo boat area downtown (Like Des Moines). Na~e hotel chains (Marriott, Adam's Mark, etc...) t~rpieally found in downtown areas. Additional Co~z~en~s Regarding The VisiOn for Downtown Dubuc/ue As a recent newcomer to the city (1998), I see much that is positive happening downtown. However, I don't go down often 701 personally., because not much retail as a draw, when I'm on the west side of the city. Also just not easy to learn downtown ar~a because of bluffs, river, one-way streets etc. Don't knock down any more buildings! Didn't they do enough 703 wreckage 40 years ago? ~o wonder its such a big project to re/ouild. roads downtown. Tax incentives needed for downtown 705 development - commercial & housing - very bad. Maintain and Restore historic character downtown - do not tear down old buildings, restore them. I have observed from personal experience how an older part of Chicago just north of t~e loop was safe and vibrant when these 708 young people came hom~ from their jobs and lived in nice apar~ents above the stores to enjoy the restaurants and made the area safe at night. Open 'Main street] Too much end, basis on low-income housing - we need to attract the professional who will Work there. 710 Plenty of educational o~portunities in Dbq a!re~dy, Keep the parks we I do not agree with the opening of the plaza. Feel that it 711 should not he reopened. Peel that downtown is easier to get around with Plaza closed. We've got to do it NOW! Times a-wasting. Look at Salena! Check out Aspen, Co! Both of these ~big towns" have earned the 712 value of an~istoric do~rntownwhich houses wonderful businesses both unique & necessar~ as well as providing areas for great cultural and educational events: - Nancy WOodin I came from a small town in Iowa - to visit friends living in Dubuque in 1998 & have art degrees - I ended up staying here because of the opportunities & the historical appeal to me. 713 since I've lived here & the in,tease of. crime obviously some people take no pride living here! 715 Downtown 'should be better th~n downtown Galena I live close to downtown Dubuque, ~nd it would be nice if downto~rn Dubuque h~d some of the se/ne discount retailers as the West End i.e. Aldi's, Dolla3~ stores, etc. There is ne discount grocery store on this end of town and it is 716 inconvenient for folks to always have to run out to the West End just for milk and bread. 719 Have special events: such as: Jazs lest, taste of Dubuque, I feel Downtown Dubuque needs to be like a little Salena lots 720 of small shops & some outlet malls would be nice. But restrooms around for outside activities. Don't go so elaborate stay sidle smad grow. i If people are going to live downtow~ we need to have stores 722 with general everyday needs instead of. having to run out to the west end. 724 Do not open main street 725 Until you get people living downtown and with money to spend, you are not going to revive downtown. To open up Town Clock makes me sick, the money being spent will not help retail business reopen. Use your head - look at 729 other cities, unless something really unique is accomplished, the money will be wasted. 731 Historic character emphasized to enhance tourism The n~ain street area should re~in closed] I like many other Dubuquers stopped co~ing downtown long ago. I got tired when 732 every time I came downtown to shop I got a parking ticket. We finally said ~that's enough" and we just don' t come down unless its absolutely necessary. Do sor~ething with ~eters. It ia a down fall when it comes to 733 shopping or events downtown. When you have to keep checking meters. Would love to see condos overlooking the river area. See 736 Cincinnati for a beautiful river areas. I think its time we forgot about retail business in this area 737 and accept the fact that the west end has that. This whole area is an office area. Downtown needs to cleanup - it looks dirty and rundown; when I 738 have to drive there that I don't want to go! Don't compete with the west side of town. Utilize the waterfront. Continue to host festivals to cLraw people there. 740 Encourage cleanup of the old buildings upon entering our city from the Dubuque-Wisconsin bridge. Attract tourists and residents with unique offerings - re-establish music in the park at Washington park. I gave 3's and 4's to the fifteen categories above because I believe all of these are important. I would like to see 745 cultural arts, professional businesses, and shopping, with m~ss transit accessibility. Give priority to green spaces, too. ~ost downtown buildings have multilevels which are vacant - iow or no interest loans so property owners could develop this 747 space for professional offices - apartments - unique shops - restaurants - elevators a must] 748 Mass transit available at night] Leave the old historic buildings stand to ~intain for 749 futumegenerations. As of this date (7-2-01) there has been too many torn down parking lots (have ~nough of them now). Also consider transit for night (had it years ago]) Additional Co~nents Regarding The Vision for Downtown D%%buque Get rid of the parking meters - they are chasing business away 753 from downtown. Thank goodness the west end isn't bombarded with these nuisances. Restroon~ in,cable car square, other areas. People of all 755 ages co~ to see, ~hop, experience Dubuque. No meter parking, more parking for custon~rs. Events & activities for people to come to. Should yo~ choose to put more housing in the area you need 756 other amenities so go with it. You cannot have one without the other. Fulfill their needs to keep t~em there and to being others We would like to see the downtown are to be offices, few small 759 restaurants, elderly housing.. We would like to see the riverfront Development to be area of action - shops, activities, civic events, etc. 766 Keep it clean & inviting to all Need restaurants, cafes, a place to walk around with family in 767 evenings. Don't tear down' old buildings if they're still. useful or can be restored. 768 Re~ove parking meters from dubuque I do not want to see FAin street and the adjoining streets 771 opened to traffic. I would like the plaza environment maintained and er~hanced. More fun activities, cultural events. Some more modern buildings, we now have too many old historic boring buildings, 772 the old historic stuff is overdone already - unless you are somewhere in the 60+ age range. I worked in downtown Dubuque for nearly 60 years and would 773 like to see the downtown m~ll closed to vehicular traffic. I think it is wonderful to try to make our downtown as 774 beautiful and useable as the many great places we have in this city, Would like to maintain and even enhance the historic character 775 of downtown. Rejuvenate old buildings, provide historical data about significant buildings that could be read at all the sites. Encourage town square atmosphere. The use of preservation & tax incentives to create cuitural, 776 historical, and economic growth. 778 Opening main street will accomplish nothing. We need aca~ous type downtown. Keep traffic out of a~ea, route around. 779 Nothing downtown for the average person Dubuque is a beautiful, historic city. I'd love to be able to 780 keep the charm and lume new business to the downtown to keep it alive. Something needs to be done a~out the unsafe buildings. More upscale housing would improve property values in general plus 783 having more law abiding citizens. Downtown living is wonderful but people fear that it is safe. Bad landlords hav~ bad tenants. Like Key A~ts. Stop all the little shops and try to get larger shops in. We can only have so n~/ay craft & novelty stores. Id like to be 784 able to purchase things like in the past but too old to enjoy that era again. Once the Roshells & Stam~ fers mo~d out so did the town. Tourists might be able to ~e fine for the tourists but not for us who have to live & shop for cue daily Leave the Plaza closed to traffic. 8u St. did not help our 787 downtown at all! 788 Keep plaza closed, use money to fix street in town. Just a note: instead of all the services for the poor, maybe teach in school, community & in church how to respect things & care for homes, toys, self, cars! Also to manage money. They 790 all meem to smoke, waste food, let garbage smell, have TV, lounge, expect others for childcare & payments of all sorts. Most drink, have out of wedlock or ntunerous children, even com~uters! You will never get people back downtown for regular retail or 791 grocery shopping, but more unique shops, restaurants, tourist I do not see downtown as a retail hub. That is not to say 792 there is no need for some rental businesses: dtrugstore, shoe repair shop, etc. I believe there needs to be 2 way traffic movement on bluff street - public restroo~ & public green spaces in the c~ble 798 car area - maintain ~he historic integrity of thm downtown & m~ke it more difficult to tear down historic buildings. Additional Conunents Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Everyone is doing a great job, keep up the good work, we look forward to the future of the Dbq downtown. Out future in DBQ is ver~ bright Fewer lway streets, no parking meters My vision ~ncludes all of the above elements, also and especially my vision includes a lighted rail trolley car ty~e system. Historic buildings should me saves and preserved wherever possible. Any new designs (buildings, store fronts, parks, etc. ) should reflect the Victorian river town m~tif. Dubuque has the potential to do this better than any other town on the I would like to see more education offered to adults to get better job el~portunities. Get rid of parkingmeters. W-hen I go downtown I visit the bluff street stores. It would be nice to see it built up like Galena, a few more unique shops' or outlet stores, if we can m~ntain the historic character. Washington park is the perfect place for the arts fair. The five flags theatre upstairs needs to be changed, the seats are too close together and I refuse to buy tickets to be uncon~f0rtable for 2 hours. We visited Prairie du Chien last week and they Have done great things with their riverfront, but neglected the downtown area. I hope we don't ~uke that san~ mistake. I would like to see some corporate offices locate in this area. These people may be interested in upscale apartments. I would think that the apartment houses would have their own parking facilities. Maintain and restore buildings, open more shops, beautify the area, patrol for safety of all, get people gainful employment and limit welfare aid. I am very upset with the decision to open up town clock plaza to traffic. Openlng up the street won' t substantially increase parking or consumers' desires to shop in the area. Dubuque is out. Eliminate one-way streets. Open Main St. to traffic and handica~ed parking, stop blocking streets with buildings and encourage restoration of storefronts. Please don't waste any more money on opening PLain St. It will ~ot bring people downtown to shop. At the corner of Dodge and Hwy. 20 it would be neat to have a fountain ~ a color wheel of lights reflecting on it. Dubuque could be the top transit area in the ~lidwest. Preserving our historical buildings is a must, along with other unique uourmst activities. And no= priced sky high. 838 840 841 842 I Cultural arts, recreational opportunities, entertairnnent, tourism ~menities will bring in the tourists with the money to help Dubuque to continue to grow and prosper. Helping ~lo~/nent and also keep your local residents. I very much want DBQ. to liv~ up to its potential. We are going in the right direction. Thank You! Many people like myself worked most or all of our lives, in a field of iow pay. NO benefits of a~ykind. We had to pay all of our lives for our health insurance and, now at this stage particularly, our prescription drug=. This did not allow us to save in any appreciable amount for our senior years. But wc did manage to keep our creditors from our doors, by living very frugally. I know this has notking to do with this =urvey in most peoples' opinions. However, it docs affect the way we are now able to live. We have no pensions, but still as the ravages of ages creep up on us, wc would still like to a have an affordable living unit in a safe environment, that also has enough ~pace to allow our grown children and grandchildren to visit for a weekend. 845 Provide free parking, to bring people back to the area. ~uit making parking lots. Offer incentives to i~orove living 846 spaces above stores (especially by making larger apartments.) Maybe develop an old factory building, e.g. eagle Window or Regency buildings into middle or upscale housing. I as well as many others in my age group would like increased 847 en~lo!rment opportunities in DBQ. Many people in ~y age group have left DBQ. to pursue better paying jobs. I don~t like to see the town clock moved. It. was a nice asset 848 to the clock area. Still want special downtown as food vendors and crafts etc... This spring I went to many historic towns. Burlington, IA, Fort Madison, IA. nd St. Louis to na~e a few. All these towns 849 have one thing in common; they don't have parking meters. Get rid of those ugly things. Additional Con~uents Regarding The Vision for Downtown D~/ouque For mass transit: the idea of a trolley car rail service is a perfect way to connect the downtown, 'cable car square, new riverfront attractions and future growth =p and down stream. 852 It's not as ex~ensive as the mayor believes. If Sioux City, IA. Can do it_so can Dubuque. It's another attraction for tourists and it would match the historic downtown character. Since the downtown includes the ice ha=bbr and main street there should be a unifying .theme that brings together the ice harbor, cable car square and the main street area into a 853 cohesive downtown. As a river city the main street/town clock area has to have a river theme. The ri~r is the hook- its what made Dubuque & that's what brings the tourists. Emphasis on Dubuque being the oldest city in IA. Cleanup and maintain the old ~uildings. No more parking lots and don' t 855 tear our treasures- the historic buildings. Old buildings must be appreciated! Dubuque should not be like Davenport, Waterloo or Cedar Rapids. Don't. tear down historical buildings for anything, including 856 jail space. Dubuque definitely needs better/more restaurants. I would also a~preciate more smoke free environment. As a relati~ newcomer to Dubuque, I have been extremely impressed with the. 859 efforts of all our city/civic leaders and planners. The city has already improved a great deal in the past 5 years. Th~nk you & keep up the great work. Make land~ords keep up their property. Keep the iow income 863 out. I understand we now have a new manager for the 5 flags center. 864 Maybe now it will start being used more. Dubuque cannot prosper on tourism alone. We need better paying jobs so Dubuquers can also afford to be tourists in 865 their own town. We need decent paying, not minimum paying, jobs. Educated people that will draw good con~Danies to to Dubuque. 866 Can't · Although I don't visit downtown area as often, it is because there is nothing down there to offer me. It's v~ important 868 to me t~at downtown include more shopping, restaurants and entertainment etc... Dubuque utterly lacks an excellent restaurant other than the countr~ club. Why should outstanding food be limited to 870 Galena? I'd like to see the quality of Perl-y St. Brasserie- in Dubuque. The town'would certainly support it. Non-smoking establishments. This questionnaire is a little disappointing. Of course we all want green space, bike access, and increased emplo!rm~nt. This city has to realize people don' t come to see parking 872 s~aces & new office buildings. If you have ever traveled anywhere you would realize that our Dubuque treasure is in our o1~ buildings and unique beautiful bluffs. The pedestrians should have access to assortraent of shops, 875 nightly entertainment~ arts and poetry, both professional and ~ma teur theater. 876 The need for building to look welcoming to visitors. 879 Bike access is also ~r~ ~ortant! We hank at Amer. Trust, shop at Walkers & Gruhams, and use 880 N.I.C.C. services. Go to the casino and eat lunch. The city bus collected a lot of tax money from the downtown 881 area amd spent it on other places. It's about time they spent some tax money buck downtown where they got it. Resources used to re-create downtow~ as a ~jor shopping 887 successful transition due to a changing nu%rket place. Build on what we have. I would love to see the plaza stay closed, hut redone, could 888 he a beautiful area for walkers in area & visitors also. Would like to stop building parking ramps; that is all you can 894 This town desperately needs unskilled labor jobs in the 12- 895 dolls= an hour araount. The 8 dollar an hour amount is nothing hut slave labo= ~nd is hard for the country and the community. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque I would like to see downtown rejuvenated to help prevent 902 The first and most important is to open Main Street to vehicular traffic. This is the age of the automobile, and the total downtown just be accessible, even just to cLrive by and 904 observe the business located there. With Lower Main Coming to life, upper Main will become totally isolated if the street is not opened to traffic. Retail will never happen. I agree with River Project but dead. 906 against this! Shaa~ on the "city" for allowing American Trust to own the hlackstone and not maintain it, then cry financial hardship regarding the rebec of it. If they would of maintained it as 909 a private citizen would have had to do, we would have one more piece of our important historical architecture still standing. A~erican Trust violated the vision for the heart of our city. May it never happen again! 1- Keep tow~ clock as focal point - 2- If main street opened- 9t2 no parking on street - pick up and drop off online, t prefer closed AsIs. 3- Preserve pedestrian atmosphere as much as possible. Maintaining historic character is ver~ high on the list. We 913 are going to be a tourist center and people want to look ~at beautiful, old buildings that are restored! Galena! I would like to see something like Galena, IL for our downtown with the easy accessibility you might see in a city in 914 Minnesota (where they cater to fitness - walking, hiking) there is always a trail with easy ac=ess to get to. ~ I hope for a downtown that's inviting to all ages, young & 916 old, an~people of many ethnic backgrounds. I look for beauty (flowers, green spaces, restful benches) as well as buildings & streets that are clean and well maintained. Dubuque, IA has a downtown full of history - it is located on the Mississippi and the city itself has a spectacular view - what a beautiful city. My~ision for downtown is 'to have an 919 invitiDg atmosphere for CUltural diversity and entertainment. With three colleges here we need to give sc~ne culture to the city, inviting students, professors & tourists. We need to utilize our assets to be unique. I would like to see a downtown easily accessible with wide 922 open green spaces, but it should be enjoyed by all and not just ones who can afford to live in a very nice area. In other words, not exclusive to the wealthy. I feel opening the.downtown mall to traffic is a waste of our money. Itshouldbe up d~ted to reflect Dubuque's history. 923 The fact that this area has parking meters is ridiculous. This area should be redone for the food of the con~uunity not just for tourism. A bike path connecting all parts of D~buque would be ~ nice!. Check out Cedar Falls or Rochester for some examples. 924 Wide cement paths for ~unning, biking, rol!erblading, family walks. That would be great! 927 I would like to see better street accessibility - its very complicated driving in the ~owntown area. Also no ticket enforceanent on Saturday. Merchants should be giving priority for their loading and unloading as that I feel is also important to attract merchants to the area. ~ake total use of restored buildings with business on main floor, all other floors can be used as office space or housing 928 areas -- there are three parking r~s in a few block areas that are never full that can cover business personnel. Keep street for customers or for housing tenants. Like to see more retail for shopping and entertainment like 929 movie theatre. It would be nice to have a downtown with enough interesting 930 exciting lively things to do without having a mass exodus to the ~11 or bars outside of Dubuque. Downtown need~ to keep people downtown. There is a great need for visitors restrooms in the cable car 934 Downtown ahs been overlooked way too long. Property owners 935 pay taxes too. W-nat is the problem? Ail one ever hears about is the west end of Dubuque. Have we lost the real start and heart, of Dubuque? Wake 937 ~xing upscale housing with low to moderate housing will not work. Some businesses like the logging are part of history & shouldn't have to move. A riverwalk like in Davenport with benches, picnic areas, shops, restaurants, lodging would be 939 nice to have along the river. Have discounted tiakets for Dubuque residents for the riverfront project. It sounds expensive to return over and over. Want to experience it without the cost. We must replace Prescott school in order that our ,,downtown" kids have a decent facility %o attain their ecb/cational needs. 944 We absolutelyneed a "General" merchandise store and some good services/schedules are ~r~ important. Maintain a strong distinction between educational and cultural 946 opportunities and ga~abling possibilities. Building up the downtown would be beneficial to those of us by 949 Linwood. Tired of everything On the west end. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtow~ Dubuque Too bad you're opening the plaza. Why can' t you have better 951 public transportation like we had in Washington, DC and california - 2 places I've resided Where I always used public trs-nsportation. I just returned from Oshkosh, WI and was annoyed hy the vibrancy of the city. I cant put my finger on it exactly, but it seems alive. The downtown is full of retail and services 952 (not big_department store=, however) even with a 60+ shop outlet mall on the west end. They also ha~ very distance neigkborhoods. 957 Maintain historic character as much as possible Having live at one time in the downtown area for 15 years, fi you have housing downtown, you need to provide free parking too. Unique shopping and historic character are co~lementary 959 to each other. If you want people to li~ downtown, you need to remember to provide them w/ ~'basic needs" sho~ing or appropriate n~ss trans. 960 time It se~m~ to me that priority has to be given either to 965 attracting people to visit and do business downtown or m~ke it amore residential area with necessary services. I would hope for some of both but favor the former over the latter. It must draw tourists, and it n~ast be a place Dubuque 967 residents want to go to - day and night. Activity attracts activity The parking in Dubuque is ridiculous. I spend morehunclreds of dollars a year for parking (meters, tickets, permits, 968 towing expenses) Parking is the only reason I have considered moving from ray bluff St. Apt after 4 % years. Need more business & restaurants. Town clock section needs work. 969 O~eningMain Street will not make a difference but what is located there & parking will. For a truly revitalization of any downtown, mixed-use, especially housing (so people are there ,in evenings and on weekend) is crucial, Another feature that is necessary are 972 real limits on outer-region development on the edges of town to force development back inward (Portland is the best example of this) I think the city ~hould fix the streets in Dubuque instead of spending all that ~ney for downtown because it is not going to help. Randy does a good job with taking care of the 977 flowers in the plaza and it looks very nice. Fix the streets in the city' then think about downtown. I don't think 8=h street did any better opening it up. Fix the streets they need it bad all over. We need to ~intain our historical character culture while 979 bringing new and exciting food, culture, business to bring people back downtown. 982 Maybe a K-Mart or Wal-Mart - restrooms handy - good paying I see the America's River Project as the key to uniting 984 downtown both to attract tourists as well as Dubuquers who great place but we need a variety of good restaurants & shops to get people in the h~oit of going downtown. Why not ask for public input about keeping or opening Town 986 Clock Plaza? I think most of the citizens do not want the street reopened. It will not be beneficial. One thing that is important to the downtown vision is linking the entire downtown to the riverfront project. Opening Lin street to traffic is necessary to accomplish this. ~aving 990 culture, arts, recreation, housing, shopping, restaurants, etc. are i~portant to show we have a vibrant downtown beyond office hoers. We ca,not go back to the way downtown was in its pri~. SO 991 lets make sure it is attractive enough for people & besine~ses to want to spend time and $$ here instead of going "west" 992 Unfortunately I think downtown is dead and cannot be brought back to what it used to be. 993 Don't open Plaza Instead of focusing on the "need" for parking, get together to find ways to reduce the number of cars "needing" parking. 995 Work on employer - sponsored incentives to ~mployees who walk, bike, car pool, or take the bus. Do this together. It must be part of any serious vision of a sustainable future. Additional Co~anents Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Don' t waste money opening Wain St. It won' t bring any new retail ==ores or customers. The area is for banking, Ins. & offices. I ~n ot=~osed to moving the town clock. It is a beautiful landmark in its present location and the plaza is a great meeting place for nmany activities. Any slow downtown will have to keep mall hours if they are to succeed; safety is a concern for me. Could a balcony be installed along the east side of Main, making 2~a floor accessible for businesses, pedestrian traffiC. Housing then on upper floors. Hooking all buildings together or an interior traffic corridor Provide a theatre con~olex to encourage citizens and visitors additional reason to go downtown. Provide various t!r~es of restaura//ts, cafes, cocktail lounges, upscale shopping ~nd unique shops. More trees, flowers ever!~here downtown. I won't nam~ names, but I'm disappointed that a couple people can be so don~ineering to city government when they get product for free and demand the free m~terial. Just because they have money they are allowed to be ignorant. People without money who act that way aren't tolerated, much less allowed to get with chicanery. Dubuque is a wonderful city. It has wonderful buildings and a~mosphere. Let's stop tearing the buildings down and start restoring them to their days. 0ownto~n taus= be different from the Westside. I woulcln' t go downtown if a sia~lar business were elsewhere because you have to pay to park. Businesses m~st be one of a kind for Dubuque to get locals do%rntown. Enticing developers to build/remodel housing in the downtown area is far preferable to having them add to urban sprawls to the west and south. Cooperating with other groups suc~ as school district and social servmce agencies is also very important. Parking is ~tso an important aspect of a future downtown. This should not come at the cost of historic buildings. Use current open slmaces and areas on the edge of the downtown area for this. D~velop shuttles to trm-nsport pedestrians to areas of interest. A~so shuttles from west side hotels/motels. Downtown Dubuque could be a place of education, socialization and tourism. If ~ossible the buildings on Bluff St. namecL.. I belie~ all the apartments over the stones on both (?) and central should be renovated and brought up to stand~rd that would appeal to young people working downtown & one-parent families. To bring ~tality" back to downtown, it needs people. But there needs to be something there that people want/need. Once that is there, the people need to be able to get to it. At the same time, if care is not taken to maintain a pleasant and safe a~nosphere, the people will not stay. Great, over due issue. A collectiv~ vision will allow s!rnergy, but only if choices are made. Ail things to all 1023 people will be failure. We must create a plan. A vibrant city center cor~nunity is vital, and possible. Loft housing, shops, restaurants and businesses all for it. 1033 Having people living downtown again so that downtown shows some signs of life after 5:30. I think it's very i~ortant for tourism gnests to get a nic~ first impression as they come across the bridges. T~ese are 1035 both beautiful areas coming over the river. Let's keep this area clean and polished. Stop allowing businesses such as AmeTican Trust and Fisher Co. to tear down our historic architecture because they didn't 1036 bother to maintain these buildings. Open Main with parking. Small businesses will come if people can access them, not just drive by. I would llke to see an increase in the parking areas & not just building parking ra~ps. You need to bring more shopping areas & entertainment. If it would turn out like Galena has 1037 there downtown area I think everyone would enjoy the downtow~ & the businesses would see more patrons. Thanks for doing the 1038 Money makes the mare go. Dubuque should focus on creating quality, higher paying professional en~ployment opportunities. River project and a trendy downtown will create below minimum wage jobs and put 1040 money into only a few pockets. Hotel is being built to experience but if good jobs are not available people will and ame leaving Dubuque and the tri-state area. accessibility. I live and work downtown. It would be lovely to see Dubuque keep its unique historic 1044 character & not just parking lots. We need to take focus off We hav~ been Dubuquers for over 60 years and the riverfron% has never really~en developed. As baby boomer= are reaching 1045 The g~mblers already have multipl~ problems & tourism is at watch the boats and barge go by. 1. Streets. 2. Restaurants and stores (sidewalk'cafes, bagels, coffee, etc.) 3. Direct link to waterfront customers 1048 via San Fran. Style cable cars. 4. Tax incentives for property owners to spruce up a/%d remodel w/~m~hasis on 1050 Don't open all the downtown streets. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Many people live on the west end a~d I believe they prefer to 1102 visit business & retail shopping closer to home. Personally, I see no need to go to the downtown area for shopping and many others share that sentiment. Restaurants with outside seating, Cineraa center/theatre, etc. 1104 Free 6ff street parking. Keep our unique historical flavor and som~ more retail businesses/shops. Don't please spend mmney for retail businesses! Unique 1106 shopping fine, who's going t9 go downtow~ to do retail shopping? A very few, everything is at the west sidel I live at the point area and would by pass downtown. I think in order to revitalize the downtown district the city 1107 needs to create an area that has something uniq~ae to offer. Something that is not available in another area of the city. I believe downtown needs to be better organized and ~uany houses should be rebuilt. Definitely tear down the boardinU 1108 house on 12=~ & Jackson St. Build a shopping center. Leav~ the town clock are a!6ne. As businesses and ho~s move onto la--and on DBQ. fringes the downtown m~st keep and develop additional unique features. 1110 Tourist attractions, musical & cultural events, gathering spaces & a sense of pride in the location. I chose to live in DBQ. D~2ouque has character. We need a 1111 place to come together often as a co~nunity. My way we can. Provide for the businesses, sh~ps and housing to create a critical, self-sustaining ~ss is important. 1112 Quit tr~ing to ~ke it a retail center & go for the um-ique. I think Main St. should be opened to traffic, with parking 1114 meters for short-termparking. There should be city grants for renovating property downtown. I think police should be concerned for you to be there when you call them to no~ show up 1.5-2 hours later, search your 1115 car, verbally abuse use and don't even offer first aid to you when you've been beaten, robbed and left laying on the steps of Keane ~atl. 1118 Keep Main St..closed! The city focus is an outstanding infor~ati~ and timely 1119 newsletter. Quality of printing, paper and articles reflect professionalism. The more I travel, I realize what a special place Dubuque is. I'm always saying ~the people ef Dubuque don't really realize 1120 how special the downtown area is." I'm thrilled when a building is renovated. Great that the TH told us s-bout the funeral home changes and its new use. 1121 Main St. should be opened as soon as possible. 1123 Open Main St. It will bring business. As a youngster I recall all the hours I spent downtown at 1128 shops, mc~ie theatres and ether businesses. I think we need to get back to that concept for not only our young people but to also create more jeb opportunities and tourism. A successful city should have a diversity of p~ople, housing, 1129 jobs, cultural attractions and opportunities. C~n't rea~_ Don' t destroy our beautiful buildings any ~ore. No more 1130 parking lots, please. 1132 Dubuque should prevent more parking lots. T~ere are more important needs to keep our historical buildings. Open Main St. to traffic, leave clock tower where it is & 1133 incorporate a round about for traffic. Incentive plans for new businesses to open downtown. Wide sidewalks/areas for tables etc. for outside ~ain St. dinning. Don' t worr~ about downtown w/o a way to get people there. Take a drive dow~ Kauf~n, Asbury, West Locust or University ~nd tell me why anyone would want to go downtown. Narrow 1134 streets, sharp corners a~d no maintenance won't get people there. You can also throw in Central and Jackson. People must travel on Dodge or ruin their cars. 1135 ~ Keep Main St. Closed from 54 to 9~. Rebuild some buildings to keep the historic look and put 1136 modern fixtures inside like lights, water and heat. I like my historical building I live & work in and would like 1138 the city to help remove roadblocks in helping to keep it in repair. By the way, we have enough parking lots. Thank you. Don't spend money to open up the plaza. Leave the town clock 1144 where it is. Update and rehab, what is there, downtown is now a business district, banks, and law offices. I remember as a teenager how exciting it was to go shopping dow~town & then go to the Hollywood caf~ for lunch. I know 1145 those days'are gone, hut even a small a~o~nt of excitement would be great for downtown. I belieye it is critical to the successful future of ~BQ. to retain the wonderful character of its old houses & buildings. 1147 This will enhance tourism. Please work to stop needless destruction of older properties, which are all part of the fabric of our history& the inherent charm of the city. 1148 Keep the plaza on Main St. closed. It was a mistake to close downtown. It was a mistake not to get business financial commitment when originally renovated. 1149 Thinking persOnS predicted the eventual arrival of jackhsm~ers! City fathers cannot desig~ or d~m~nd a viable profitable downtown. Whatever happens n~/st be individually financed, net by population. Additional Co~nents Regarding The Vision for Down=own Dubuque L153 I Dubuque needs a change. We just moved here from Fort Worth, Texas. While there we loved that we felt safe walking aro~nd the downtown area at 1157 night! leu always saw a police officer tooling around. Safety, great restaurants & beautiful architecture. Since the 60s urban renewal downtown Dubuque has pretty well been g~tted of most of its historic character and this continues to be a th_rest as other fine old buildings are endangered. If Dubuque is planning a huge improvement along 1158 the riverfront they should keep in mind that tourists don' t come to see acres of parking garages and en~ty retail storefronts. Shopping is dead in downtown for most retailers but specialty stores that can be visited, on foot or by shuttle ~ould draw visitors downtown. Don't forget about the good jobs that are currently in the downtown area. Both that use the river and those that don' t. I feel people are trying to push out businesses that need 1159 river to operate. 'People around the world need these goods too! And the Mississippi is just one of the ways to get there. We all need to eat. Be sure to mak~e it handicap accessible, one-way traffic & be 1160 able to block off street for festivals. Have angled parking like Galena. Benches are import, ant.. Let's build on unique strengths the history and architecture 1163 and make it something beth Dubuque and its visitors find user friendly. So all guests and Dubuque's feel welcome. 1164 Save down~own & make it all look old. I remember a downtown w/Christmas trees in Washington Park, Dubuque being called X-mas Angel City, I think it was. Now the 1167 area is dead. Reopening the downtown plaza is the right thing to do, it's long over due, when I was a kid it was being torn up, I knew then it wasn't going to work. Don' t open Lin St. Use mO building for events like Xmas displays, Halloween, etc. Also work with 5 flags for more 1170 affor~ab!e events.. Don' t move townclock again. Listen to the people who respond. Thanks. Increasing downtown housing of all tlr~es will increase 1171 opportunity for general retail owners. b~aintain character of downtown. Work with buildings in 1175 existence to create son. thing unique & special to Dubuque. Downtown has a unique historic character. Keeping it is very 1176 in. errant. ' Please clear up this tower and fix your po,thole patched up streets. Dubuque looks run down and poverty bound. There's 1177 trash and run down buil~ings all over town. ~et out of the year 1972! How about a dee~nt n~ll? 1179 C~'t read_. Condos w/river view & within building parking ramps. A new 1182 civic center seating 1500. Low-med housing to north end. Restore old buildings & build old buildings. Although I don't work downtown now, ~I did enjoy taking my 1185 lunch and visiting w/other en~oloyee~ of the downtown district, walking and shopping. I still shop the. re and also enjoy attencL{ng the performances and different activities around the town clock. It would be sha~e to lose that area by opening to a street. More street lighting on Locust, Main, Iowa, and Central. Downtown is too dark to encourage new businesses and people. 1186 Also lift the ba~ on business signs etc. Signs lit up make . the area to look alive and welcome people. 1187 Dubuque must fight to keep it's historical character. Get tough about it. Stand strong. No more parking lots please. Save what little historical 1188 buildings we have left. Help owners with funds to renovate and use these buildings. Top priority is to keep the historical character. Dubuque could have been more beautiful than Galena, but it has allowed 1189 too many of its historical buildings be destroyed. Don't allow this to continue. The city has allowed too many of our beautiful buildings to be 1190 torn down. Stop this now. Make more green areas along ri~r w/picnic benches to sit and 1192 enjoy the river w/out buildings blocking you or benches filling up the view. Get a set of pL%blic restrooms for the 4tn and Bluff area. The city~mlstmake its n~mber one priority Maintaining 1193 historic character by not allowing any historic buildings destroyed. The river & ice harbor provide a good base for drawing people for leisure activities. An opportunity to ex~and upon this as 1194 a focus. Keep the.historic flavor & when the people come, the growth of business will follow. Pleas no more parking lots. Save our 1800-1900 beautiful 1195 buildings. No more parking lots. City should use funds to help preserve 1196 historical buildings and improve downtown streets. Dubuque has good schools, three colleges and many cultural opportunities. There is a need for good low to moderate 1197 housing preferably mixed. We have a great historical character that can be enhanced by unique shopping ~nd project will bear much fruit. I can't see where opening the mall will help the downtown 1198 unless there are major retailers and grocer~ stores to draw people. Our downtown should be restored to its original state, Our downtown should offer beauty of our historic buildings along with business access. We need to be able to have access to 1199 shopping downtown and have it thrive just as the west end. Our downtown had many good things years ago and it should not have changed. town clock. It would be shame to lose that area by opening to a street. More street lighting on Locust, Main, Iowa, and Central. Downtown is too dark to encourage new businesses and people. 1186 Also lift the 5an on business signs etc. Signs lit up n~ke the area to look alive and welcome people. 1187 Dubuque must fight to keep it's historical character. Get tough about it. Stand strong. No more parking lots please. Save what little historical 1188 buildings we have left. Help owners with funds to renovate and use these buildings. Top priority is to keep t~e historical character. Dubuqu/e 1189 could have been more beautiful than Galena, but it has allowed too many of its historicaI buildings be destroyed. Don't allow this to continue. The city has allowed too many of our beautiful buildings to be 1190 torn down. Stop this now. Make more green areas along river w/picnic benches to sit and 1192 enjoy the river w/out buildings blocking you or benches fitling up the view. Get a set of public restrooms for the 4~ and Bluff area. The city must ma~e its number one priority Maintaining 1193 historic character by not allowing any historic buildings destroyed. Theriver & ice harbor provide a good base for drawing people for leisure activities. An opportunity to ex%oand upon this as 1194 a focus. Keep the historic flavor &'when the people come, the growth of business will follow. Pleas no mmre parking lots. 'Save our 1800-1900 beautiful 1195 buildings. No more parking lots. City should use funds to help preserve 1196 historical buildings and improve downtown streets. Dubuque has good schools, three colleges and many cultural opportunities. There is a need for good iow to moderate 1197 housing preferably mixed. We have a great historical character that can be enhanced by unique shopping and restaurants, etc. I have gr~at hope that the America's river project will bear much fruit. I can't see where op~ning the mall wall help the downtown 1198 unless there ame major retailers and. grocery stores to draw people. Our dow~town should be restored to its original,state. Our downtown should offer beauty of our historic buildings along with business access. We need to be uble to have access to 1199 shopping downtown and have it thrive just as the west end. Our dmwntown had many good things years ago and it should not Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque I would like Main St. to be the center for educational 1201 institution, corporate offices and public green areas with mini gardens where people can relax. Central avenue can be the C~3lxt read.. Parking is ver~ important also, but not tearing down historic 1202 building to make parking lots. Keep the flavor of the area unique. Its our old town, leave the existing hon~s. Downtown Dubuque of pre 70s is b~st, revitalize. Tourism businesses should be contained; downtown Dubuque should target 1203 citizens, not tourists. Don't sell out a~d don't be afraid to try something unique. Money isn't everything Hope you open Main to traffic, b~ke accessible and make it 1209 brighter. Now no one goes downtown at night too dark & deserted. Would like to see restaurants and stores. Onr downtown should be a nice place with safe, easy access and be interesting. Maintaining the historical features and making 1211 it a focal point for culture, art and education will drive tourism and b~ing Dubuque more money for future development. 1212 Can't read.. You will never get the downtown area back to what it used to be. Urban renewal ruined our downtown. Mut at least, 1213 preserve what we have left. The new buildings & parking lots will never have the character and ambiance the old buildings have. . . . to save the renn~ining buildings, malntalnlng Spend 1216 the uniqueness of the downtown area. Create opportunities for p~ople to come and visit Dubuque & enjoy our great town, Dubuque could be the Galena of IA. 1217 Downtown must be a comfortable, open area where people can gather. 1218 Must open plaza. Connect to other things happening downtown. Dubuque is the oldest city in Iowa & I feel very proud that I live here. I love all of her older gorgeous buildings. The 1220 architecture & building styles are magnificent. We as a city should be doing everything possible to preserve these buildings. Not raising them for more parking lots. Get rid of the parking n~ters. Make use of the riverfront. 1222 Wouldn't it be great to u~%ke a m~an ~de swin~mlng area, beach area and park? Its foolish and short sighted to open Main St. The area already has solid office workers and student base. Build on 1223 that. Include tourist to this and fill entry buildings with businesses meeting need~ of these 3 groups of people. Mousing is interesting rec. People don't visit Dubuque because its like e~wbere else, yet we seem to be tearing down so mn/ch of our historic 1224 buildings because it_ costs less to build new structures. Cost can also be measured in what is taken away from us. We need to restore & require consistent architectural designs. (Betty Janes). We need to.restore and design consistent architectural deigns. To be most successful, downtown Dubuque needs to include everything from Retail 2 public spaces, to colqporate offices, to housing. Already does this to some extent, but it could be !225 n~/ch better, I believe that phase of movement t~oughout the downtow~ could be the most effecti~ way to accomplish our goals. 1226 Encourage college and young people to work and llve downtown, 1231 Do not reopen main street. Leave the plaza closed, small unique shops could surround the plaza, gore St. Cloud ~nnesota and s~e what they've done, pay 1235 a decent wage, the economy in Dubuque is horrible, you ever tried to live on 7 dollars per hour? Terry Dougan is the only one in office who cares. I believe Main Street has to be opened to traffic from one end 1237 to the other for downtown to remain the heart of the city. W-hen a plan is drawn up, fo~low it, don' t start without 1238 finishing a project, make the whole area look good before the completion of the Riverfrent Project so the rest of downtown 1239 I like the closed downtown. I feel that the place should remain closed and the vision 1241 should 00ncentrate on what is'existing and ~king that better, not change from what it is. I'm not in favor of opening tow~ clock plaza, If you do, don't move the town clock, no more shops like 4~ street, enough is ~242 enough of that stuff, new that bit. Hartig got his way, he should put his money where his mouth is and open a store in town clock plaza again, we need one there. If you restore the old buildings downtown, the rest will fall 1245 into place, don't put parking ahead of the real substance. 1244 ~ake it your goal to save the old buildings. Retain the historic stock of hon~s and co~anercial businesses is very i~ortant. This is one of the aspects that m~kes our 1245 city unique, as well as marketuble to others. Please do not sacrifice viable historic properties for parking space. shops. A festival environment with trees and decorative 1246 lighting at night. Bus and ~rolley and tram services that continually runs from riverfront to parking struct~=es to downtown. Not only to maintain historic character, but to incentivize. First and foremost is to stop tearing the~ down, the to work 1247 with people to restore them. I~wish people would realize what the historic assets Dubuque has instead of looking fo= more parking lots. Downtown employees should work with mass transportation - to get schedules worked out for employees something into harbor 1248 and lower, main, if mass transit is not in, roved, the more old buildings will have to come down for parking. 1250 De not open main street to auto traffic, with new r~ there is adequate parking availuble. Additional Cor~aents Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque The reality s that housing will not support a happening downtown sc~ne. Conanerce and cultural opportunities coupled 1251 with historical open and green areas are the only workable sustainable combination. 1253 Increased emplo!rment opportunities are a number I to the city overall, not to just downtown. Do not re, hOVe the plaza, it is an aweso~ place for festivals, 1256 music, etc. tmutting a street back through there is the worst thing you can do. A rail trolley idea is fantastic, put parking son, where else, protect architecturally beautiful buildings, give those with 1259 vision the opportunity to restore them to their original glory for future generations. We cant bring back the ones that ame gone, but we must appreciate the ones that we have left. 1260 I~ortant, bring in a grocery store for downtown, rather than expensive mini-marts, Aldis would be ideal I would like to see free parking meters on Saturdays, you want 1262 people to attend activities that are usually on weekends and have to worry about getting back to car before m~ter expires? I feel we need so spend some money to refurnish our money to 1263 use clock are, but do not want to open it to offices. The city is too dependant on park m~ter revenue, find a new 1264 source for that money a/~d r~move the meters, stop d~olition of older buildings for parking lots. More parking wo~ld get people like me back downtown, eliminate 1265 the town clock square. We need to erect the drug pushers in the downtown area- with 1266 extreme prejudice, clean up the area if you want people downtown. The quaint historical nature of Dubuque is one of our most valuable assets. Increasing historical districts and support 1269 for rehabilitation of these districts will help provide a unique setting in which arts tourism and culture can flourish. Make parking in such a way so trucks vans s~ort utility vehicles cannot park at corners, they are so big that one 1270 cannot see traffic until your in the street, also change your mind and don't open the plaza. We have plenty of parking, start maintaining the historical buildings, Dubuque has incredible potential to become a 1274 wonderful tourist town, it has been held back by outdated thinking and apathy by its leaders, enough of this, lets get moving into the future. We believe that opening~n street i$ a mistake even though 1275 that thought is now a moot point. 1276 Red lobster books stores, green spaces fixed np, fix up old buildings More activity on ~in street between 10~ and 8=", examples 1278 bars, restaurants, shopping, outdoor activities. Check with Grand Junction~ Co for their ~Amt on the Conners" 1281 and main street parking design. You wont have a successful downtown without a residential base, the city should offe~ financial incentive to renovate or 1282 build new rental units downtown. These rental units should offer off street parking, ect. W~ile the present trend continues, downtown Dubuque will consist of empty buildings and parking lots owned by the fisher companies. It would be nice to be able to get a bagel and good cup of 1283 coffee before work, a convenience store would be nice too, Take a look at other towns & cities to see how they successfully m~intain their do~rntown, I moved from Dallas even 1285 though it is a large scale, the core is the sa~e historical areaand warehouses that were transformed into nightlife for residents. 1288 Something that really ties our downtown with the riverfront. If we make the downtown more open historic and desirable, I 1290 feel business will come, If we get unique business, more people will go downtown for them The downtown vision is ve~ ~ortant, it should be comprehensive - extended from Dodge to 17~h street. The oity 1292 should focus more on the revise of downtown property and downtown s~-ucture than spending dollars on industrial and tech.parks that create urban sprawl. If they are going to spend the money, do it right ~nd make it 1293 classy, provide open spaces for the professionals downtown and get rid of the slunany apartments and make living downtown a privilege and not a punishment. Your downtown map bounc%ary should be expanded to include the block between 8~ and 9~ street which is west of bluff and east of hill street even though this are includes the TH and 1297 dar~ cleaners, it includes some old commercial buildings are a direct link to downtown. Also, a decision on opening or closing of downtown plaza should hav~ not have been made prior to the completion of the downtown comprehensive master plan. Additional Conunents Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Don't use term downtown, it is too reminiscent of something that will never again exist like it once did. Heart of the 1302 city is a better term or city center. Real need for public restrooms at strategic locations, 44 street, shops, etc. Do not open main street, do necessary maintenance to mall, use money ~aved to reduce weekly parking rate, thereby making it 1304 easier for people to work downtown. The days of big stores and shopping downtown are gone, attender to recreate 40's and 50's are equal to pushing on a rop~. Leave town clock plaza as it is, de not open to traffic, at 1305 th~ least, please leave the tower clock where it is, the area is great for the craft shops, jazz festivals, and for walking with no traffic. 1306 Do not destroy buildings to create parking. Dubuque needs better restaurants more than most things. I am willing to pay more for a nice meal with atmosphere but there 1314 is perhaps one in Dubuque where the food is worth eating and one with great atmosphere, but the food is second rate. I usually go to Galena, parking meters should go. Upon the opening of the plaza, we need to increase business, fine res.taurants, and tourism whic~ will increase em~lo!rment. 1316 Dbq needs to enter the new century but acknowledge its historical roots. This is not for downtown, but there is a need for parking at the airport for people who are either seeing people off or 1319 meeting people, Monday we parked off in the booniez, but blue car was parking i ~ hours in the loading zone. Pay parking penalized the use of downtown for shopping and 1323 ev, ents, St~ Lukes Methodist Church is our Church 12~ and bi, in keeping the downtown alive 7 days a week is a positive - reflection on our Church being an alive Church 7 days a week. I believe t~is is a great time to add to the tourism possibilities brought forth by the Americas River Project. 1324 envision the area south of 9th street a bustling area of shops, bars, and light retail. My vision of downtown would be ver~ similar to that of downtown Loveland, Co. Please check their website too. You will know what I mean. %V%w%v. L0¥¢hlld.0r~ Then click on 1328 cb~er of con~erce, then go to arts and cultural. This questionnaire was con%olete after discussion with m~ sister now living in southwest Iowa. Hopefully she will come back to see hometown in a few years. Rather than complete the survey enclosed, I prefer to e~ress m~ thoughts in general, as some of the choices on the survey clash with others. In my opinion, I think the most obvious effort for the are in question should be aimed at tourism. I've lived through the glory days of downtown Dubuque and they were great days. Hut lets face it, tim~s change and those 1330 days cannot be relived. With the coming transformation of the 4=~ street area and the ex~ected influx of tourists to Dubuque everything possible should be done to make it easy and convenient to get these tourists to Main m~reets where shops should be encouraged to locate. This would call for the opening of main street, even though I have been opposed to that up until now. Parking then on main street would have to he eliminated to shoppers only. Other parts of the vision downtown are could be used for mixed housing, culture arts professional services, etc. Historical preservation should be an important factor when considering changes but it should necessarily be the dominant factor. There should be give and take while working for the overall good. Exsm~le: the merchants hotel, what an improvement! Now they should clean up the back end of the buildings located on the east side of main street between 3=u St. and 4~ Sat. They are an eye sore. The thoughts listed above are for whatever they are worth. Renovate the old factory buildings, maybe into housing, also use other vacant buildings, rehabilitate as much as possible. I favor the saving of Old historic buildings, I also favor 1335 saving and creating green spaces. Hope that someday the new muse~unof art will be enlarged. I'applaud your commitment to the great M~ssissippi p~oject. My vision would include maintaining the tower clock plaza as it is. This is a beautiful center around which to build. It 1336 is absolutely ignorant to spend 4 million dollars to tear the plaza apart, get real! ~intaining the historic character is in~ortant but it is foolish for the historical society to continue to save 1337 buildings and wait for Occupants that never come. Old empty buildings are an eyesore to the downtown are where they are not cared for. The downtown needs s~11 grocery stores, pharmacies, vision 1340 centers for eye screening and eye glass repair. 1341 Keep historic'buildings, plant more trees. Downtown should a~eal to the local people as well as to the 1342 touri=ts. It-should not s~pport just high priced eateries and living ~aces, etc. So that the locals,get pushed out. More "feel under the table' restaurants'with fmee parking. People wont come downtown to shop unt~ss the absolutely have 1343 to for anything. They are spoiled with the ~'free" mall parking. I enjoy downtow~ Iowa city~ both during the day and at night. 1345 I would like to have a downtown welcome to all age groups. Try to make decisions that will benefit more than Dubuque 1347 Society. 1349 Readily available comfort stations are needed in Dubuque. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque No way to blend new with the old. As much of the best of the old was stupidity destroyed by urban renewal. Now a scow- 1351 paced renewal should take place with quality and beauty and en~pkasized in architecture, efficiency, and adornment with beauty. Style - best of !880's to 1920's. Five flags would not qualify. 1- Please do not open main street. 2- put skywalks from 1353 parking ram~s to buildings and connect all major buildings. DO not believe general retail will ever return downto~rn, too accessible elsewhere. Maintaining historical character will bring tourists, enhance chopping, more employment, and full time residents. The current mall with tourists amenities plus 1354 adequate parking and green spaces should be kept as is. Publicity needed to connect downtown, will remain, 4t~ street and new river area when finished possibly trolley service with 1,2, or 3 day tickets. We would support pedestrian accessibility strongly, we would 1355 be less enthused with bike accessibility. Thank you for the opportunity to voice our choices. Parking must be cheap or free - with a lot of room. Control 1361 river themes, a tie in with Frenc~ th~me or Irish would be good. It would be nice to bare a downtown like Galena with a ~ariety of specialty shops with free parking. Also, more educational 1362 facilities to inform tourists and locals of Dubuque. In the early days, and how it developed into what it is today. 1363 Leave the plaza remodel the town clock area, but no street. I feel mixed housing combats buildings income and therefor educational ghettos which do not serve our con~nunity. Tourism 1364 alone will not sustain a business. Local customers are part of any local business. 1365 Thereis enough low income housing downtown. Visit Door county, Galena, or any other tourist area. Dow~town Dubuque has no chance of surviving unless it develops 1366 those t!r~es of activities. We spend an average of 10005 per year in Door county. We'd invite friends here to do the same. Central should have 2 way traffic with 3== lane for 20 min parking, deliveries, etc. Bus system running tb_roughout 1367 Dubuque with parking allowed on Bus route at resident locations rather th~nparking ramp expenses, property owners woutd be ~ble to profitize on auto parking. 1368 Save the old buildings downtown. Please leave main street closed to traffic. I've traveled all 1369 over the world and don't look for places to shop or to fight traffic. We have a beautiful downtown, lets keep it. A great place to live is a great place to visit. American's River should join thebeginning of a revitalization of the 1370 downtown. Rncouragingkn/il~ing ownems to r~nodel ~pper floors into attractive apartments would be n~ach appreciated. I think' the America's River project should and could be a big 1371 benefit to downtown Dubuque. I worked in dow~town Dubuque and hated paying for parking. 1372 No parking ~aeters downtown. Same as the west side. 1373 Dub=que residents should receive free or reduced entrance fees when bringing visit'ors to downto~n~ ~/seums and attractions. This could be called ~'Ambassador of Dubuque pass." I believe if there were varied types of entertainment in the plaza every weekend, there would be less congestion when ~here is entertainment plus a larger array of people would~e c~rawn 1374 to the area to see what is available downtown. The opening at 8=a street town plaza in its present condition, served only to remove the playground from the downtown area. There is too much parking dow~ntown, but it's not utilized 1376 properly. Get rid of meters. Dubuque has targeted certain areas for iow-income housing. As a result, there is an imbalance in housing downto~rn. i am in favor of leaving downtown clock plaza as it is and not to open it up to traffic, It is so pretty peaceful to work 1377 ~nd sit there. I also think there should be a public vote at the polls for t/~is. Ps. They have good entertainment down there now, the trees are beautiful. Parking is a big problem but most of the time lots of meter ~378 spaces on the streets and private lot space open. We need better management of available spaces and less parking lots. For an improved downtown, if you want people to visit the area, free and more parking is needed. Events such as "all 1383 that Jazz' at the town clock plaza should be held into consideration and the town clock plaza should stay where it is. If business is thriving,r there will Be employment, if no, nol 1384 will work downtown. I believe to get people to downtown you must clean it up, 1385 especially the crime. Retail like Walsh and Eartigs, how about a Cole's dept. store in the old trilog headquarters. (Lots of ram~ parking neark~) 1386 Small shops in the first mall buildings. Leave mall area traffic free turning lane for signal instead of huge sidewalks. We need more access to existing bu'ildings. We need small 1388 parks, shops, laund~ys, and grocery stores. Meed to repair old store fronts in an appropriate manner. I would like to know who decided the boundaries of the 1389 The city must cease tearing down historic properties and cease the process of tnrning our downtown into one great parking 1390 lot. Get rid of the stupid raeters, and control the use of all available lots. Is this the ~heart" of our city because it's the center? The origin of Dubuque? or Dubuque's "lifablood"? Is it for us 1392 residents? Or is it to be an /~ression and ~good time" we give to visitors? Answers to all of these make a big difference in the survey answers. Must we plan everything? Why not an area cr zone where 1393 anything more can happen? It n~ght be su~-prising what can be Public restrooms would be useful, a fairly large area of free 1396 parking, more flowers, plants, shrubs, (well maintained) public arts foundations, s,~mer ice crea~parlors, public information. 1397 I feel the opening of mm~n street is a monumental mistake 139~ especially when it comes to making an area unique, I feel the timing couldn't he worse for what we want no achieve. I wish someone ~ould see the vis.on and reverse the decision to open m~in street. Thanks to all for your interest in our beautiful downtown Dubuque. Restore buildings ba=k to originals, have shops and restaurants promote the history of our city of majestic bluff and the ~ighty Mississippi. B=ing in the new tourists and downtown Dubuque will flourish. Additional Comments Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque I would like to see Town Clock Plaza stay as it is, with specialty shops and restaurants built or occupying existing 1402 buildings on Surrounding the Plaza. Downtown can never go hack to what it was in the 40's and 50's. .We need to improve on what we have. A~y housing must be esthetically pleasing or it will make people fearful downtown will never ~e a retail destination. 1403 It should be targeted as an office park with the plaza maintaining closed. Retail business should cater to workers ~nd tourists. 21 of the ~bcve a~enities are more or less important. The question is how to encourage or finance their development. 1404 Some taxpayers resist any public expenditure not realising that Investing in the future of Dubuque is Essential to economic health of t~e entire con,sanity. I think downtown should be a place that D~uque residents are ~406 attracted to for entertainment as well as n~lking it attractive as a. residential area. I would not like to see Dubuque follow the path Galena has taken which is to create opportunities for tourists at the 1407 expense of opportunities for the people living there. I envision corner groceries that sell produce raised by local farmers; restaurants featuring quality, ~d~estern cuisine'; landscaping that includes plants nativ~ to Dubuque. Don' t take down an!nnore old historic buildings, keep tourist 1409 traffic with mass transit system, public restrooms handicap access and ~t~per level living Stop tearing down historic buildings, stop turning them into 1410 parking lots, get rid of ugly ~modern' buildings i.e. Lodge Additional Cements Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque Mt age and other older cars & wont be able to afford a car. We need our old downtown to come back to life. Stores to go 2 shopping, Dr.'s Offices, and to live in Low income housing & mass transit. A lot of us want to stay independent. Thank you for this questionnaire. 7 Parking meters are a detez~aent to business, forgot the deer hunting (slaughter, anywhere within the city limits!) 8 A/~DI Grocery store Signage is needed to find things - all signs need l~ghts that word, skateboards a problem - on r~mp and sidewalks - people 22 smoking and throwing butts on sidewalks a problem, by ranmps and public buildings, need benches for people to sit- Open main street from 9=" to 5TM like it was when I was younger, take outmeters there are enough parking ram~s which hardly no 23 one uses. Put in more shopping places and entertainment places like Movies Houses instead of having to go way out on the west end to see a movie. And get rid of that tin thing on 54 I think the downtown is beautiful, leave it alone Please take a close look at the Madison capital area & I think 59 that would he a good representation of my view of what downtown Dubuque could be. Thanks. 65 Leave it like it is, no street Clean it up! Fix the streets and alleys - (biggest problem) 75 instead of spending more on these flyers go a cheaper route, most of them end up in the garbage anyway Lea~e the owners to fix up their own buildings. Coming across the Wisconsin bridge into the city, some of the buildings 115 around first & second St. need cleaning up especially the backs that you see co~ng off the bridge, not'very impressing for tourists coming in to Dubuque. I believe dow~town Dubuque is a thing of the past. No one is 121 going to shop and feed parking meters! I think opening up main street is a waste of tax money. I would like to know who is benefitkng from this. Make sure you open main street to two way traffic, with 123 parking The downtown area is the heart of the city so.in order to get people to the heart they need good streets to get around. Our city fathers should ~e ashamed of the disrepair of the downtown streets. We seam to find money for everything but we =ant fix the streets that people dri~ on to get around town. I know that these streets have been patched hut they seed more 167 than patched. They ha~ patch on top of patch, its tim~ to do something else. Before anything else we need to fix the streets downtown - Iowa, Main, Locust, Bluff, 5~, 6~, 7~, 8~, 9~,10~, ~11~, 12~, and 13=h - most of these streets need more than patch they need to be overlaid. Fix the streets and more people will come downtown I believe your own way of creating a good down pro]oct, 170 friends and fm~ly are excited, keep up the good work! Please get the owners to fix up their buildings. The ~oarded 177 windows, plants growing in gutters. They don't need tax cuts. They should get a cut after their buildings are i~proved. The downtown area is a disgrace to Dubuque, that is why the tourists don't come, and Galena gets more than us. There is a need to d_raw a better selection of fast food/ fam/ly friendly restaurants to the downtown to encourage families to spend more time there after visiting the art museum, library, etc. Lack of parking also keeps people from coming downtown - more spaces are needed. Work should begin now to recruit & entice to work in the future downtown Take a bank at Dyersville lately. Consignmen= sho~s places take 4t~ streets shops in nicer settings. Moderately priced but unique placgs to ear ChilcLren's hands on play censers. Tourists will fellow if we have something to offer. The city manager ~ mayor Duggan are the best thing that happened in Dubuque for the last 50 yeams. I ~ opposed to opening to traffic the ~in street. 231 I Like all tourist cities, make the do~rntown a tourist trop 234 I used to go downtown three or four ti~es a week but seldom go downtown anymore. There is nothing ~here, we need a good department store or m~ybe a K-Mart or Target. Parking ~eters Open up Main St. and bring dead downtown back to life, leave the town clock in place and drive around it. Cut the present cement side walk to regular width and remo~ center for new paved St. This would cost rauch less than 4 million. Try to improve area around shot tower, mainly get rid of the fertilizer building. Turn the whole area into a public area and green space. I quit going downtown when you closed main street! An ideal vision involves all aspects as a priority. Don't fall for standards sim~ty because of fashions~le thinking. Leave the downtown plaza like it is. Don't waste our taxpayer money. Lets open ~in street all the way. ~t retail business back. I see no need for apts. or housing on Main St. There are plenty now. It will be great to see Main Street open in the downtown. I would be there a bit more if it were open. W~en the rates were lower the- Locust ra~o was always full. Now there is usually lots of space, When there is a special e~ent downtown there should be free parking, this includes the f~mer's market, etc. prefer ~hat meters be removed. I do not come downtown as there is nothing to shop for. Also I do not like the parking meters. I can go to target Kmart Wal-Mart, the Mall, take the time I want and not worry about parking meters and getting a ticket. 427 This was a difficult survey to narrow downtown the priorities because all the categories together would make an incredible downtown Dubuque. But the charm of Dubuque is found in its architecture. Still people ha~ to have a reason to go downtown be it work, recreation, the arts or to shop and parking has to be accessible. It will be a tough job deciding what's to be done. Good luck. I wish it would have stayed the way it was back in '59 when we had Penny's, the boostone, 5+10 store, Knesies, and some of I the others and there was traffic. It was a shame now I really . enjoyed walking then blocks on weekend to shop. A southwest expressway is needed for properly development of 441 shopping, restaurants, etc. Factor~ development would come alone the expressway. I think you will have to get stores like Penny's -Montgomery Ward and others like it back - throw out meters - get back to 443 what it was in Dub. I have and am sure it can be done that way. At least we would have a place to shop, walk the draw & meet friends once again. Downtown is dead, leave it as it is, spend the money on more 454 worth while projects. 484 Leave street closed 485 Downtown will never be retail again! Forget it! I do not support opening raain street. I believe the city should take more care in trimming the trees in the downtown 488 area, would greatly improve the looks and safety, the cost est. are very high, need more bids. 489 Preserve old buildings preserve the beauty of city by keeping its historic value alive. Find a motivation device to draw more people to DBQ. other than gambling, but capitalize on that to build up the 490 town. Too many pretty old homes are being turned into low income housing & thus being stripped of their character to acco~odate profit. I feel Dubuque needs to be more open to change and needs to 492 provide more positive opportunities for its youth to become responsible adults. 495 I don't like the mall, get stores by downtown and some cafes Additional Co~en=s Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque My vision to help Dubuque would be to stop jake breaking. The 505 signs (the few we have) aren't enough! Lets make Dubuque a quiet exciting place to visit. A~i ot~er cities ha~ "no jake breaks" and its enforced. Make use of the old facilities & buildings by ma~ing apts. Out 507 of them. Like other cities are doing. More shops and small businesses. There is no reason to go downtown now. I would like to see it like it was in the 40s ~nd 50s. Very 517 accessible & places to shop. Dubuque should have left it as it was. Forget ~bout the downtown & help get the traffic out Hwy 20 533 With auto stoplights. I live across from Kennedy Mall. The traffic that many times I go to Davenport to do m~ shopping. My pet peeve ~3ooUt coming dow~town is parking & the cost of 552 it. 2"u, please fix up the streets. 3=u, retain historical . background, especially ~he Brewery. Turn the brewery into a restaurant and shops. 565 Parking on Main St. will be a problem because the employees still use the parking spaces. Use for more tourism, restaurants and corporate offices, etc. t56 Too many shopping centers for a downtown to compete with. Would like ~to see it stay closed area for outdoor activities. Dubuque's hottest attraction i~ its old world feeling. ' This must.be maintained. The river, with the c~nges being ma~e to 589 the waterfront will really enhance old Dubuque. It should be a place where.everyone can enjoy, regardiesS of age or income. Thanks for asking. I seldom visit the area =s there are only four places that ha~e any interest for me. They ~re True Value hardware store, 591 city hall, Green Auto and the boat. I use~ to visit the area quite often until all the larger retail businesses moved. General retail businesses plus ample parking. .No 15-minute 596 ratters. Clothing stores such as Zu=kies formerly downtown. A~other store like Walsh's 603 Please ~nh~-nc~ Dubuque' s ~nique beauty as a pivotal vantage place to see & experience the mighty Mississippi. Charming atmosphere, dining, not eating wi~h chal~n and 611 atmosphere. It should be ~.. Ca~z't =ea~. Specialty shops perhaps... Can't read. 634 I would not like to see Main St. opened, not even to one lane. The city council favors the ~pinions of a few (business 642 o~rners) over the voice of the many (downtown ~rea workers). Downtown businesses should pay mere of the cost of change. Don' t go to the expansion of opening up Main St. traffic. The 650 plaza is good as it is. Ha~ as much free parking as possible T~e grand theater & fi~ flags theater are big ~aws. I feel that a ~vie theatre would ~e great. More restaurants in 655 lower Main would be great. I see the whole area becoming a vibrantattractivebUsy, place. More & more summer flowers ~ very 656 You have delayed it long enough. Do It. 661 We don't believe'in spending a lot of money to change downtown. We spent a lot of money when we changed it and ruined all of down~own. Now we feel as though it is only for professional use, etc. Please don't change the town clock & don't open the streets. Downtown has completely lost its use as a general retail business. 670 Get rid of those silly looking lights. Keep it closed. ! would like to see a combination of retail ~nd commercial, 679 which can succeed if the rents aren't toe high. It will never he what it.was before Cuba~ disaster, but it ca~ be better. Keep Main St. as a park/pedestrian mall. Look at 8~ St. all 707 you see are cars/trucks with parking tickets on them. Use the town clock plaza as a m~morial to veterans. We need something to liven up the area. Good luck in your decision. Don't screw this up by putting in low housing. If you want 718 that, put it on the west end. You people are always willing to report as long as they don't live in your rich neighborhoods. 723 I am totally against opening Main St. I disagree with opening up the mall area to traffic. Enough 743 with the TIF. Our school system needs this lost revenue. 744 Opening Main St. is highly unfeasible. I would like to see specialty shops that are still needed that would bring tourists & Dubuquers back downtown. Like a 751 bakery with a coffee shop. Shoe repair shop, antique shops, old fashion (?). Give the people who want to start a shop. 757 Leave pedestrian mall as is. 761 0~en Main St. to through traffic. 762 Upscale housing hut not at expens~ of arts historic character. We go out of town to shop on a regular basis. We find towns 763 that have no meters and love it. Give us good shopping but keep the historic look. Get rid of the meters. Store buy milk other things. Clock tower area people 764 disabled? 765 I would like to se~ more free parking downtown. 786 More housing for poor people like myself. ~or~ help, more jobs and more opportunities for Hispanics, Please. Whenever possible (monetary wise) I can take a cab to 5 flags, 794 Capri,~Eagle and the barn opera house. The owners of 5 flags & the barn have a little entertainn~nt that I can save up for and partake in. 801 Keep our downtown clean. I would like to see it like it was ~efore the mall came. But 811 I know that's not possible. I miss seeing the hustle and bustle of people there. I would like to see the plaza as a place f~r unique shops such as it is on Bluff St. & antique.shops & good restauramts. 817 hav~ people, come from Las Vegas to shop on Bluff St. at the great shops there. Additional Conunents Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque I haven't been downtown since they changes it there is nothing do~ there you changed in another 25-30 years you'll wan= to spend more money to put it back. If you think us old people Many buildings need a 'clean up' look Mass transit to coincide with Dow~to%rn Districts and riverfron= out to the point area (dog track) Walking capabilities between riverfront and downtown areas. User friendly tr~_nsportation to and from tourist areas - clean signage "Ir~portant" can & should be more carefully and accurately defined because it can be measured in some nuanners "desirable" is aesthetic in its core meaning. This survey doesn't really deal with anything tangible. It ms so flexible that nothing can be pit,ned down = no standard. Any ir~provements or changes should be assessed to land owners s~m41ar to streets. Ope. n the mall Downtown will near fully return to its yesterday appearance. Downtow~ property owners should shoulder the bill for any changes zn the area. The whole Dubuque metro area must be in a plan with the downtown Downto~rn should not only be for tourists but also for the people of Dubuque. As a historic Rivertown, the city needs to expand upon this. Attract people with small town heritage and ha~ the shops and business for them to shop at once they get here. I think there on the right track right now, the way it is - Just add it - more art t!~pe galleries in plaza - they have a built in clientele right now for small restaurants etc. from thousands of office workers I ds not think it im wise to otm~n the street on ~in street. It is too expensive and I like it as it is. Downtown will never change as long as it comts money to park. I think the mos= important thing is to strive for a m~xed use downtown to achieve a good balance. I would like to see living spaces above store fronts, stores that provide basic goods and services so~eople could live downtown and not even meed a cat to get what they need. Too bad Walsh's'~losed! Fix that street in front of post office this is so bad, what a bad first in~oression of DBQ. Have no meters on late Friday, all day Saturday Hum service to take people from rlv~rfront to downtown and back, old ~=in etc. historic signage telling about areas/infoz~nation signs, on location (nu%ps) areas to hold ar= fairs and festivals and out door concerts, public art, places to sit Get rid of the motor cycle noise Leave downtown alone. You messes it up with urban renewal, get rid cf parking meters & you might get something going. You can= function on tourism alone. Residents?cons~rs are traveling out of our city for retail purchases and services. Tremendous need for retail business and ~anchor" dept. stores in out beautiful downtown, thank you. I-believe we are missing a strong housing ~rket by not making ~loft" or upscale apartments in the old war~ouses. I also 1007 believe the arts and parks will bring so much money to town as corporations. I would like a general merchandise store, K n%art, Wal-Mart. 1026 Now I have to go a distance to get home necessities. No more tearing down old buildings to make parking lots. 9-5 1039 businesses for people on lunch hours. More restaurants/side walk cafes Additional Con=nents Regarding The Vision for Downtown Dubuque 1. Must be accomodated to make it easier for public to access what we already have available, plus additions =o come. Capitalize on our charm as Iowa's oldes= city on the bluffs. 3. Get us back downtown, instead of the malls. Selective education perhaps business education or School of fine arts. Above all attract tourists with a Main St. ave of trees, Keep %he town clock ~s is on a reduced platform. Make it town clock corridor. Need green space for events and keep the plaza area open. You are mlesang gmeat opportunity for arts & crafts/dnrama events. By opening the street, you will not encourage business, please review the decision. Poor access to downtown takes 30 to 45 m/hurts from Wal-Mart to downtown on Hwy 20. Along with the river beautification project, this will be our bets opportunity to ever se our downtown revitalized. I hope it goes through for those Dubuquers living today and for future generations to come. This will mean a lot to us older people and ro the younger generations to come. The positives for the downtown versus the mall, or the positives for the mall versus downtown: close some streets in the downtown area-very important. Restrict traffic flow in the downtown area-very ~mportant. Hav~ street parking meters in the downtow~ area-very in~ortant. T~e on-way streets keep retail stores out of the downtown area-very important. The mall & other stores in the West Dubuque area have free parking which people like and enjoy-very important. Downtown street parking meters create stress, pressure and an enduring desire not to shop downtown or for any other activity-very important. AfforcL~/ole housing was and is limited downtown to have and create a successful base for retail stores downtow~ & other activities. Get rid of parking meters. If your businesses or other things take longer you get upset to find a ticket on your window. I think that no one in their right ~ind would open the plaza to motorized traffic. It is so nice to see the workers, students, etc.., enjoying the plaza. I believe people want to stay closed, a~d it should. Cannot see opening plaza, too ~ch money for what? Will no= bring shoppers there. I have good memories of downtown Dubuque.but please as is. And use that money to fix our bad and rough streets that practically knock off parts of our cars & tires. Thanks! I worked downtown for about 45 yrs. I'm Dot sure if opening plaza would do any good and feel you should leave it as it is. Its basic office space & don't think you'll get enough traffic for any businesses to survive. I see Dubuque as a historic downtow~ with professional offices for businesses with a strong tie to the =ourism that will come from lower Main St. The mall should not be changed, it's a definite was=e of S. On the issue of Main St., I believe the street should be opened to ]~mlted au=o traffic & bicycle traffic to encourage retail and restaurant etc. to open. ~ of the street ~or cars one way going from north to south, 1234 the other half for trees, picnic tables, flowers etc. Keep shops s~all & specialty and please keep some green 1258 spaces. Eliminate parking meters stop the destruction of old buildings. I think opening up Main St. is a waste of $ and don't believe the city g=has the money tn waste. When they closed it most 1267 people in DBQ didn't want that done. It will not increase business downtown. You aren't going to allow parking so just leave it be. I would like to see restaurants, entertainment, shopping and cultural arts downtown, and its priority number one. A~e you 1268 people going to actually listen to the public's input? I only hope you do. 1271 Please keep it historic, accessible and no parking meters. Get our downtown area back to the way it used to be before 1279 urban renewal. Also reanove parking meters from certain areas & limited parking for businesses and employees. I love the sculptures and artwork and the sn~all coffee~ shops 1287 restaurants that are in Cedar Rapids (!). This is a monument to stupidity. Citizens won' t benefit from 1312 the operation and their pocket books will never open. Sure the money... Can't read. IX. Community Meeting I Materials DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTI:NS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS |IM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM JOCHUM DAN LOB1ANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SF~TERHENN }OHN WALSH COMMUNITY MEETING I 8 a.m.-Noon · Five Flags Civic Center July 14. 2001 AGENDA 8:00 8:15 8:30 9:15 9:30 9:45 I1:00 12:00 RECEPTION WELCOME & INTRODUCTION - David Wm. Rusk KEYNOTE ADDRESS - David Feehan MISSION & INSTRUCTIONS - Patrick Callahan BREAK SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS SMALL GROUP PRESENTATIONS CONCLUDING REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT * David Wm. Rusk is chairman of the Downtown Planning Committee for the City of Dubuque. Patrick Callahan is an independent consultant with Municipal and County Management Services. ~ DavidFeehan is executive director of the International Downtown Association. The purpose of today's meeting is to engage in an inclusive dialogue about the future of downtown Dubuque and to begin developing a shared commu- tory vis~on that will serve as a foundation to a comprehensive downtown master plan. Community Meeting I July 14 Welcome & Introduction (DWR) Good morning. I'm Dave Rusk. chairman of the City of Dubuque Downtown Planning Committee. Thank you for being here this morning. On behalf of the committee, welcome co what we hope you'll find a provocative and productive morning exchanging views on the future of our dowhtown. Welcome to Commualty Meeting I of the downtown visioning process that the committee has put in place. VISION DOWNTOWN. A FUTUKE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY. Our gathering together this morning is the second stet in the downtown visioning process. The first step was to distribute to'all postal addresses in the city a citizen questionnaire designed to separately gather overall community sennment as to a number of general attributes to be considered in the downtown wsioning and planning process, Incidentally, if you haven't completed and returned the questionnaire that was contained in the Jul~ issue of City Focus. please do so by July 23. There are extra copies here today should you have misplaced yours. Our mission today is to gather input from all of you that will help form an initial draft of VISION DOWNTOWN that will be tested and revised as necessary through subsequent steps in the visioning process. Those steps include a second community meeting on September 15. a reactor group session, and a validation survey. The visioning process will culminate in a shared communit} vision of what we. collectivaly as a city, see for our downtown. We anticipate that the visioning process will conclude late this year with the publication of a final version of VISION DOWNTOWN. Those of you who are familiar with Dubuque's VISION 2000 process of the early 1990's will recognize this approach as mu'ronng that very successful program that Iayed the foundation for the creation of Dubuque's first alt~ council adopted comprehen- sive plan since I936, adopted by the council in 1995. Just as a shared community v~sion lies at the heart of Duhaque's comprehensive plan, so will the work we do today and through the fall eventually lie at the heart of a downtown plan. In themew yom' we will begin work on othar elements of the overall downtown planning process. They include the assess- ment of efisting downtown plans and current realities of the downtown relative to the' shared communit] vision, and ultimately, the creation of a comprehensive downtown master plan. Guiding this process is the Downtown Planning Committee. The committee is made Ul: of 18 members that bring together talents and expertise in planning, housing, rea] estate development and finance, commercial and retail interests, historical preservanon and the cultural arts community. The inclusion of ali these interests and perspecuves ~s essential to the collaborative and inclusive effort of planning for the future of our downtown. But in the end. and this is a critical point, the planning committee is onI~ the facilitator of the process. We believe that for any plan for our downtown to be truly credible and legitimate, it must be founded in broad input and participation b3 our entire commu- mry. And of course that's why we're ali here together today. Whether we live or work downtown, own or rent property downtown, or simply recognize that downtown is mdy the heart of our community, we are ali stakeholders in its future. Our downtown belongs to all of us. Our downtown is the touchstone of our community. V,q[hin it is the mother lode of our heritage and the identity which it has nurtured since our earliest dgys as a modest Mississippi River settlement. There is no other precinct or neighborhood ia Dubuque that holds more of what we have been, what we are. and what we can be than our downtown. Our downtown embodies the unique charac- ter that is our Dubuque on the Mississippi. With the ambitious transformation of our historic Ice Harbor and waterfront peninsula underway, we have a umque window of opportunity to capitalize on the synergies that that effort brings to the overall downtown. Our downtown can be an inviting and hospitable city centre that boasts a vitality beyond what we know today. It can be a place to gathen to work. and to live that is the envy of other communities. Just as our community has thought boldI3 about our riverfront so m-st we think boldly about the rest of our downtown. For example, many of you, I know. have heard myself and others speak of [he powerful synergistic potential of a light rail a'olley system linking our riverfront with our other historical downtown areas. Certainly a bold but, I think viable idea. One of our real advantages in all this is that our downtown already has many of the asset~ and infrastructure elements in place that much of a new urhanisr movement seeks to create or recreate in communities that lack them; we have unique architectural treasures and a potent social and cultural infrastructure that can be building blocks to a revitalization for example. We need to discover and devel¢ p a mix of attributes and amenities that is right for us. and that is practical for us - for. in the end. whatever we env~aion and plan for must be viable. Them is no formula, perhaps, but logic suggests that that mix might include elements of retail shopping, commercial & office presence and the employment opportunities that accompany it. housing, cultural arts, dining and entertainment alemen[s, ali within a framework of historic preservation of existing assets and thoughtful design of new ones, set in an attractive and inviting land and streetscape w~th multi-mode transportation access amenities for both vehicles and pedestrians. It goes with saying that our downtown needs also to remain safe and clean: The challenge to make mr futdre dou. nrown all that it can be is befbre us. And now I want to in,educe our keynote speaker who will offer some educated insight on the matter of downtown revitaliza- tion... David Feehan David Feehan is the president of the International Downtown Association, or IDA, based in Washington, D.C. Dave has devoted a 30-year career to rebuilding and revitaliz- ing cities. He has directed downtown programs in Des Moines, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, and neighborhood development programs in Pittsburgh and Minneapolis. He helped found and served as the first director Of ~the Citizens League of'Southwestern Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh-based regional public policy organization. He has been active in IDAfor 15 years, and the programs he has directed have won several awards, from IDA, the Internal Parking Institute, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Dave has served IDA as a board member and officer, most re- cently as chairman. He was appointed by the board to serve as president and chief executive officer in April of this year. Dave has maintained an active consulting practice for several years, assisting a number of cities in downtown planning activities. Dave holds a Masters Degree in Social Work Planning and Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.-He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa and Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN. Please help me welcome our keynote speaker, David Feehan. Thank you David and now we turn to the most important part. of the program in which we ask for your input on the future of dowmown. I do need to say up front that the decision on apening Town Clock Plaza has been made by our elected representatives. We need to put that lon.g and arduous discussion behind us as a resulr,.and it should not r~e parr of.our discussion today, regardless of your persona] position on that decision. That train has left the station. We need to think about and discuss the broader issues facing our dowmown. Patrick Callahan Serving as our facilitator today is Patrick Callahan from Mu-' nicipal and County Management Services based in Maquoketa, Iowa. Pat is an independent consultant providing consulting ser- vices for local government. His services are contracted through the Iowa Department of Economic Development and Main Street Iowa. In addition to his work with us today, Pat will be compiling our commehts and suggestions into a draft vision and then working with us over the coming months in testing and revising that vision through the additional steps of the process. I want to stress that he is not a committee member or city em- ployee but an independent consultant which the committee thinks is appropriate to his role as facilitator. You may be interested to know that Paris a former Dubuque County resident from the Cascade and Bernard area and is a gradu- ate of our own Loras College. He is the former city manager of Maquoketa. Please welcome Pat Callahan. VISION DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY MEETING I - DUBUQUE, IOWA JULY 14, 2001 2 Instructions to Facilitators (Downtown Planning Committee Members) 1. Please split up so that there are no more than two facilitators advising any single table or group. 2. Urge the group to select a leader or spokesperson from within the group. 10 9 If someone seems to indicate a willingness to be the group leader, then offer words of encouragement and support and assure them that it is not a complicated task. Wait for a leader to emerge. Ifa leader does not emerge, drop a gentle, but subtle. hint to one or two people in the group who give you the impression as someone who could be the group leader. Encourage..them! If no one indicates a willingness to be the group leader, volunteer to be the group leader. Identify yourself as someone from the Committee. Indicate your willingness to be the group leader or facilitator for the group. Ask if there are any objections. Start the discussions, but don't "lead" the group to reach certain conclusions. Seek the comments and suggestions of all members of the group. If'necessary, go around the table and give everyone an opportunity to offer at least one comment. Ifa few people tend lo dominate the discussion, seek the opinions of the "quiet ones." 1[~' the entire group is somewhat quiet - ask these l~ading questions: (I) How could the Downtown Area be more "user friendly." (2) What would be ideal Downtown Area look like in 5, 10, or 20 years? (3) If you could change one thing about the Downtown Area, what would it be. (4) Name a positive aspect of the Downtown Area and make one suggestion on how the community could build, expand, or enhance that positive feature Refrain from offering your comments and suggestions. Relnain posinve. Don't let your voice or body language indicate that any idea or suggestion that is offered is one tltar you personally would not support. Remain neutral Keep things moving. Watch the clock. 2 t 1. Record on the flip charts the various comments and suggestions. 12¸ Keep things on the "light side." Make the experience an enjoyable process for people. Closing (DWR) In closing I want to thank everyone involved in today's meet- ing, certainly the Downtown Planning Committee for all it's work and the City of Dubuque and City Council for sponsorship of the Vision Downtown process, all the local and area media for their wonderful partnership committment in promoting the visioning process. A special thanks to Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. for significant contributions to the process and to the Iowa Department of Eco- nomic Development and Main Street Iowa. Thanks to Patrick Callahan and to David Feehan. And most of all, thanks to all of you for being a part of Vision Downtown. Please watch for further developments and plan to par- ticipate in future steps in the process. We'll hope to see you here for the second community meeting September 15. If you haven't completed and returned your questionnaire please do so and also encourage others to do so before the 23rd. Thanks again and this concludes our meeting. Enjoy the day and the weekend! VISION DOWNTOWN Community Meeting I Saturday, July 14, 2001 Five Flags Civic Center Small Group Presentations Encourage year-round visitation · create destination for ~ecreation/shopping · create attractions Encourage downtown residents Encourage development co-hesiveness Develop serpentine waterway · allowing access to water · additiona~l riverwalk · residential Design zoning plan Create visual destination plan · Individual neighborhood developmem (Ex. Old Main, Cable Car Square, etc.,) Create organization to parmer ideas/$ Develop comprehensive beautification plan Cooperation program with 6olleges Marketing plan "Get your butt downtown" DowntoTM transportation/parking system Build daylife and nightlife Capture historical feeling but not limit restoration to only historically accurate projects Allow the energy and funk of our current diverse culture to show through Importance of neighborhoods and districts, strong identity, voice and branding by allowing separate BIDs for each district How do we fit into the Tri-State area, the greater downtown and into our neighborhoods, include emphasis on assets, beauty, fun, entertainment and financial incentives for moderate and high-income housing Emphasis on being inclusive, quality of life issues ~'or everyone (youths, seniors, family and singles) Activity centers focused on youth Parking - develop lower levels into retail use ground level and take advantage of sidewalks - increase activity levels Widen sidewalks with encouraged activities Opportunities for upscale housing (Chicago River, Milwaukee) Warehouse District · Connectivity · Give it an identity Inventory of buildings and services (where are the opportunities?) Incentives · How do we help make these things happen? Amenities · Schoolsi public services, bicycle access, street scrape design · Parking · Green space - balance Inspection · Force people to maintain their buildings · Have incentives or $ for people ro effectively accomplish these repairs and upkeep. Give incentive to sell - positively or negatively · Historic Old Mare · Fischer Companies (frowned face as ex.) Plant seeds in Dubuque Show and demonstrate all the great things that can happen (VISION Restoration Keep old buildings · Showcase what we have already · Get people to move back downtown · Upper story living · Showcase our history Transportation · Traffic flow · Signage Points of interest · Trolleys Marketing · Events/attractions/promotions · Keep tourists here for more than one day · Self guided tours · Things to do at night · Educate: what is downtown? Dubuquers' re-discover Dubuque · Attract new businesses · Match ideas with money Street Scape · Visual: trees, flowers, fountains, lighting/night lighting and benches · Make people walk · Green space · More space for bicycles · PUBLIC RESTROOMS Positive Aspects · Restaurants · Wide variety · "Eat street" · Need to market restaurants · Incentives to locate there · Buildings being repaired/renovated · Bishop Block · Old Main · Busted Lift · Security Building · Town Clock Building - Old · Architecture · Churches · Old buildings Bluffs · Museums/Art Centers/Cultural Centers · Festivals (Boo-Bash) · Theaters · Galleries · Many people travel and work downtown · "Ownership" of area · Existing audience/market Suggestions · Add color/greenery to Central and all downtown · Mandolin Inn · Incentives to businesses to add · Pocket parks · Improved transportation · Longer bus hours (early morning; late nights) · Bike lanes · Opening streets · Trolley routes from Pennisula to upper Main-link whole area · Amtrac Service (Chicago) · Another like downtown to permisula · Improve downtown housing · Develop and market family housing · Offer multiple choices "Upscale housing" Parking opportunities for housing Housing near river - singles/retired people Youth-oriented activities Ch/ldcare Relocate industrial uses from s~reet pennisuia New retail opportunities throughout area · speciality shops · bookstores · street retail Nightlife · Light up downtown at night · Illuminate buildings · Activity generators (movies, bowling, sport activities, classic films) · Stadium seating in theaters · Twinkle lights in winter Outdoor d'ming Directional signage Gateways 1~ & Locust, 5t~ and White, 11t~ Street and Elm · Maps · location for information · Drive-up/drive through · Telephones · Ambassadors · Helpful in busy areas during busy frames · More historical markers · Explain special/unique features in downtown · Add community art/scuipmres · Continuum · Washington Park · Cathedral · Public are throughout are in all developments · Light sculptures/art at night · Add design/color m amenities/structures · Wrought iron fencing · Add something for the senses: · Sound/music · Scent · Carillons/church bells · Market churches · Church tours Change One Thing? · Nightlife more; something to do · Remove barrier of railroad · Fill the storefronts - new businesses · More restaurants/more choice · Upper/lower/pennisula all tied together · same lights · trolley travel whole area · pedestrian links · Coordinate/promote/support the arts · Directional signage added Riverffont the Catalyst · Push development into downtown · Packaging - connect riverfront activity to Bluff St., cultural areas, such as theaters and museums. How much can we invest in initially (how large an area be geographically) Historic-structures restored and used Design standards for commercial enterprises, so we know what we want our downtown to look like (attractive) Transportation, parking and signage to connect harbor and downtown areas. Dreams · Lower Main - vibrant shopping, and night life for residents and visitors - "Our Galena" · Building emphasis at harbor and Port of Dubuque and other areas will develop on own perhaps. · Restore upper level living in stores with nice amenities - this places people downtown. · More public restrooms · Trolly that connects lower Main to Jackson Park area and Port of Dubuque. · More boat rides, water taxi's Basic Things · Beautiful, colorful front restored doors. · More flowers and planting · Window boxes Buy Out · Modem looking buildings in Old Main or tastefully redesign those buildings. Downtown in preservation district More handicap accessible An 11~ St. elevator with restaurant Tax incentive to restore boarded up windows with cooperation of local window companies Old warehouse - multiple artist studios More shopping downtown for residents to acquire every day needs Entrance from Illinois is uninviting, new entry should help Need open air type bar/restaurant Area by One Flight Up/Busted Lift/Silver Dollar/nightlife area Light rail loop - connect Riverfxont, Downtown - (Connectivity) Real money = Mom, Dad, Kids What will keep people fzom just passing through River is destination Dubuque vs. Galena - We are the destination - Hub, spokes out fi:om Dubuque Don't want to be" CR on the Mississippi". Integrate river into community No beaches More nightlife More office buildings Need people living downtown, they need a reason to Connect downtown and river events/attractions maintain historic character People who work downtown don't want to stay after 5 p.m. What would an incentive be for a new restaurant to open · Cheap lunch · Upscale dining Minor league baseball Dinner Theater More "Town and Gown" connections Sunday nights ar arboretum (Big Success) - Duplicate it Downtown Investment in pride and knowledge of what it is More accessible · Parking (not surface parking) - underground · Trails and other ways to get downtown and move around downtown · Trollys · No meter parking Create "pockets" or distinct areas within the downtown - mixed housing, arts/culture area, restaurant/caf6 area; retail area; work place Comprehensive planned area Bring ethnic diversity to downtown More festivals, events (ethnic) Need Teen Center - movie complex, dance hall Better design standards as part of city code, street furniture, landscape architecture, sidewalk cafe's More public art (pigs, cornstalks) Better Marketing to capitalize on exisfmg events that draw people together (i.e. farmers market) Connect downtown with the development of the Riverfront Media - promote.whats good about communtiy Sidewalk cafes in addition to other places To help/foster "accidental encounters" Family events Strong public/private parmerships are needed More ethnic festivals/eVents (Milwaukee) Convert existing buildings that are empty into new uses/work places Role of absentee landlords Proactive marketing of commercial properties Inventory and prioritize historical building stock Publicize and educate public and buyers of what incentives are available, (one stop shopping) Public restrooms Outdoor cafe's Design guidelines for buildings Expand restaurants Market Dubuque in Chicago, Milwaukee Railroad passenger service (Amtrac) Too many one-way streets Shuttle bus to and from downtown Quality daycare downtown Public transit - trolleys with regular schedules Shuttle paid for by Hotels Improve traffic flow Put up path finding signs Provide public restrooms Have more activities available after 5 p.m. - stores, restaurants Print brochures with hours of businesses Have a comprehensive restaurant guide Provide customer service tm'ming for employees Have more variety in restaurants Save older buildings/homes CapitaliZe on friendliness Have more bicycle police present (perception of safety) Make a list of photo opportunities Market to Seniors Encourage use of facade-improvement incentives Fill area between downtown and river boat with attractions Develop self-guided walking and driving tours Encourage unique retail Have more thing for kids to do Have more outdoor dining Have more street performances in more locations More street vendors More color and lights No more surface parking Promote new attitude, willingness m adapt Restrooms Develop attractive buildings at entry points (visual and activity-wise) More housing Rent windows of empty store f~onts for displays Look at complete downtown area - provide continuity Develop attractions contiguous to existing attractions Financing from a BID of SMID from entire City- "not to put a burden on small straggling starters" Fam/ly orientated activities Historic preversation Unique shops Restaurants - theme · gift shops · destination shops · promote/upgrade shopping in Dubuque, keep our money here Create a friendly/safe environment of downtown Access for everyone - eider/handicapped/special needs Festivals/music/cultural events · Encourage local talent Transportation throughout downtown to all areas Funding available for restoration of historic buildings Tourist friendly · Parking available · public facilities · street work complete · car/bus/motor home · historic info of the city/area · amenities for families Green space with trees and flowers · Benches to sit and listen to music · Customer service and training to welcome people Marketing activities - inform residents and tourists Enhancemems · Safe/clean, keep k that way · architecture is great · promote river/landscape · museum/arboretum - attractions - Five Flags - Colleges - Grand Opera House · Expand tolley further · Pull into educational them of the City · Riverboat tours · Shot Tower renovation · History tours/lessons · More conventions · Preserve 4t~ Street bricks Historic Preservation/People Preservation · Business development of unique shops/restaurants · Green spaces with flowers and places to sit · Tourist/access friendly · Festivals/art eventS/musicians · Parking for people with every need · Keep peole living downtown · Hospitality training - people should feel welcome · Specialty businesses · Attractive - people find it welcoming/beautiful · Downtown community organization for residents and organziations · Engage significant property owners t~ be involved in order to be successful · Market to current residents and tourists · Maintenance Plan · Bring minor league baseball to Dubuque User Friendly · Circulation · More people · Welcoming/Inclusive Attitute · Signage · Traffic Control · Restaurants/cafes · Inclusive downtown · Bike lanes/racks · Public transit convience Future Downtown Growth in residents Plants/trees/landscaping Renovations/preservations 24/7 Concentation of arts/culture Outdoor restaurants Beautiful/colorful would you change? More housing/more people No butts or poop More colors Inappropriate architecture Free access/more activity to art museum Fewer empty storeffonts Draw in more young people Perception Positive · Gifford Society · Lobby group to promote downtown · Historic Architecture · Rehab/renovation/Preservation/restoration · River and Bluffs - downtown is setting · Library · Capitalize on strengths X. Community Meeting II Materials Aug 14 Forward also article for Aug 31 Mail invitations to: short alert to monthly newsletters/publications, October City Focus Sep 1 Mail news release Sep 4 Fax news release Sep 4 Marquis blitz, posters, Sep 10 Fax news release Key Stakeholder Groups Downtown Property Owners Community Meeting I Attendees PSAs begin TH Editorials? Meeting intro DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM ]OCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALS KI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL SPECIAL ALERT TO MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS/PUBLICATIONS August 14, 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Lanm Carstens (o) 557-I914 (o) 589-4210 (h) 588-234O Note: Please include this information ha your upcoming publication/newsletter or other communications as appropriate to advise your readers/constituents. Thank you. ATTEND COMMUNITY MEETING II ON VISION DOWNTOWN The Downtown~Planning Committee of the City of Dubuque will sponsor a second commu- nity meeting on September 15.8-11 a.m., at the Five Flags Civic Center Arena as part of VISION DOWNTOWN. The results of the first community meeting, held on July 14, and the citizen questionnaire_ distributed in the July issue of City Focus. have been compiled into a first draft of VISION DOWNTOWN. The purpose of the September 15 community meeting is to rewew the draft to confirm that it reflects the input gathered thus far in the downtown visioning process and also any additional input that should be included in it. All citizens are encouraged to attend the September 15 community meeting to ensure that their voices are included in VISION DOWNTOWN, according to DaYe Rusk. chair of the Downtown Planning Committee. DAVID ~,tVM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FtrLD ERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESI~N DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAMJOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALS KI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH SPECIAL MEMO TO COMMUNITY MEETING I ATTENDEES: August 31, 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Laura Carsrens (o) 557-1914 (o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 ATTEND COMMUNITY MEETING li ON VISION DOWNTOWN The Downtown Planning Comrmrree of the City of Dubuque will sponsor a second commu- nity meeting on September 15, 8-1t a.m., at the Five Flags Civic Center Arena as part of VISION DOWNTOWN. The results of the first community meeting, held on July 14. and the citizen questionnaire, distributed in the July issue of City Focus, have been compiled into a first draft of VISION DOWNTOWN. The purpose of the September 15 community meeting is to review the draft to confirm that it reflects the input gathered thus far in the downtown visioning process and also any additional input that should be included in it. All citizens are encouraged to attend the September 15 community meeting ro ensure that their voices are included in VISION DOWNTOWN. according to Dave Rusk. chair of the Downtown Planning Comm2ttee. DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN ?AMIOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA 5ESTERHENN OHN WALSH SPECIAL MEMO TO DOWNTOWN PROPERTY OWNERS: August 3I, 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Laura Carstens (o) 557-1914 (o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 ATTEND COMMUNITY MEETING II ON VISION DOWNTOWN The Downtown Planning Committee of the Cky o1~ Dubuque will sponsor a second commu- nity meeting on September I5, 8-11 a.m.. at the Five Flags Civic Center Arena as part of VISION DOWNTOWN. The results of the first community meeting, held on July 14. and the citizen questionnaire, distributed in the July issue of City Focus, have been compiled into a first draft of VISION DOWNTOWN. The purpose of the September 15 community meeting is to review the draft to confirm that it reflects the input gathered thus far in the downtown visioning process and also any additional input that should be included in ir. All citizens are encouraged to attend the September 15 community meeting ro ensure that their voices a~e included in VISION DOWNTOWN, according to Dave Rusk. chair of the Downtown Planning Committee DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN IIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM JOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH SPECIAL MEMO TO KEY STAKEHOLDER GROUPS: August 31, 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Laura Carstens (o) 557-1914 [o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 ATTEND COMMUNITY MEETING II ON VISION DOWNTOWN The Downtown Planning Committee of the City of Dubuque will sponsor a second commu- nity meeting on September 15.8-11 a.m.. at the Five Flags Civic Center Arena as part of VISION DOWNTOWN. The results of the first community meeting, held on July 14, and the citizen questiopmaire, distributed in the July issue of City Focus, have been compiled into a first draft of VISION DOWNTOWN. The purpose of the September 15 community meeting is to review the draft to confirm that it reflects the input gathered thus far in the downtown visioning process and also any additional input that should be included in it. All citizens are encouraged to attend the September 15 community meeting to ensure that their voices are included in VISION DOWNTOWN. according to Dave Rusk, chair of the Downtown Planning Comm/ttee. As the current leader of your group, please advise' 'our constituents of this information. In particular, please urge them to attend the community meeting on September 15. DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM IOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELl. LISA SESTERHENN NEWS RELEASE: September 4, 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Laura Carstens (o) 55%1914 (o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE URGES CITIZENS TO ATTEND COMMUNITY MEETING II The Downtown Planning Committee of the City of Dubuque will sponsor a second commu- nity meeting on September 15.8-11 a.m.. at the Five Flags Civic Center Arena as part of VISION DOWNTOWN, The results of the first community meeting, held on July 14, and the citizen questionnake, distributed Ln the July issue Df City Focus, have been compiled into a tn:st draft of VISION DOWNTOWN. The purpose of the September 15 community meeting is to review the draft to conf'rrm that it reflects the inpm gathered thus far in the dowmown visioning process and also any additional input that should be included in it. Al1 citizens are encouraged to attend the September 15 community meeting to ensure that their voices are included in VISION DOWNTOWN. according to Dave Rusk, chair of the Downtown Planning Committee. OHNWA~H DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FI-:I.D ERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM JOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN |OHN WALSH COMMUNITY MEETING II PSA - 30 sec. Hello, I'm Dave Rusk, Chair of the Downtown Planning Commit- tee for the City of Dubuque, urging you to participate in VISION DOWNTOWN, A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY. VISION DOWNTOWN is an inclusive process of engaging our commu~ nity in a dialogue over the future of our downtown. Please plan to attend Community Meeting II to review the fzrst draft of VISION DOWNTOWN on Saturday, September 15, 8-11 a.m. at the Five Flags Civic CenterArena. It's your downtown...be a part of its future! It's YOU R DOWNTOWN... ·~e a ~art o1: its future ? I Help plan the'future of DOWSIOWN DUBUQUF AIl[ND 'CO~V[,¥1UN IT~'i' ,¥1EETI NG I! 8-1 1 a.m., Saturday, September 15 Five Flags Civic Cen~er Arena DAV]D WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JIM HOIZ STEVE HORMAN ?AMJOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTER H L"N N JOHN WALSH NEWS RELEASE: September 13, 2001 Contact: David Wm. Rusk Lanra Carstens tol 557-1914 (o) 589-4210 (h) 588-2340 DOWNTOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE URGES CITIZENS TO ATTEND COMMUNITY MEETING I1 The Downtown Planning Committee of the City of Dubuque will sponsor a second commu- tory meeting on September 15.8-I1 a.m.. ar the Five Flags Civic Center Arena as part of VISION DOWNTOWN. The results of the first community meeting, held on July 14. and the citizen questionnaire, distributed in the July issue of City Focus, have been compiled into a first draft af VISION DO~VNTOWN. The pml~ose of the September 15 community meeting is to review the draft to confirm that it reflects the input gathered thus far in the downtown visioning process and also any additional input that should b~ included in ir. All citizens are encouraged to attend the September 15 community meeting to ensure that their voices am included in VISION DOWNTOWN, according to Dave Rusk. chair of the Downtown Planning Committee. DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAUPA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN PAM ]OCHUM 8:00 8:15 8:30 10:00 1I:00 COMMUNITY MEETING II 8 a.m.-Il a.m. · Five Flags Civic Center September 15, 2001 AGENDA RECEPTION WELCOME & INTRODUCTION - David Wm. Rusk SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS - Patrick Callahan LARGE GROUP PRESENTATIONS - Patrick Callahan CONCLUDING REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT- David Wm. Rusk David Wm. Rusk is chairman of the Downtown Planning Committee for the City of Dubuque. * Patrick Callahan is an independent consultant with Municipal and County Management Services. The purpose of today's meeting is to review the initial draft of VISION DOWNTOWN and to confirm that it reflects the input gathered thus fa' in the downtown visioning process and also any additional input that should be included in it. Community Meeting II September 15,200] Good morning, My name is Dave Rusk. I am Chairman of the City of Dubuque Downtown Planning Committee. On behalf of the committee, welcome to Community Meeting II of VISION DOWNTOWN. A FUTURE FOR THE HEART OF OUR CITY. VISION DOWNTOWN is a highl~ inclusive community visioning process intended to engage our community in a dialogue over the futm'e of our downtown. The process includes the distribution of a citizen q~uestionnalre, community meetings, a reactor group session, and a validation survey. As each step of the process is completed, the evolving vision for our downtown is to be documented until, ultimately, toward the end of this year. we produce a final draft of VISION DOWNTOWN'. It is hoped that VISION DOWNTOWN will provide the foundation - a consensus community vision for the futura of our downtown - for further planning steps that will lead to the creation of a comprehensive downtown master plan sometime next year. It is anticipated that these planning steps will include the assessment of current realities and existing plans relative to VISION DOWNTOWN, as well as the creatio~ of the comprehensive downtown master plan itself. ]2 is important to recognize in ali this that a vision is not a plan. A vision, in this context, is a target; it is a description of a destination. We will later need to make plans and imtiate actions m he!p us reach that destination. A vision is neither so specific as to be confused with a plan. nor so general as to be of little value. A vision is more the outline of a desired future than its detail. It is mom about values and ideals than about bricks and mortar or specific programs. It is more about results than about the means to achieve them. Those of you who have been participating in VISION DOWNTOWN already, will likely discover that our first draft is more general, and constructed at a higher level, than perhaps your own input thus far, or the input of others, either through Community Meeting I or the citizen questionnaire. In other words, we have collected a ~eat deal of input that is more detailed and specific than is appropriate for a vis,on as we have defined it. And yet our purpose here this morning is to ensure that all that input is reflected in the vision. We need ro ensure that the spirit and intent of specific suggestions is somehow contained in the generalized vision statements. That, in a nutshell, is our task this morning. Let me add that clearly, the specific action-item or planning type suggestions will not be discarded or otherwise overlooked. Ali the input we ha'- e received, and will continue to receive, will be kept for later use. It will be summarized and published in the final VISION DOWNTOWN documentation and it will be reviewed for consideration and inclusion in the planning steps to follow. Again, our mission at this point is to create a vision - nor a plan. Now, having said ali that. here's where we are today. Nearly 1500 citizen questionnaires were returned and they have been thoroughly reviewed and processed. Approximately 100 citizens attended an initial community meeting July 15, from which we gathered substantial input - 14 pages of input to be exact. From all of that input, we have created a first draft of VISION DOWNTOWN. You all have a copy in front of you. The draft is organized into six areas, or dimensions, of the vision. They are: Residential Living Commerce Culture and Education Public Space and Open Areas Transportation Historical ]~eamres The closed-end portion of the citizen questionnaire was generally organized around these dimensions. It would appear that they were well chosen, i say this with confidence because it is the case that virtually all of the open-ended input from the questionnaires. [over half of the questionnaires contained write-in_ open ended commems~ and the input from the entirely open-ended dialogue of Community Meeting I, fell within these six dimensions in the estimation of the committee. This makes our job easier to say the least. ][ should say that our friends at the Loras College Center for Social Research_ which was contracted to process the questionnaire data, provided us with an exhaustive analysis as to demographic differences in respondents and their responses, and the rank ordering of input. All this will be most usefnl in the subsequent steps in the planning process that I described earlier. Let it suffice to say at this point that them is clear evidence that all the dimensions of the draft vision are strongly advocated by respondents and therefore belong in the vision. With all this as introduction. I hope I have amply characterized the status of the VISION DOWNTOWN process at this point, and what we need to accomplish this morning. Again, our objective this morning is to confirm that either the first draft of VISION DOWNTOWN reflects what it should as presented, or that it should be enhanced or modified in some fashion. Again, we must keep our bearings in this as to the difference between a vision and a plan. Now, to lead us in meeting that objective, let me introduce, Pat Callahan. Patrick Callahan Serving as our facilitator today is Patrick Callahan from Municipal and County Management Services based in Maquoketa. Iowa. Pat is an independent consultant providing consulting services for local government. His services are contracted through the Iowa Department of Economic Development and Main Street Iowa. Those of you who participated in Community Meeting I will recall that Pat facilitated that gathering. Pat led the committee in creating the first draft of VISION DOWNTOWN and. in addition to his work with us toda>, will continue to work with us over the coming months in testing and revising that vision through the additional steps of the process. I want to stress that Pat is not a committee member or city employee but an independent consultant which the committee thinks is appropriate to his role as facilitator. You may interested to know that Pat is a fo~Tner Dubuque County resident from the Cascade and Bernard area and is a graduate of our own Loras College. He is former city manager of Maqnoketa. Please welcome Pat Callahan. 8:90 8:40 9:00 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS Instructions Table Introductions Overview Discussion Six Dimensions Discussion (10 min ea.) LARGE GROUP PRESENTATIONS 10:00 - One dimension at a time - 1st group critiques 1st dimension - Additional groups add new points and/or points of emphasis - 2nd group critiques 2nd dimension - Additional groups add new points and/or points of emphasis - etc. until all six dimensions covered. - any other i~tput One more task - Each group should designate a delegate to the reactor group session for a date to be determined. We need name, address and phone number. We will be contacting the delegates to schedule the session. VISION DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY MEETING II DUBUQUE, IOWA SEPTEMBER 15, 2001 INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL PARTICIPANTS The main purpose of the small group discussions is to learn and record your comments, suggestions, ideas, and recommendations regarding the proposed community vision for Downtown Dubuque. This shared vision will then be used to help create a comprehensive downtown master plan in 2002. Please take a seat at the table that'correspmids to your number and please prim your name on the nametag and wear k so that others may address you by name. Go around the table and introduce yourself. · Name · Address · Brief background - if you like, your interest in the Downtown 3. Select a leader and a recorder for your group. The leader's job and recorder's job: · Lead the discussion · Record the comments and suggestions on the paper Downtown Planning Committee members are present - Feel free to call on them, if you have questions. If you are having trouble getting started, here are some questions to consider: (1) Do the dimensions and vision statements accurately reflect the vision of what the Downtown should represent? (2) What changes or corrections would you make to the proposed Vision document? Take approximately eight to ten minutes to discuss each dimension and the corresponding vision statements. The facilitator will give you a reminder when the groups have spent ten minutes on each dimension. Please try to conclude your discussion on that dimension and move to the next. Your goal will be to spend about eight to ten minutes discussing each dimension. If your group concludes the discussmn on a specific dimension within ten minutes please proceed ~o the next. There is no need to wait for the facilitator's ten- minute reminder before proceeding to the next dimension (Turn over) 10. 11. After the small group discussions have concluded, each group will be assigned a dimension and asked to report back to all the participants on their recommendations. Following the individual group's report, all other groups will be given the opportunity to respond and offer additional comments. We will proceed from group to group until all six dimensions have been discussed. The group leaders and recorders should place their names and phone numbers on the recording sheets. Each group will be asked to select one representative and one alternate to serve on a Dowmown Vision Document Reactor~Group. This group will meet Thursday, October,~ah at 7:00pm to review the final revisions to the Vision Document. Please try to select these two people prior to the conclusion of your discussions. It is important to note that whoever is selected to serve on this group must be available for this one meeting. DOWNTOWN FIRST DRAFT SEPTEMBER 15, 2001 Residential Living Commerce Culture and Education Public Space and Open Areas Transportation Historical Features RESIDENTIAL LIVING We envision our downtown as a "home" to many people that provides a mix of amenities and opportunities including: · A blend of housing options across the affordability range. · A renewed emphasis on preserving and promoting downtown's residential~ historic architecture: · A mix of businesses within a short walking distance that meets the needs of downtown residents. · A clean and safe environment. Employment and childcare opportunities in close proximity to housing. · Occupied housing units above the storefronts. · Neighborhoods that link people together on a twenty-four hour basis which will ultimately create a sense of community. Accessibility to quality K-12 education. COMMERCE We envision the downtown area as a diverse commercial center pro- viding economic opportunities that include: A broad mix of businesses and services that encourage frequent and year- round visitations. A "user friendly" environment for current and potential employees in terms of access to work sites, parking, amd safety. Recognition of the five unique districts in the downtown and their inter~ relationships. An environment that encourages the start and growth of new businesses, such as technology based businesses. Promotion of the downtown as a regional center for retail/specialty shop- ping, restaurants and entertainment, tourism, education, government, ser- vices, and professional/office facilities. An ongoing coordinated effort to advise business and property owners on marketing, property managemem, incentives, streetscape amenities, preser- vation, and financial resources. CULTURE AND EDUCATION We envision our downtown as a cultural and educational center that includes: Promotion of the arts and educational opportunities as a means to enrich our lives and value. Promotion of the arts and educational events so as to complement the community's appeal to tourists, Cultural and educational events and "projects" that will ultimately enhance the econormc and historic revitalization of the downtown. Cultural and education based businesses as means to spur the historic preser- vation of buildings and economic development. Encouragement of fi-equent cultural related events and activities that enhance downtown s lma=e as the "place to be." PUBLIC SPACE AND OPEN AREAS We envision our downtown as an area that appeals to all the senses through the creation of an environmentally pleasing setting that includes: Recognition that public open areas and green space are vital to the livability of the downtown. Public open areas that are aesthetically pleasing to employees, customers, tourists, and residents of the downtown area with the goal of appealing to sight, sound, smell, and touch Open space for social events and gatherings, access to the Mississipp~ River, and a view of downtown's natural landscape. A streetscape that enhances the beauty, charm, and vibrancy of the down- town area through such things as trees, grass, flowers, paths, shrubs, public art and lightning, and comfort facilities. · A downtown environment that is a source of pride for the entire community. TRANSPORTATION We envision our downtown as having a multi-modal transportation system providing numerous means of access that include: A variety of mobility options such as mass transit, bicycles, pedestrian walk- ways, automobiles, trolleys, and rail for people with differing needs. Coordination of all modes of transportation so as to maximize accessibility. A transportation "experience" that blends the historical past with current needs, linking together the-historical areas of our downtown. Visual destination guidance for travelers reflecting various transportation modes which will alert them to destinations and attractions. HISTORICAL FEATURES We envision our downtown as a place where the restoration and preservation of our unique historic sites includes: Increased appreciauon, education, technical assistance, and funding of our historical and architectural heritage. Recognition that historic preservauon and development must be in concert and mutually beneficial. Comprehensive identification of our downtown historic resources and the education of the community on their value. Ongoing efforts that incorporate our downtown historic treasures and market them as unique and distinctive features that showcase our colorful history. The coordinated design and construction of new and addition~, or when necessary, replacement structures that reflect the architectural heritage of the area. VISION DOWNTOWN Community Meeting II Saturday, September 15, 2001 Five Flags Civic Center Small Group Presentations Residential Living A blend of housing options across the range, from upscale housing for low to moderate income households Occupied housing traits above storefronts with adequate parking and transit options Overall dimensions: Accessibility to physically, visually, hearing, economically and language challenged pemons Access~ility to higher education Pedestrian friendly access to nearby downtown businesses, ie: crossing dangerous intersections Facilities for activities for youth groups Create and/or develop upscale housing mLxed with affordable or low income housing throu~hont the downtown Provide ample parking and green space for all housing developments Ensure even distribution of mixed housing throughout downtown area Promote all downtown historic architecture Affordability defined more '~physically" to assist a planning program "variety of housing options across an economic scale" ??? · Walking distance, what is considered short walking? Store fronts with occupation above not specifically defined as housing Education - define schools in the neighborhood Upscale housing (Rental) - Density Parking for residents living downtown · Adequate restaurants and small grocery stores · Mix of businesses within short walking distance More trash (receptical) cans to eliminate litter. Make them h/storic looking · Add flowers for color and softening of streets and non green space available Educate people and children not to litter (PSA) Accessible Housing Commerce · Raise visib'flity of downtown for commerce and locals to use. More public restrooms Cultural diversity in commerce Ass'~ance from City, SBDC, Economic Development, and Main St. Ltd. to help businesses start and promote themselves Commerce - Continued Educate and promote downtown to all people and businesses outside area (more public relations) Flexibility Support 24/7 businesses Multi-cultural businesses, opportunities and events Regulate detrimental businesses Identify and address impediments to business development, such as: parking, childcare services, residential living, and support services Expansion of existing businesses Encourage existing business growth Good paying jobs for residents, so they can enjoy the same things as higher income visitors Adaptive reuse of the historic red brick warehouse d'mtrict An ongoing coordinated effort to advise service to business owners and employees on welcoming customer service, hospitality, providing an good first impression, promoting continuity of our downtown vision, and exceeding expectations An environment that encourages the start and gowth of new bus'messes, with cultural specialities, and that celebrate Dubuque's German/Irish heritage Hospitality Training Educate residents and business operators what Dubuque has to offer and what our unified vis~on is Culture & Education Create a sense of neighborhood with cultural and educational activities that occur year- round and 24/7 · Access~ility · Diversity of offerings ~ customs, foods, goods & services Include residents as well as tourists appeal Create cultural affairs commission Title: "Add Entertainment" Accessible mainstream entertainment Culture commission? Provide a performing arts center to host cultural and educational activities Investigate the possiblility of a city-school partnership with Prescott Elementry. Events to promote Historical Culture of Dubuque Recognize the downtown as the historical religious center of the city Promote music and live events Art representative on all importam committee's (DBQ 365 Everyone's Neighborhood Committee) More school field trips to downtown culture, educational, and art facilities Involve/invite educational system to work with cultural groups to have kids and parents get more involved More trolley type tours More promotional information and brochures on walking tours and communication (signs) on historic properties Close cooperation with riverlSont development Culture & Education - Continued All cultural groups need to work together and advertise each other Better communication uptown about downtown events Public Space and Open Areas More flowers and trees (softer feeling) City assistance or grant money to mm problem areas into green spaces Pride ownership of more public spaces to residents (painting, art, etc.) - Organize more clean-ups for downtown work with colieges to assist More trash carts on streets. Attach to phone peles or light poles that are architecturally correct Create a park like atmosphere over top the highway by 3ra St. overpass (create tmmel) to connect Main St. Ice Harbor Adequate Trash receptacles Adequate resrrooms, drin!dng fountaim and benches widely distributed Public art & fountains Re-evaluate use of city property - convert to green space/playgrounds · Development of the recreational element (activities for all ages, youth centers, parks, facilities) A safe harbor that promotes water activities on the river Add color: public art Seating: benches/tables Trash/ash receptacles Plan for future events Access~ility Public improvements that creme a standard of excellence Emhance gateway to city Signs for public facilities Make "Lighting; pescn'be "comfort facilities" as restrooms Emergency call boxes Transportation Parking, shopping, services, arts and guides to get people back out. · Access~ility An accessible transit system that is expansive in service geographically and schedule-wise, connecting downtown with the community An accessible transit system that connects Dubuque with other locals Special attention to access~ility for transit dependent people Accomodation for all transportation Fun and entertaining carriages Upgraded taxi services Availability ofmob'flity options that connect and extend beyond downtown · Re-evaluate type & system of bus operation Emphasis on signage. Regulate the aesthetic's and location of private parking lots City to provide incentives to private businesses to share parking lot usage with other businesses (~mpty lots) Transportation - Continued Free trolley services with several stops in downtown (pick up travelers at hotels) Transportation brochure on options for people Better marked roads for bicycle paths and pedestrians Brochures that give transportation and itinerary suggestions (i.e. places to eat, etc.) Adequate parking in all areas of downtown (open to public and not reserved) More courtesy tickets for out of town guests and eliminate Saturday tickets/meters Historical Features · Communicaion brochure on architecture in downtown'for tours Make more owners aware ofgrauts for fixing buildings for historical preservation Happier medium with historical preservation community and owners on financial concerns (better compromises) on fixing properties Emphasize adaptive re-use over new construction or additions Recognize the historic contribution of each building to the whole Recognize buildings that do not merit preservation Targeted list of prime development projects Ground roles established to assist developers to understand what is involved in historic preservation Coordination Introductions: Historic sites add history New structures should be sensitive to (not im/tative of) the architectural her/tage of the area Promote and encourage viable use of historic buildings for commerce, entertainment, culture, education and residential uses for a wide age group (wider than present) Access~ility Overall- General Comments "One Coordinated Effort" Should we prioritize? Emphasize - residents & tourists Marketing entire comm~mity (identity.-meaningful) Accessibility Design guidelines Design review board · Intensified inspections Funding sources, public and private Legal · Carrot & Stick approach Marketing Education Cultural Affairs Commission Xl Reactor Group Session Materials Community Visioning It is important to recognize in all this that a vision is not a plan. A vision, in this context, is a target; it is a description of a destination. We will later need to make plans and initiate actions to help us reach that destina- tion. · A vision is neither so specific as to be confused with a plan, nor so general as to be of little value. A vision is more the outline of a desired furore than its detail. It is more about values and ideals than about bricks and mortar or specific programs. It is more about results than about the means to achieve them. Those who have been participating in VISION DOWNTOWN already, will likely discover that the vi- sion is more general, and constructed at a higher level, than perhaps their own input thus far, or the input of others. We have collected a great deal of input that is more detailed and specific than is appropriate for a vision as we have defined it. Clearly, the specific action-item or planning type suggestions will not be discarded or otherwise over- looked. All the input we have received, and will con- tinue to receive, will be kept for later use. It will be summarized and published in the final VISION -DOWNTOWN documentation and it will be reviewed for consideration and inclusion in the planning steps to follow. Our mission at this point is to create a vision - not a plan. DOWNTOWN SECOND DRAFT OCTOBER 4, 2001 Residential Living Commerce Culture and Education Public Space and Open Areas Transportation Historical~Features RF SIDENTIAL LMNG We envision our downtown as a "home" to many people that pro- vides a mix of amenities and opportunities including: A blend of housing options across the affordability range throughout the downtown including housing that meets the needs of physically, visually, hearing economically and language challenged persons. A renewed emphasis on preserving and promoting downtown's residential historic architecture. A mix of businesses within walking distance that meets the needs of down- town residents. clean and safe environment. Employment and childcare opportunities in close proximity to housing. Occupied housing units above the storefronts with adequareparking, green space, and transit access. Neighborhoods that link people together on a twenty-four hour basis which will ultimately create a sense of community. Quality education facilities for both traditional and non-traditional students of all ages and interests. Facilities and activities for youngpeople. COMMERCE We envision the downtown area as a diverse commercial center pro- viding economic opportunities that include: A broad mix of businesses and services that encourage frequent and year- round visitations. A "user friendly" environment for current and potential employees in terms of access to work sites, parking, child care services, support services, and safety. Recognition and promotion of the five unique districts in the downtown and their inter-relationships. An environment that encourages the start and ~owth of new businesses, including enterprises that are not traditionally housed downtown. Promotion of the downtown as a regional center for retail/specialty shop- ping, multi-cultural businesses, restaurants and entertainment, tourism, education, government, services, and professional/office facilities~ An ongoing coordinated effort to advise business and property owners on marketing, property management,'incentives, streetscape amenities, preser- vation, and financial resources, adaptive reuse of historic sites, customer service and hospitality. CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION 'vVe envision our downtown as a cultural and educational center that includes: Promotion of the arts and educational opportunities as a means to enrich our lives and value. Promotion of the arts and educational events so as to complement the commumty's appeal to tourists and local residents. Diverse cultural and educational events and "projects" that will ultimately enhance the economic and historic revitalization of the downtown. Cultural and education based businesses as means to spur the historic preser- vation of buildings and economic development. Encouragement of frequent cultural related events, entertainment, and activi- ties that enhance downtown's image as the "place to be." An environment that creates a sense of neighborhood with cultural and educational activities that occur year - round and in close cooperation with the riverfront development. PUBLIC SPACE AND OPEN AREAS We envision our downtown as an area that appeals to all the senses through the creation of an environmentally pleasing setting that includes: Recognition that public open areas and ~een space are vital to the livability of the downtown. Public open areas that are aesthetically pleasing and accessible to employ- ees, customers, tourists, and residents of the downtown area with the goal of appealing to sight, sound, smell, and touch. Open space for social events and gatherings, access to the Mississippi R/ver, and a view of downtown's natural landscape. A streetscape that enhances the beauty, charm, and vibrancy of the down- town area through such things as trees, grass, flowers, paths, shrubs,foun- tains, signage, public art and lighting, restroom facilities, decorative trash receptacles, benches, and drinking fountains. A downtown environment that is a source of pride for the entire community and that serves as a "gateway to the city with a recognized standard of excellence." TRANSPORTATION We envision our downtown as having a multi-modal transportation system providing numerous means of access that include: A variety of mobility options such as mass transit, bicycles, pedestrian walk- ways, automobiles, trolleys, and rail for people with differing needs. Coordination and accomodation of all modes o£transportation so as to maxi- miz¢ accessibility. A transportation "experience" that blends the historical past with current needs, linking together the historical areas of our downtown. Visual destination guidance for all travelers reflecting various transportation modes which will alert them to destinations, attractions, parking, shopping, services, and arts. An accessible transportation system that is geographically expansive in service and connects the downtown with the community and other localities. The shared use of public and private parking areas that are easily acces- sible, convenient, and aesthetically designed. HISTORICAL FEATURES We envision our downtown as a place where the restoration and preservation of our unique historic sites and history includes: Increased appreciation, education, technical assistance, and funding of our historical and architectural heritage. Recognition that historic preservation and development must be in concert and mutually beneficial. Comprehensive identification and promotion of our downtown historic resources and the education of the community on their value. Ongoing efforts that incorporate our downtown historic treasures and market them as unique and distinctive features that showcase our colorful history. The coordinated design and construction of new and additional, or when necessary, replacement structures that reflect the architectural heritage of the area with an emphasis on the adaptive re-use of historical structures. Coordinated effort to recognize the historic contribution of each building to the whole of the historic downtown, but with the realization that some struc- tures do not merit preservation. The promotion and encouragement of the use of historical structures for commerce, entertainment, cultural arts, education, and residential uses for peop[e of ali ages and backgrounds. Xll. Validation Survey Materials DAVID WM, RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN JIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN JiM HOLZ STEVE HORMAN PAM tOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALSKI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH NEWS RELEASE: October 10,200l Contact: David Wm. Rusk [o~ 557-1914 (h } 588-2340 Laura Carstens (o) 589-4210 TELEPHONE VALIDATION SURVEY TO BEGIN The Downtown Planning Committee of the City of Dubuque is pleased to announce that the telephone survey to validate Vision Downtown has begun. Those parties receiving calls are encouraged to dedicate the few minutes it will t~e to provide confidential answers to the survey. The survey is being conducted oy the Center for Business and Social Research at Loras College under contract with the Downtown Planning Committee. According to Dave Rnsk. Chair of the Downtown Planning Committee,"This is in many ways the most important step of the downtown visioning process. It is the effort that will validate Vision Downtown as the true consensus community statement as to a furore for our down- town." The Vision Downtown process has included several steps to engage the community in a dialogue over the future of Downtown Dubuque. These steps have included a citizen ques- tionnaire, a pair of community meetings, a reactor group session, and the validation survey now underway. At each step, the Vision Downtown document has been updated according to the input received. It is expected that the final Vision Downtown document will be published as an insert to the January. issue of Cio, Focus after presentation to the city council later this year. The city is then expected to initiate a process'to develop a comprehensive downtown master plan based on Vision Downtown. DOWNTOWN DRAFT FOR VALIDATION OCTOBER 8, 2001 Residential Living Commerce Ctflttwe, Education & Entertainment Public Space and Open Areas Transportation Historical Features RESIDENTIAL LIVING We envision our downtown as a "home" to many people that pro- vides a mix of amenities and opportunities including: A blend of housing options across the -affordability range throughout the downtown with adequate parking, green space, and transit access, including housing that meets the needs of physically, visually, hearing, economically and lan~onage challenged persons. A renewed emphasis on preserving and promoting downtown's residential historic architecture. A mix of businesses and institutions within walking distance that meets the needs of downtown residents. A clean and safe environment. · Employment and childcare opportnnities in close proxnnity to housing. · Occupied units above the storefronts. Neighborhoods that link people together on a twenty-four hour basis which will ultimately create a sense of community. Quality education facilities for both traditional and non-traditional students of all ages and interests. · Facilities and activities for young people. COMMERCE We envision the downtown area as a diverse commercial center pro- viding economic opportunities that include: A broad mix of businesses and services that encourage frequent and year- round visitations. A "user friendly" environment for current and potential employees in terms of access to work sites, parking, childcare services, support businesses and services, and safety. Recognition and promotion of the unique districts in the downtown with their historic architecture and their inter-relationships. An environment that encourages the start of new and growth of existing businesses, including enterprises that are not traditionally housed downtown Promotion of the downtown as a regional center for retail/specialty shop- p. ing, multi-cultural businesses, restaurants, entertainment, tourism, educa- non, government, services, and professional/office facilities. An ongoing coordinated effort to advise business and property owners on marketing, property management, incentives, streetscape amenities, preser- vation, financial resources, adaptive reuse of historic sites, customer service, and hospitality. · Occupied units above storefronts. CULTURE, EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT We envision our downtown as a cultural, educational and entertain- ment center that includes: · Promotion of cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities as a means to enrich our lives, and to enhance the economic and historic revital- ization of the downtown. Promotion of diverse cultural, educational, and entertainment events so as to complement the communky's appeal to visitors and local residents. · Cultural, educational, and entertainment based businesses as means to spur the historic preservation of buildings and economic development. · Encouragement of frequent cultural related events, entertainment, and activi- ties that enhance downtown's image as the "place to be." · An environment that creates a sense of neighborhood with cultural, educa- tional, and entertainment activities that occur year-round. PUBLIC SPACE AND OPEN AREAS We envision our downtown as an inviting area that appeals to all the senses through the creation of a clean, safe, and environmentally pleasing setting that includes: Recognition that public open areas and green space are vital to the livability of the downtown. Public open areas that are aesthetically pleasing and accessible to employ- ees. customers, visxtors, and residents of the downtown area with the goal of appealing to sight, sound, smell, and touch. Open space for recreation, social events and gatherings, access to the Missis- sippi River, and a view of downtown's natural landscape. A streetscape that enhances the beauty, charm, and vibrancy of the down- town area through the use of color and texture in such things as landscaping and amenities. A downtown environment that is a source of pride for the entire community and that serves as a gateway to the city that demonstrates a high standard of excellence. TRANSPORTATION We envision our downtown as having a multi-modal transportation system providing numerous means of access that include: · A variety of mobility options for people with differing needs and' desires. Coordination and accommodation of all modes of transportation so as to maximize accessibility. A transportation "experience" that blends the historical past with current needs, linking together the historical areas of our downtown. Visual destination guidance for all travelers reflecting various transportation modes which will alert them to destinations, attractions, parking, shopping, services, and arts. An accessible transportation system that is geographically expansive in service and connects the downtown with the community and other localities. The shared use of public and private parking that is easily accessible, conve- nient, and aesthetically designed. HISTORICAL FEATURES We envision our downtown as a place where the restoration and preservation of our unique historic sites and history includes: Increased appreciation, education, technical assistance, and funding of our historical and architectural heritage. Recognition that historic preservation and development must be in concert and mumally beneficial Comprehensive identification and promotion of our downtown historic resources and the edncation of the community on their value. Ongoing efforts that incorporate our downtown historic treasures and market them as unique and distinctive features that showcase our colorful history. The coordinated design and construction of new and additional, or when necessary, replacement' structures that complement the architectural heritage of the area with an emphasis on the adaptive re-use of historical structures. Coordinated effort to recognize the historic contribution of each building to the whole of the lfistoric downtown, but with the realization that some struc- tures do not merit preservation. The promotion and encouragement of the use of historical structures for commercial, entertmnment, cultural, educational, and residential purposes for people of all ages and backgrounds. Vision Downtown Dubuque: Results of the Validation Survey Produced by The Center for Business and Social Research at Loras College Dubuque, Iowa 52001 by Kerri Turk, Ph.D. CBSR Research Associate Assistant Professor of Psychology and Len Decker, Ph.D. CBSR Director November 2001 Table of Contents Exe~ative S,~ar~ ......................................... 1 Introduction .............................................. 2 Data Gathering Procedures ................................. 2 Table 1. Age and Sex Distribution of City of Dubuque and Survey Sample .................. 2 Results ................................................... 3 Residential Chart 1. Chart 2. Chart 3. Chart 4. Living ..................................... 3 Residential Living ............................ 3 Residential Living - Blend of Price Ranges .... 4 Residential Living - Above Downtown Storefronts ................................... 5 Residential Living - Meets Needs of Diverse Population ............................ 6 Commercial Activity .................................... Chart 5. Commercial Activiuy ........................... Chart 6. Commercial Activity - Advise Businems Owners and Property Owners .................... Culture, Charr 7. Ch~rt 8. Education, and Entertainment .................. 9 Culture, Education, and Entertainment ......... 9 Culture, Education, and Entertainment Opportunities ~o Enrich Lives .............. 10 Public Space and Open Areas ........................... 1i Chart 9. Public Spaces and Open Areas ................. 1I Transportation ........................................ 12 Chart 10. Transportation .............................. 12 Chart 1t. Transportation - Experience that Blends Historic Past with Current Needs (Age) ...... 13 Chart 12. Transportation - Experience that Blends Historic Past with CurrenE Needs (Gender)---14 Historical Features ................................... 15 Chart 13. Historical Features ......................... 15 Conclusions .............................................. 16 Vision Downtown Dubuque: Results of the Validation Survey Executive Summary The following summary statements are based upon a telephone survey of Dubuque residents chosen from the 2001 Dubuque Qwest Dex telephone directory. A systematic random sample of 501 citizens, proportionate by age and gender, was selected to provide responses to the survey. 1. All items mentioned in the Residential Living section, with the exception of housing above storefronts, were viewed as very important or important by at least 69% if those surveyed. 2. Over 81% of the sample indicated that a clean and safe environment was very important. 3. Housing above storefronts was viewed as a lower priority with only 9.4% of sampte members indicating that this issue was very important. An additional 30.7% viewed this issue as important. Individuals 60 years of age or older were significantly more likely (48.9%) to indicate that this item was either very important or important to their vision of Downtown Dubuque. 4. Individuals 60 years of age or older were more likely to indicate that a blend of housing options with a range of prices (76.3%) was very important or important to their vision of Downtown Dubuque and more women (77.3%) than men (71.3%) indicated that meeting the needs of a diverse community was very important or important to their vision. 5. Responses to items concerning Commercial Activity were evaluated as very important or important by 75% to 87% of the sample. A "user friendly" environment that is safe and provides access to services was viewed as very important by 43.5% of the sample while only 22% of sample members considered umque interconnected districts with their own historic architecture as very importam. However. this latter item was felt to be very important or important re a vision of Downtown Dubuque by two-thirds of sample members. A higher percentage of women (84%) than men (76.3%) responded that it is very importam or important to advise business and property owners about property improvements, s~reetscape amenities, customer services, and the financial resources available to implement these activities. 6. Items concerning Culture, Education and Entertainment were consistently evaluated as very important or important by 80.4% to 84.2% of sample members. More women (84.8%) than men (78%) indicated that opportunities to enrich people's lives was very important or important to their vision. 7. Items concerning Public Space and Open Areas were consistently evaluated as very important or important by 81% to 90.4% of respondents. Open space for social events and access to the river were evaluated as very important by 46.5% of sample members and creating a streetscape that enhances the beauty, charm, and vibrancy of downtown was considered very important by 33.3% of respondents. 8. In terms of Transportation considerations, the use of public and private parking that is easily accessible, converdent, and aesthetically pleasing was viewed as very important or important by 89% of Dubuque citizens surveyed. Providing a ~ransportation experience which blends the historic past with current needs and links together the historic areas of downtown was viewed as very nnportant or important by two-thirds of all respondents but a significantly higher percentage of persons 60 years of age or older (73.3%) and women (74%). The remaining transportation items were regarded as very importam or important by 80% to 85.2% of those surveyed. 9. All items regarding Historical Features were rated as very important or important by 68.3% to 73.8% of those interviewed. 2 Vision Downtown Dubuque: Results of the Validation Survey Introduction Tkis report represents the "validation survey" phase of a multi-stage process for developing a shared community vision for Downtown Dubuque. ]?he Dubuque City Council and its Long Range Planning Advisory Commission assigned the Downtown Planning Committee, comprised of a cross section of community leaders and planners, the task of leading a comprehensive downtown planning process. Previous and future community meetings, as well as the results of a citizen survey conducted in July of this year, will be combined with the results of this validation survey ro create the foundation for building a shared, comprehensive master plan for downtown Dubuque. Data Gathering Process The data for this report was gathered by means of a telephone survey of a sample of Dubuque residents chosen from th6 2001 Dubuque Qwest Dex telephone directory. A systematic, random sample of 500 citizens, proportionate by age and sex according to 2000 census data, was selected to provide responses concerning their vision of downtown Dubuque. Table 1. provides a breakdown of the age and sex distribution oftha City of Dubuque and sample respondents. Table 1. Age and Sex Distribution of City of Dubuque and Survey Sample MALES Age Category Number Percent of Population Number of Sample 18 - 34 6,657 15% 76 35 - 59 9,162 21% 105 60 & over 4,579 10% 51 Total: 20,398 46% 232 FEMALES Age Category Number Percent of Population Number of Sample 18 - 34 6,964 16% 80 35 - 59 9,438 21% 105 60 & over 7,249 17% 84 Total: 23,651 54% 269 Grand Total: 44,049 100% 501 The instrument used in this survey was constructed from inpm provided by members of the City of Dubuque Planning Services Department as well as representatives of various segments of the Dubuque community who are also members of the Downtown Planning Committee. Six major categories were included in the questionnaire: 1) residential living 2) commercial activity 3) culture, education and entertainment 4) public space and open areas 5) transportation and 6) historical features. Forty-one items representing specific examples of each of these features of downtown Dubuque were addressed by respondents. Citizens were asked to indicate the level of importance they attach to each of the 41 items, uskng categories of very important, important, somewhat important, and not important. ,Respondents' sex and age were also recorded during the interview. The survey instrument is contained in Appendix A of this report. Resnlts Residential Living Eleven kerns related to residential living in the downtown area. The importance ora clean and safe environment was clear. Over 81 percent oftha sample indicated that a clean and safe environment was very impormm. An additional 16.2 percent indicated that this item was important. Thus, 97 percent of the sample indicated that this trait is very important or important to their vision of Downtown Dubuque. Facilities and activities for young people and access to quality educational opportunities were also indicated as very important or important by over 88% of the respondents. Conversely, housing above downtown storefronts was viewed as a lower priority with 9.4% of the sample indicating that this issue was very important to their vision for Downtown Dubuque. An additional 30.7% viewed this issue as important. All kems mentioned in the residential living section, with the exception of housing above storefroms, were viewed as very important or important by at least 69% of those surveyed. Chart 1 depicts the responses to all items concerning residential living. Chart'l. Residential Living pdce ranges parking diverse historic arch business~valk clean/safe em ploy/child housing adore corrlm uFi[~3j education young people 40 ~1 8o Percentage of Responses 100 120 The percentages of individuals responding that these 11 residential living concerns were not important ranged from .4 percent to 10 percent, with the exception of the item about housing above storefronrs. Approximately 26 percent of the sample indicated that this issue was not important. 4 Significant differences by age were found in responses to the residential living item about a blend of housing options covering a variety of price ranges. When combining the very important and impormm responses categories, a significantly higher percentage of individuals 60 years of age and older (76.3 %) responded that this item was important to them compared to other age categories of respondents. Chart 2 provides age comparisons for this item. Chart 2. Residential Living-Blend of Price Ranges {QI) 9O 8O 70 · 40 ~ 30 n. 20 10 76.3 66 67.6 27.6 19.5 9.6 6.4 -- 11.9 11.1 Important Somewhat Important Not important Importance 3 No Response Significant differences by age were also found in responses to the item about housing above storefi'oms. When combining the very important and important respomes categories, a higher percentage of individuals 60 years of age and older (48.9 %) responded that this item was impormm to them compared re other age categories of respondents. Chart 3 provides age comparisom for this item. Chart 3. Residential Living- Above Downtown Sterefronts (Q8) 60 5O 10 39.1 Somewhat Important 30,1 29 17 Not Iffipor~am 3 0 No Response 6 Significant differences by gender were found in responses to the residential living item about meeting the needs of a diverse commurdty. When combining the very important and important response categories, a higher percentage of women (77.3%) than men I71.1%) responded that this item was important to them. Chart 4 provides gender comparisons for this item. Chart 4. Residentlet Living-Meets Needs of Diverse Population (Q3) 9O 8O 7O o: 6o Dc 50 ~, 4o .u 30 20 10 77.3 71.1 Important 17.2 16.4 10.8 Somewhot Important Not Importanl Importance 0.9 1.9 No Response 7 Commercial Activity Seven items addressed issues pertaining to commercial activity. Responses were fairly consistent with between 75 to 87 percent of the sample indicating that all items except one were very important or important to their vision of Downtown Dubuque. A "user friendly" environment that is safe and provides access to services was indicated as very important by 43.Spercent of the sample. An additional 43.5 percent of sampte members responded that this issue was important to them. The lowest percemages of important or very important responses were recorded for the item concerning unique interconnected districts that possess their own historic architecture. Approximately 22 percent of the sample rated this issue as very important and 44.3 percent rated it as important. It is noteworthy that this item, despite receiving the lowest percentages of very important and important responses, was still felt to be important to the vision of Downtown Dubuque by two-thirds of sample members. Chart 5 provides responses to specific items concerrfing the category of commercial activity. Chart 5. Commercial Activity Visitation Unique Dist. User Friendly Commercial Region/Toudsm Region/Business Advise 0 20 40 60 8(1 100 120 · Very Imp(h'tam Bi Impertant · Somewhat important D Not important Bi No Response The percentages of individuals responding that these 7 commercial activity concerns were not important ranged fi.om 3.4 to 7.6 percent. Significant differences by gender were found in responses to the item about advising business and property owners on property improvements, streetscape amenities, customer services, and the financial resources to implement these activities. When combining the very important and important response categories, a higher percentage of women (84%) than men (76.3%) responded that this item was important to them. Chart 6 provides gender comparisons for this item. Chart 6. Commercial Activity-Advise Business and Property Owners (Q18) 90 80 76.3 70 6O 50- 40- 30. 20- 10- 16.4 10.8 Sorrow hat Important 6.5 3.3 ~tl~o~nt 0.9 1.9 ~Response lmportance 9 Culture, Education and Entertainment Five survey items pertained to culture, education and entertainment. Responses in this category were fairly consistent with between 80.8 to 84.2 percent of sample members indicating that these items were very important or importam to their vision of Downtown Dubuque. Chart 7 provides responses to specific kerns concerning the category of culture, educatior,, and entertainment. Chart 7. Culture, Education, and Entertainment Enrich Lives Toudsm Econ/Revi[ Neighborhood Place to Be 20 40 60 i30 100 120 Percentage of Responses The percentages of individuals responding that these 5 culture, education, and entertainment concerns were not important ranged from 2.4 percent to 4.4 percent. 10 Significant differences by gender were found in responses to the item concerning opporturfities that enrich lives. When combining the very nnportant and important response categories, a higher percentage of women (84.8%) than men (78%) responded that this item was important to them. Chart 8 provides gender comparisons for tl~s,item. Chart 8. Culture, Educat on, and Entertainment-Opportunities to Enrich Lives (Q19) 9O 8O 7O ~ 60 ~ so ~, 40 P 30 20 10 16.8 Impo~am Somewhat Imporiant Not important Importance 4.7 3 0.4 0.7 No Response 11 Public Space and Open Areas Five survey items addressed issues concerning public space and open areas in Downtown Dubuque. Again, responses in tiffs category were fairly consistent with 81 to 90.4 percent of respondents indicating that these items were very important or important to their vision of Downtown Dubuque. The item concerning a streetscape that enhances the beauty, charm, and vibrancy of downtown Was considered to be very important by 33.3% of respondents and important by 47.9% of those surYeyed. This issue received the lowest percentages of very important and important responses of the 5 items contained in this category. Open space for social events and access to the river were evaluated as very important by 46.5% of respondents and important by 39.9% of those surveyed. A downtown environment that serves as a gateway to a city that is committed to high standards of excellence was deemed very important by 42.9% of sample members and important by 47.5% of those surveyed. Chart 9 provides responses for each of the individual items in this category. Char~ 9. Public Space and Open Areas Recognition Public Oaen OpenSoace Gateway · Very Impor~anl El Important ~ Somewhat Impo~ani ONot Important la No Response 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Percentage of Responses The percentages of individuals responding that these public space and open areas items were not important ranged f~om 1.8 to 3.0 percent. 12 Transportation Six survey items addressed transportation issues. The use of public and private parking that is easily accessible, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing was viewed as very important or important by 89 percent of the respondents. Only 2.2 percent of sample members said that this item was not important. Approximately 67 percent of respondents indicated that providing a transportation experience which blends the historic past with current needs and links together the historic areas of downtown was very importam or important to them. Between 80 to 85.2 percent of sample members r~orted that the remaining items in this category were very important or important to their vision of Downtown Dubuque. Chart i0 provides responses for all the specific items addressed in the transportation category. Chart t0. Transportation Va~ety Coordinafian Exoedence Guides Connects Parking 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Percentage of Responses EVery imporkant [] Important Bi Somewhat Important [] Not Important [] No Response The percentages of individuals responding that these transportation items were not important ranged from 2.0 to 8.6 percent. 13 Si~ificant differences by ago were found in responses To two transportation items. When combining very important and impormar response categories, a higher percentage of individuals 60 years of age and older (73.3 %) responded that a transportation experience that blends the historic past with current needs was more important to them than other age categories of respondents. Chart 11 provides the age comparisons for this item. Chart t 1. Transportation-Experience That Blends Historic Past With Current Needs (Q31) 80- 73.3 70 - 64.1 65.2 60- 5o 40- 26.6 25.2 9.6 8.6 7.4 Imponam Somewhat Impo~.ant Not Important Importance 0.6 1.8 Noresponae 14 Secondly, again when combining very important and important response categories, a higher percentage of women (74 %) than men (59.1%) responded that a transportation experience that blends the historic past with current needs was important to them. Chart 12 provides gender comparisons for this item. Chart 12. Transportation-Blends Needs and Historical Past (Q31} 8O 7O 60- 50. 40- 30- 26- 10- 74 59.1 Important 29.3 16.7 Somewhat Important Importance 9.9 7.4 Not Important 1.7 1.9 No Response 15 Historical Features Seven survey items addressed issues concerrfing the historical features of Downtown Dubuque, All the items in this category were considered to be very important or important by 68.3 to 73.8 percent of those interviewed. Chart 13 provides the responses for specific items addressed in the historical features category. Chart '13, Historical Features Educ/Value New Structures Use of 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Pementage of Responses 1 Ve~ Impodant [] Impo~ar~ B Somewh~ Impo~ant [] N~ Impodaffi ~ No Response The percentages of individuals responding that these historical feature items were not important ranged from 4.4 to 7.4 percent, 16 Conclusions Overall, the vast majority of survey items were consistently endorsed by over 90% of respondents. That is, over 90% of th~se surveyed indicated that they consider the items mentioned to be very important, important, or somewhat important to their vision of Downtown Dubuque. On the other hand, only .4 to 10 percent of respondents consistently indicated that the items mentioned were not important to their vision of Downtown Dubuque. The one issue receiving a larger percentage of not important responses was the item concern'rog housing above downtown storefronts. Approximately 26 percent of sample members indicated that this issue was not important to them. When the number of responses for very important and important were combined, significant differences by age and gender were noted for a number of items: 1) a higher percentage of individuals 60 years of age and older (76.3%) responded that a blend of housing options coyer'rog a range of prices was ~mportant to them compared to other age categories of respondents; 2) a h/gher percentage of individuals 60 years of age and older (48.9%) responded that the availability of housing above downtown storefi'onts was important to them compared to other age categories of respondents; 3) a higher percentage of women (77.3%) than men (71.1%) responded that meeting the needs ora diverse population was important to them; 4) a higher percentage of women (84%) than men (76.3%) responded that it was important to them to advise business and property owners on property improvements, streetscape amenities, customer services, and the financial resources to implement these activities; 5) a higher percentage of women (84.8%) than men (78%) responded that it is important to provide opportunities that enrich people's lives; 6) a higher percentage of individuals 60 years of age and older (73.3%) responded that a transportation experience that blends the historic past with current needs was important to them compared to other age categories of respondents; 7) a higher percentage of women (74 %) than men (59.1%) responded that a transportation experience that blends the historic past with current needs was important to them. Appendix A Vision Downtown Validation Survey October 2001 Name of Interviewer Date/Time of Interview Phone Number Good evemng. Is this the residence? This is [First and Last Name) and I'm working on a survey of Dubuque Citizens concerning their vision of Downtuwn Dubuque. (Be prepared to indicate, if necessary, that this survey is one of a number of information-gathering activities being used by the Downtown Planning Committee to create a plan for Downtown Dubuque. The unique feature of this survey is that information is being gathered from a representative sample of Dubuque citizens.} Could you help me out by answering a few questions? "Yes" - proceed with Introduction (Be prepared to indicate that the survey is short and will take only a few minutes of their time.) "No" - Thank you for your time and have a nice evening. Introduction - You have been chosen as part of a random sample of Dubuque citizens and we would appreciate your honest responses to our questions. Your answers wilt be part of an overall tabulation so no specific response will be identified with any particular person. Your answers will be held in the strictest confidence. This interview is voluntary - if we come to a question that you don't wish to answer, just let me know and we will go on to the next question. Please indicate how important each of the following is to your ideal vision of Downtown Dubuque. Is the item very ~mportant, important, somewhat important, or not important to your vision of Downtown Dubuque? (Read each and circle the number of the response given by the respondent) Very I Somewhat Not No Important i Important Important Important Response In terms of residential living, how important is each of the following? 1. A blend of housing options covering a variety of 4 3 2 1 9 ' price ranges 2. A blend of housing options with adequate 4 3 2 1 9 parking 3. A blend of housing that meets the needs of 4 3 2 1 9 people fi.om various language backgrounds or who are phTsicafiy challenged 4. A renewed emphasis on preserving, and 4 3 2 1 9 promoting the downtown area's historic architecture -- 5. A mix of businesses and institutions within 4 3 2 1 9 walking distance that meet the needs of downtown residents 6. A clean and safe environment 4 I 3 2 1 9 7. Employment and childcare opportunities in 4 3 2 1 9 close proximity to downtown housing 8. Housing units above downtown storefi.onts 4 3 2 1 9 9. Neighborhoods that link people together in such 4 ' 3 2 1 9 a way as to create a sense of communlty 10. Access to quality educational opportunities for 4 3 2 1 9 both traditional and non-traditional students 11. Facilities and activities for young people 4 3 2 1 9 Very Somewhat Not No Important Important Important Important ! Response In terms of commercial activity, how important is each of the following? 12. A mix of businesses and services that encourage 4 3 2 1 I 9 frequent and yenr-round visitation 13. Recognition and promotion of unique 4 3 2 1 9 interconnected districts that possess their own historic architecture 14. A %ser friendly" environment that is safe and 4 3 2 1 9 provides access to work sites, parking, childcare and support businesses for downtown employees 15. A commercial environment that encourages the 4 3 2 1 9 start and growth of businesses, especially enterprises not traditionally housed in the downtown area 16. Promotion of downtown as a regional center for 4 3 2 1 9 retail/specialty shops, restaurants and entertainment, and tourism 17. Pfomation of downtown as a regional center for 4 3 2 1 9 multi- cultural businesses, education and goverament services, and professional services and office facilities 18. An ongoing effort to advise business and property 4 3 2 1 9 owners on property improvements, streetseape amenities, customer services, and the financial resources to implement these activities. Very Somewhat Not No Important Important Important Important Response In terms of culture, education and entertainment, how important is each of the following? 19. Promotion of cultural, educational, and 4 3 2 1 9 entertainment opportunities that enrich our lives 20. Promotion of cultural, educational, and 4 3 2 1 9 entertainment events that support the community's appeal to tourists 21. Cultural, educational, and entertainment-based 4 3 2 1 9 businesses that will enhance the economic development and historic revitalization of the downtown area 22. An environment that creates a sense of 4 3 2 1 9 ~eighborhood" with cultural, educational, and entertainment activities that occur on a year-round basis 23. Encouragement of frequent cultural events and 4 3 2 1 9 activities that enhance the downtown arm's image as the "place to be~ Very Somewhat Not No Important Important Important Important Response In terms of public space and open areas, how important is each of the following.* 24. Recognition that public open areas and green 4 3 2 1 9 spaces are vital to the livability of downtuwn 2~. Public open areas that are aestheticaliy pleasing 4 3 2 1 9 and appealing to the senses of those who work, live, and visit in the downtown area 26. Open space for social events that also provides 4 3 2 1 9 access to the Mississippi River and a view of the downtown's natural landscape 27. A streetscape that enhances the beauty, charm, and · 4 3 2 1 9 vibrancy of the downtown area through the use of landscaping and amenities 28. A downtown environment that creates a sense of 4 3 2 1 9 pride and serves as a gateway to a city that is committed to high standards of excellence Very Somewhat Not No Important Important Important Important Response In terms of transportation, how important is each of the following? 29. A variety of mobility options for people of 4 3 2 1 9 differing needs and desires 30.Coordination of all modes of transportation so as to 4 3 2 1 9 maximize accessibility 31. Provide a "transportation experience" that blends 4 3 2 1 9 the historic past with current needs and links together the historical areas of downtown 32. Provide visual destination guides for travelers using 4 3 2 I 9 various modes of transportation that will alert them to destinations and attractions 33. An accessible transportation system that connects 4 3 2 1 9 the downtown with the larger community and other localities 34. The use of public and private parking that is easily 4 3 2 1 9 accessible, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing ' Very Somewhat Not No Important Important Important Important Response In terms of historical features, how important is each of the following? 35. Increased appreciation of and technical assistance 4 3 2 1 9 and funding for preserving the downtown's historical and architectural heritage 36. Recognition that historic preservation and 4 3 2 1 9 development must be coordinated and mutually beneficial 37. Identification of downtown historic resources and 4 3 2 1 9 education of the larger community about its value 38. Efforts to market downtown historical traits as 4 3 2 I 9 unique and distinctive features of our colorful history 39. Co6rdinated design and construction of new, or 4 3 2 1 9 when necessary, replacement structures that complement the architectural heritage of the downtown area 40. Coordinated effort to recognize the historical 4 3 2 1 9 contribution of individual buildings while realizing that some structures do not merit preservation 41. The use of historical structures for commercial, 4 3 2 1 9 educational, cultural, and residential purposes for people of all ages and backgrounds Finally, we'd like to ask a couple questions to ensure a representative sample of Dubuque citizens 42. Sex (Record from conversation or ask to confim) 1. Male 2. Female 43. Which of the following age ranges contains your current age? (Circle one I. 18-34 2.35-59 3. 60 or older These are all the questions I have. Thank you very much for participating m our survey. Your answers will be part of an overall tabulation, so your privacy is assured. Again, thank you. XIII Vision Downtown Final Document DOWNTOWN DECEMBER 3, 2001 Commerce ~Culture, Education & Entertainment Historical Features Public Space and Open Areas Residential Living Transportation COMMERCE We envision the downtown area as a diverse commercial center pro- viding economic opportunities that include: A broad mix of businesses and services that encourage frequent and year- round visitations. A "user friendly" environment for current and potential employees in terms of access to work sites, parking, childcare services, support businesses and services, and safety. Recognition and promotion of the unique districts in the downtown with their historic architecture and their inter-relationships. An environment that encourages the start of new and growth of existing businesses, including enterprises that are not traditionally housed downtown. Promotion of the downtown as a regional center for retail/specialty shop- ping, multi-cultural businesses, restaurants, entertainment, tourism, educa- tion, government, services, and professional/office facilities. An ongoing coordinated effort to advise business and property owners on marketing, property managemem, incentives, streetscape amenities, preser- vation, financial resources, adaptive reuse of historic sites, customer service, and hospitality. · Occupied units above storefronts. CULTURE, EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT We envision our downtown as a cultural, edUcational and entertain- ment center that includes: Promotion of cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities as a means to enrich our lives, and to enhance the economic and historic revital- ization of the downtown. Promotion of diverse cultural, educational, and entertainment events so as to complement the community's appeal to visitors and local residents. Cultural, educational, and entertainment based businesses as means to spur the historic preservation of buildings and economic development. Encouragement of frequent Cultural related events, entertainment, and activi- ties that enhance downtown's image as the "place to be." An environment that creates a sense of neighborhood with cultural, educa- tional, and entertainment activities that occur year-round. HISTORICAL FEATURES We envision our downtown as a place where the restoration and preservation of our unique historic sites and history includes: Increased appreciation, education, technical assistance, and funding of our historical and architectural heritage. Recognition that historic preservation and development must be in concert and mutually beneficial. Comprehensive identification and promotion of our downtown historic resources and the education of the community on their value. Ongoing efforts that incorporate our downtown historic treasures and market them as unique and distinctive features that showcase our colorful history. The coordinated design and construction of new and additional, or when necessary, replacement structures that complement the architectural heritage of the area with an emphasis on the adaptive re-use of historical structures. Coordinated effort to recognize the historic contribution of each building to the whole of the historic downtown, but with the realization that some struc- tures do not merit preservation. The promotion and encouragement of the use of historical structures for commercial, entertainment, cultural, educational, and residential purposes for people of all ages and backgrounds. PUBLIC SPACE AND OPEN AREAS We envision our downtown as an inviting area that appeals to all the senses through the creation of a clean, safe, and environmentally pleasing setting that includes: Recognition that public open areas and green space are vital to the livabflity of the downtown. Public open areas that are aesthetically pleasing and accessible to employ- ees, customers, visitors, and residents of the downtown area with the goal of appealing to sight, sound, smell, and touch. Open space for recreation, social events and gatherings, access to the Missis- sippi River, and a view of downtown's natural landscape. A srreetscape that enhances the beauty, charm, and vibrancy of the down~ town area through the use of color and texture in such things as landscaping and amenities. A downtown environment that is a source of pride for the entire community and that serves as a gateway to the city that demonstrates a high standard of excellence. RESIDENTIAL LIVING We envision our downtown as a "home" to many people that pro- vides a mix of amenities and opportunities including: A blend of housing options across the affordability range throughout the downtown with adequate parking, green space, and transit access, including housing that meets the needs of physically, visually, hearing, economically and language challenged persons. A renewed emphasis on preserving and promoting downtown's residential historic architecture. A mix of businesses and institutions within walking distance that meets the needs of downtown residents. A clean and safe environment. · Employment and childcare opportunities in close proximity to housing. Occupied units above the storefronts. Neighborhoods that link people together on a twenty-four hour basis which will ultimately create a sense of community. Quality education facilities for both traditional and non-traditional students of all ages and interests. Facilities and activities for young people. TRANSPORTATION We envision our downtown as having a multi-modal transportation system providing numerous means of access that include: · A variety of mobility options for people with differing needs and desires. Coordination and accommodation of all modes of transportation so as to maximize accessibility. A transportation "experience" that blends the historical past with current needs, linking together the historical areas of our downtown. Visual destination guidance for all travelers reflecting various transportation modes which will alert them to destinations, attractions, parking, shopping, services, and arts. An accessible transportatiOn system that is geographically expansive in service and connects the downtown with the community and other localities. The shared use of public and private parking that is easily accessible, conve- nient, and aesthetically designed. XlV. Product Rollout VISION DOWNTOWN Product Rollout Dec. 3: Jan.: NEWS CONFERENCE (9 a.m.) Vision Downtown Document Archival Records Binder (10) PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL (6:30 p.m.) Vision Downtown Document Archival Records Binder (7) Planning Budget Request ADDITIONAL BINDERS DISTRIBUTION Downtown Planning Committee (18) Cit5 Hall (5) Library (I) Main Street (1) Chamber (1) MASS DISTRIBUTION City Focus Insert Extra Copies Cit~ Hall Library Main Street Chamber TH Editorial Radio/TV Interviews CITY CHANNEL 8 SERIES (Jan.-Aug.) DAVID WM. RUSK CHAIR LAURA CARSTENS BOB FELDERMAN jIM GIBBS JIM GIESEN DAVID HARRIS DORIS HINGTGEN ]IM'HO[Z STEVE HORMAN PAM JOCHUM DAN LOBIANCO ANN MICHALS KI RUTH NASH MARY LYNN NEUMEISTER ART ROCHE RICH RUSSELL LISA SESTERHENN JOHN WALSH NEWS CONFERENCE Monday, December 3 9 a.m. Majestic Room Five Flags Civic Center Please attend this important news conference to announce VISION DOWNTOWN. XV. Press Clippings plans to improve Dubuque housing raove £orward Ideas: Conference groups share findings By J£Fi:REY PIET/RS TH staff writer Six weeks after 80 Dubuque leaders gathered for a daylong conference on housing, their planning efforts are taking shape~ After the Feb. 11 conference, par- timpants separated into seven groups, each meeting to discuss different is- On Thursday, all.of the groups re- convened at Presentation Sisters Center to share their findings. Mercy Medical Center-Duhdque eeutive ga't Roche and Jul[oh'S Journal emp[y for as long as a decade /Wkat must be done. in the area of affordable housing, might be more a question of quality than quantity, said Peter Eck, a member of the gronp dis- cussing that issue. "They {tenants) are looking at whether it's desirable for them" to live in certain affordable apartments. Eek said. / Dubuque should create a tenants association, much as it has a landlords aeeocio, fton and neighborhood D'oups, said Suzanne WrighL a tenant who participated in the conference. Wrtght's group, discussing making downtown a more desirable place to live, plans to hold a meeting in April about forming a tenanm association. publisher David Rusk said then' group has concluded Dubuque needs a downtown plan, shaped by citizens of every stripe -- and fast. They said they will ask the city eanneil to meet with them in a work session this spr4ng to kick off the plan- ning effort, which they further hope the city will sponsor. Other conclusions discussed a; Thursday's meeting: ¢' Dubuque must provide incentives aiding the demolition of abandoned and blighted properties, said police officer Cory Somme. r, leader of a group discussing "livable neighborhoods." The city has 38 abandoned build- rags, according to Housing Depart~ men; records. Some of those have been / Dubuqu~ must provide more rea- sons for young citizens to s[ay here, said Para Myhre. a member of Dubuque's Community and Economic Development Doper;men;. That includes actixdties and ameni- ties not only for children, but for young adults as well, Mvhre said. / Citing as an example the disap- pearance of the common corner store from many neighborhoods. Dubuque's Neighborhood Development Specialist Karen McCarthy said the city should work toward developing more mixed neighborhoods. Such neighborhoods would include a variety of housing types, income levels and commercial uses, McCarthy said. 4A OUR OPINION Can the reality match the vision for Main Street? Tourist-magnetsl it would behoove the city to provide enticements for artisans and businesses that will excite and engage the passersby adjusted. Perhaps rent subsidies can be arranged. 4A AMY GILUGAN CiTY 563/588-5671 800 '553o480& OUR OPINION Betty Jane's closing will leave a hole Downtown: Revitalization needs some help to get moving Old timers,recall their sadness when the Popper at 10th and Main closed. It was a favorite place to stop after shopping or on the way home.from work for a bag of caramel and popped corn. Now we learn that Betty Jane, the candy store neighbor of the Popper. will close its doors today. Betty Jane's Main Street store is a cherished memory for the older generation and those that worked in the area. The significance of the candy store's closing, along with the closing of Hartig's Drug Store on Town Clock Plaza. the Office Grill in the Fischei' Building and Tak~ 5 on Eighth Street, is a regrettable trend in downtown. We might fJzink these closings are minor scratches on Main Street that bandages of regret can cover, but that is not the case. Downtown is hemorrhaging. YIowever welcomed the news, every business that relocates anywhere outside .downtown, and every new business that locates elsewhere in Dubuque, are ~gpportunities lost. Those oppoztunities wi]/not resuscitate the downtown as a former business center Operfing Main Street to vehicular traffic is a hope that needed revival will come. But downtown needs more than hope. It needs a master plan based on a firm vision and a pro-active pursuit of that plan. Are we waiting for downtown property owners to get their aet together? Are we waiting for city officials to do the planning? Are we waiting for good fortune to smile? Or a miracle? Whose responsibihty is it To move the down~own to action? If all we hear is, "Not mine." then we will never ~experience the good old days when the likes of the ~ Popper and Betty Jane were needed dovcntown. Tomorrow's news should be that the downtown ;property owners, city officials, suppo~ers and investors armounce a grand vision and a datehne for implementing that vision. TUESDAY June 5, 2001 Dubuque, iowa Telegraph City focuses Visio 'A master plan': Council awards contracts, sees unified goal in developing riverfront, opening plaza Ry ERIN COYLE TH staff writer A Vision Downtown poster faced the Dubuque City Courier Monday night as the council moved fmwvard on two major downtown development projects. podium in the Carnegie-Stout Publie Li- brary. The Vision Downtown project in- Connector and Bluff Street to the river. discussion tonight, it's starting to all take together in a master plan." The city council approved four items re- lated to opening the Town Clock Plaza and the America's River project development. Main Street loan pool crested/3A City leaders seek community input on downtown's future/3A for opening Town Clock Plaza from Fifth to Ninth streets. The contract amount ranges from $I81,000 to $221,000. The lion the city requires. Councilman Joe Robbins said he voted against opening the plaza, not against the "I just donrt see what the phrpose is going to serve," Robhins said, 165th Year, No. 156 2 sections, 22 pages Herald the council needs to move forward with the project that passed, 4-3, on April 17. Council member t~am Michalski, who has favored opening the plaza, said she was glad the council otiose the engineering firm the same mght it brought the America% River project closer to the construction phase. "To me they are not two separate pro- jects. To me they are really one project," Michalski said, The council unanimously approved HOK Venue, of Kansas City, Kan., as the architectural firm lo design the Missis- mpp~ River Conference and Education the cry choose HOK Venue, which bid $1,510,000. rather than the low bidder. Thalden Entertainment, of Las Vegas, Ney., bid $1,25g,000. "This firm is the recommended choice because they have proposed a cmnprehen- siva scope ef work with an approach that meets the objectives of both the city and private-sector developers," said Cindy Steinhauser, assistant city managm; The eounml also considered whether the River's Edge Plaza pavilion should 40-foot diameter. Bob Schiesi, a ciwl en- gineer for the city, suggested the conner Council: Gr0undbreaking set for after July 4 exhausted all other local resom'¢es Continued from Page IA 2onsider reducing the original pavilion s~ze. Schiesl said the larger size left only 15 feet between the pavilion and the plaza edge. "I think if we made it smaller. ~r would look out of place." said couned member Dan Nieholson. Council members voted, %0. to build R~e larger pavilion. ,Mayor Terry Duggan, who ~s a and facility management. "What tonight does allows us to Rix sa d developers plan to break grot nd after July 4. He said they are cautiously hut optimisti- cally snooung for ti~e hotel to open Labor Day of 2002. d Approved. ~-0. a resolution of L.L.C. to apply for an Iowa af- fordable hous ng tax credit for de- d Approved, %0, a resolution to support the Community Housing Initiative'~ Iowa affordable- houmng tax credit program appli- cation. The emmeil said it would to the proiect until the developers for a $26,000 contributmn to de- velop the River Oaks Apartments d Voted. 7-0, to award the con- Inc. for $553.fl69 Street Relief Storm Sewer Project / The council unmfimously proved a resolution to suppor[the development of all additional two- lane bridge for U.S. 20 across the Mississippi River. Committee seeks input for Dubuque's downtown develOpment Ri~er p e~:I~itial survey b~,,tb,end of theyear, referred to down- ~ the next few months. Leaders hope to Steve Horman~ executive clirector of will 'be available in July ,, ,, - The ex loslve growth and develop- town as the ndlgh- ,~,{(~,~ ~ather the opinions of local residents the Dubuque Area Chamber of Com- 4A OUR OPINION Main;Street Attention residents: You are vital to a new vision for the growth 9f Dubuque'sdowntown You ~rnght.cail zt a second rrnracle for Dubuque. he first one is the work of a dedicated group of ~itizens who planned and successfully advocated ~'or the America's River Prq eot that garnered ~uillions from ViSion Iowa earUer this year. Now ~omes another miracle of no less scope and impact. ~ In a rec~nt editokial,.the Telegraph Herald asked ~vhose respbn~iblllty is it to plat/for downt~xvm ~uoting ~:o~ that 'editorial. Dave Rusk. chairman ~f'the Vision Downtown shouts. "All of ours." -/es, _ollof us should ought must respond to the steps~,, other dedicated, hardeworking anc[ forwa~d, ~ king group of volunteers are putting The group hopes to complete a comprehensive . $1an for growth and development for the area ?,k ]~ retching from 14th Street to the Locust ~treet' onnector and Bluff Street :~o the'river by~e:~ndl'j' The specific steps the group is taking ask Our " pinions in the beg~nxg~ug, middle and end of the"'r [sinning process, The first step is a q. uestibnnaire xat will appe ~a~,. in the July issue of Cit7 Focus the, ewsletter that s direct-mailed to all Dubuque · sidents and will be available at City Hall and '~' arnegxe-Stout PubLic Lxbrary. Everyone but, * . ceryone, is asked ~o fill out and return that'*' '~ uestionnaire. The group hopes to have uestionnaires answered. These will form the )r a computer-generated analy~us, The ~econd step, a meeting on July.14 at the Five ~ould try to be there to voice our concerns, our ~pport and our appreciation. ~ ~* Two more steps will follow with the hope that a al vision can be presented before the end of this Nothing Could be greater for our city than a~'l~ · ,o,.wninwn that reflects what the cdmmunity ants. This plan is not the sole property of ~, owntown landowners and businessmen. It is noc xe sale ideas of city officials. It is ours. from egmning to end. But it can only be ours if we TM Vision Downtomm is'an enthusiastic movement. hat enthusiasm can infect all-of u~ if we - ~articipate and make our thoughts known, ~ The~next'miracle is the responsibility of all of us. Get involved :in downtown's renaissance Creating a vision: The planning process oromises to be highly inclusive a ¢omp*'ehemlve master Group requests help with downtown survey Dubuque's Downtown Planning Committee is asking mt]zens to complete and re,nm the qnes- Lmnnai~'es distributed in the July ~ssue of City Focus. The group hopes ~o crea~e by [r~e end of the year a vtslon for ~he area stretching from 14th Street to the Locust Street Con- hector and Bluff Street to the Mississippi River. Eventually, that v~sion could be developed into 8 comprehensive plan. LOCAL/AREA BRIEFS Additional copies of the ques- tionnaire are available at city hall and the Carnegie-Stout Pubiie Li- brary. Citizens are encouraged zo az- tend a community meeting from 8 a.m. To noon July 14 at the Five Flags Center. There also will be an opportunity go exchange views' on the future of the downtown. According to Dave Rusk chairman of the Downtown Plan- ning Committee. "Vision Down- zown. A Future For the Heart of Our City, is intended to be a highly participative and inclusive process and we hope citizens will take full advantage of these op- portunities to offer input to the future of our downtown." OUR OPINION ~/~1-,~'1 'Downtown' vision can't be short-sighted Demolition: Commission is right to freeze plans to knock down historic buildings for parking lot Survey drawing responses Vision Downtown: Panel expects crowd at Saturday meeting By ERIN COYLE ~'H staff writer Participation in Dubuque's Vi- sion Downtown initiative has started strong, according to David Rusk, chairman of the Downtown Planning Committee. The committee said Monday it has received 822 completed survey ques- tionnaires, nearly 3 per- cent of those distributed in the city newsletter. The survey ts ti~e first step in collecting data on ways residents envi- sion improwng David Rusk downtown Du- Happy with turnout buque. People who 'ha~ze' not already completed and returned questionnaires can get copies a; City Hall and the Carnegie-Stout Public Library. "Two-and-a-half percent is the average for typical mailings and We're approaching 3 percent al- ready," Rusk said, Rusk expects the response rate to grow as the initiative con- tinues On Monday, committee members combed through logis- tics for as many as 500 people to gather at 8 a.m. Saturday at Five Flags Center for the first of two public meetings for community input on the vision project. An independent consultant will use feedback from the meetings and the survey results to draft s mission and a downtown vision document by the end of the year. The city of Dubuque has con- tributed $30.000 for the wsion process. The project budget in- cludes an estimated need for up to $20,000 matching money. The bi~dget does not address costs for the planning phase. "Unless we get further funded, we're not going to have a plan, iusta vision," said Dan Lo- Bianco, executive director of Du~ buque Main Street. 4A Downtown is everyone's business DAVID Future: Recent questionnaire and upcoming meeting are part of plan [o assess community sentiment 563/588+5671 800 553-4801 OUR OPINION Add your voice to the vision Downtown: People from all corners of the community should participate in Saturday meeting Are 15 preferences too many to chose from? That's the number of choices on Vision Downtown's survey. You need only circle the numbers preferred. A second ~ection asks you to rank your first five preferences. A third section seeks a bit of demographic information that does not invade your privacy or identity. A few lines &re available for you to say whatever you prefer to make know~. That's all it takes to become a par~ of shaping a vision for downtown. Surveys. inside Jnly's City Focus. ~lso are available at City Hall and the Carnegie-Stout Public Library. A few moments of your time can help determine the direction of dowu~town's future. The area of the vision is generaily from the river to Bluff Street and from Jones to 14th Street. Those who ova~ proper~y in that area or have businesses there are likely to send in lheir preferences and ask their families and friends to add theirs. If your life's activities are generally outside that region and you do not state your ideas, the owners' and businesses will make the decisions for you. Why default on decisions that can make life in Dubuque much better for yourself, your children and grandchildren? Wouldn't it be a more accurate vision if the planning group heard from all ~alks of life, from all comers of our coramunl .ty? A true vision should have the voices of the south-side homeowner the west~end business owner, the farmer, the teenager. Only by getting involved can such a vision be realized. Another opportunity to add your voice to the vision comes from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday when local residents are invited to participate in a meeting at Five Flags Center. The group of volunteers who are trying to bring about a great improvement for Dubuque are enthusiastic and eager for your input. Most did not realize what the America's tV~ver project was about until the plans were presented, But ~ project is different. Your ideas can be incorporated into the vimon. As the recruiting posters, with eyes on you, finger pointing to you. would say, "Dubuque needs you." Dubuquers discuss downtown v sion Community meeting: Speaker says the city 'has a lot to work with' By JOHN EVERLY TN staff writer City of Dubuque officials are asking Dubuquers what they want in a do,va- town. They heard the first round of an- swers Saturdav. The first community meeting on a vi- sion for downtown Du-buque was held ~t the Five Flags Center, hosted by the city s Downtown Planning Committee. The committee LS seeking public consensus on the direction for Dubuque's down- town. Downtown suggestions Some items aubuauers at Saturdays meeting said they woula Itke to see: v' MarKeting to draw Deome aowntown, ,/New ousinesses. ,/ Dc lars for devemament projects. ¢' More serwces for Downtown wsuors. ¢ Ambassaaors to answer vm~ors' aues- "It must be fotmded Ja broad omnmu- nity ~nput and participation," said com- mittee chairman David Rusk. "Truly, downtown belongs to all of us." nrdav and came up with'a wish list for downtown ranging from new businesses and attractions to ambassadors that could answer visitors' questions. A downtown- development expert also gave the audi- ence some food for thought. David Feehaa David Feeitan, Downtown exper[ president of the Wash/aRran, D.C.-based International Downtown Assomation. told those az the meeung that Dubuque is already on its way to developing a great About 100 were in at/cadence Sat- Downtown/Please turn to Page 2A Downtown: Continued [rom Page ::LA downtown. The czty's bluffs and the Mississippi River are an "ex- traordinary opportunity" Feehan said. "Dubuque has a tot co work with," Feehan said. "It has water, it .has hills, tt has hisloric architec- ture and it has q very good down- ,to~vn orgamzation. With those 'elements, there's no reason why it [couldn't succeed." Feehan offered some suggestions 'for improving downtowns. Down- towns should consider their unique features as assets. "You need to create places where people want to be." he said. That means downtowns that are safe. attractive and memorable, he said. "You've got ~o think of downtown as a tocal expemence." RuSk said turnout was small but enthusiastic Some successful downtown ele- ments include retail businesses that offer unique product lines and cafes, he said. Green space, color and activities dra~v people because those things make downtowns in- teresting, he said Rusk said that although Satur- day's attendance was light, he was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown. "They're committed people that really care abou~ our downtown," Rusk saic Another public meeting is sched- uled for Sept. 15. Downtown resident Suzie Wright was glad the city was asking her opinion. "I thought ii was a very positive thing to happen," she said. would encourage other people to show up in Septemben" Bill Barriek, who is opening a business at Main and First streets. was hopeful the process would no~ end at the idea stage. "I'm inspired and I only hope that we have the ability and en- durance and enthusiasm m bring these ideas to fruition." he said. Bar~iek said he fears there will be no follow-up on the ideas presented at the meeti~g. The results of the citizen ques- uonnaire and first eominunity meeting will ~orm the first dra£t of a "Vision Downto~vn" document. Results of the community meet- ings, a review session and valida- tion survey will be summarized in a final document. Rusk said this final docuraent could be used by city of- ficials to plan and budget for downtown development projects. Vision Downtown questionnaires were sent to Dubuque households in the July City Focus newsletter and also are available at the Carnegie-Stout public library. Questionnaires are due July 23 Riverffont America's Rivet Grassley is wOrking to secure the plan another $1 million ny MARY RRE BRRGG TH staff writer Old timers will tell you it's truei Them Senate committees put together their appropriation bills for the coming fiscal year. and Dubuque projects found them- seives in line for $i.8 million. g178.5 million in public and private sup- nort is r~rawing ne~, financial backing Thanks to the efforts of Sen. Charles r~ p oject proves you have to give to get project is slated to receive another willhe approved, not only entertain tourists but to cap- leverage public dollars and public dol- $1 milhon, this time from the Depart- Mayor Terry Duggan, Mississippi River ture the imagination of Dubuquers who lars leverage private dollars," Goodmann Museum Executive Director Jerry Ign- zler and the project's development dj- Washington in the spring when Grass~ ley's and Harkin's s~aff members en- couraged them to apply for the "They tokt us about this money that can only be used for light rail projects," Goodmann said. "We were encot;raged by them to pursue this because it would fir so well with the plans for the river- David Rusk. chairman of Dubuque's 12 iede]'al agencies have contributed said. "When private contributors like the Key Club at Senior High holds a dance and donates the money they make, that speaks volumes about the community commitment," she said. Help Plan a for Downtown by David Wm. Rusk Dubuque There have been many plans and programs toward fostering the revitalization of Downtown Dubuque over the years. More recently, many voices in our community have suggested that now is the time to begin anew a comprehensive effort to guide the heart of our city toward a future we can ali be proud of. The explosive growth and development just beginning on our waterfront brings with it the need for thoughtful dialogue on the impacts, opportunities and synergies that will doubtless arrive with it. It is our downtown, nestled below the magnificent bluffs that shape its western border, and proximate to the great river that ru.~s just to ns east. that is toe true heart of our city. It best reflects our community character and heritage. It best defines the sense of place that is Dubuque. The downtown belongs to our entire community and is a key source of our community pride. The City of Dubuque has embarked on a comprehensive planning process for its downtown and all our citizens are invited and encouraged to participate in what is expected to be a highly inclusive effort. The Downtown Planning Committee, comprised of a cross secuon of community leaders and planners, has been assigned by the City Council and its Long Range Planning Advisory Commission m lead a cmnprehensive downtown planning process. The overall downtown planning process is to include four essentiai elements: · Develop a Shared Community Vision for Downtown Dubuque · Assess that Vision relative to Today's Reality · Assess the Vision and Reality relative to Existing Plans - Create a Comprehensive Downtown Master Plan The creation of a shared community vision [or our downtown is appropriately and necessarily the foundation to the entire downtown planning process. We have learned from the community-wide Vision 2000 and comprehensive planning process of the 1990's. that broad citizen engagement is a powerful engine. It is a commitment to an open and inviting visioning and planning process that lies at the heart of the work strategy of the Downtown Planning Committee and, in particular, its sponsoring of Vision Downtown. A Future for the Heart of our City. CITY FOCUS AUGUST 2001 Vision Downtown, A Future for the Heart of our City, is a multi-step process that Mil culminate in a shared community vision for Downtown Dubuque. The process will include a citizen questionnaire, community meetings and a validation survey, all designed to together ensure that the product is truly a shared community vision and therel'bre a credible and legitimate foundation on which tc build a comprehensive master plan for our downtown. The first opportunity to participate in Vision Downtown is to complete and return a citizen questionnaire m help the Downtown Planning Committee initially assess overall community seetimenl regarding general attributes to be considered in the visioning and planning process. The questionnaire comes to you in this issue of City Focus in a cnnvemem tear-out and mail format, no postage required. Please complete and mail the questionnaire per the instructions. A second opportunity to participate in Vision Dowmown is to attend the initial community meeting scheduled for Saturday, July 14. 8 a.m.-noon in the Five Flags Civic Center Arena. We wilI hear from a nationally recognized urban planning executive who will challenge us to think openly and boldly about our downtown and thnn break out into discussion groups to "envision" a future for our downtown. The results of the citizen questionnaire and first community meeting will together form the f'u'st draft of Vision Downtown. An additional community meeting, reactor group session, and validation survey will later result in additional drafts and, ultimately, in a final shared community vision for our downtown, Vision Downtown, A Future for the Heart of our City. Watch for developments and announcemen~ regarding additional opportunities to participate in toe downtown planning effort in the local media as the process further unfolds. In the meantime. complete and mail your quesfionrmire and attend the community meeting July 14. It's your downtown...be a part of its future! Note: The author is cltailynan of the City of l)ubuque Downtown Plonnb~g Corem#tee 'Residents asked help draft downtown vision Saturday morning: The meeting will focus on reviewing survey infor nation By ERIN COYLE TH staff writer Community membm's are asked to help revise the first draft of a visiolq for the future development of do%vntown Dubuque on Saturday' morning. The Vision Downto~vn Committee wants Dubuque residents to ensure that e vision s%acemen¢ meant to identify priorities for future developmen~ accurately cap~ures collective community desires. The co~nmunity meeting Satnrday mornihg will focus on reviewing the data gathered from 1.411 surveys and an ear- tier community meeting. The D~owntown Planning Comrnission will host the'second community meeting from 8 ro ll a.m. Saturday at Five Flags Center. "Part of our strategy here on gathering people on Saturday, we're hoping to give them a firsi look together of the docu- ment,'' said Dave Rusk. chairman o~ the Down~own Vision Committee. Laura Carstens. manager of Pianning Sm'vices for the ct'fy of Dubuque, said the survey results were interestihg, but not sur- NEWS You co The second community mee[Ing will be from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Five Flags Center. prising. The priorities for future down- town development identified contributed ~o the downtown wsion statemen~ draft. which will be available Saturday. Carstens said there is a correlation be- tween the six dimensions of the proposed wsion statement and the features most people ranked highest in the survey. "There were some definite features that were really high," Carstens said. The survey indicated that 75 percent of respondents ranked six features as ~mportant or of high import, anco. The features are: unique shopping, restaurants, entertainment and tourism amenities; maintain historic character: increase employment opportunities cultural arts and recreational opportunities; public open areas and green spaces: and parking. Carstens said the data collected through the survey and corn- mtmity meetings will create an accurate representation of what the community wants downtown to be She called the vision statement a foundation for future devetopmen;. "It forms a frame~vork for the next steps of the downtown planning process." said Carstens. Rusk said this is an ideal time to plan the future de, velopment of downtown as the America's River project is revitalizin8 the riverfront. "We really need to rise ~o the challenge to be sure that this wonderful moment in Dubuque's growth and development is not restricted ~o just the waterfront." said Rusk. "If we are ever going to have an opportunity to do so. ~his is it.'- Dubuquers share views on future of city with Vision, Dowtown Parking: Transportation topics dominate Saturday's discussions 8y U.D. KI*I'[LE TH staff writer Dubuque citizen~' eertaimy weren't shy about their ideas of what the city's down- town should look like and xvhat it should be in the coming years, Aboul 50 Dubuquers, including a body's vimon statement, phoney, include: residential llvingi cam- And there was no shortage of ideas and meree: culture and education; public space Dubqque. I~'om the monumental to the toriealfeat~res. mLauie, the topics of discussions were a Satd~day's meeting featured a number of mLxtUve of inspiration and pure Dubuque amendments to the first draft, But no issue pragmamsm, seemed to raise ~nore ire than parking h~ "We need a meaningful identity to the downtown Dubuque. community, not o,iiy ior tourists but for Chris Wand, following the three-hour wm'k "We don't think the city has a vision on parking," said Dave Stua~x, spokesman for one of seven working groups· "We thb~k that the city's parking ordinances are very destructive to Historic Main·" geographically and schedule-wise, that ages of Planning Services for the city and spokeswoman for her group. Wifile many agree that prese~ving the rant, some said that need mus[ be tem- pered with n progressive development plan. "Just because it's old doesn't mean it's valuable·" said Cha~lie Glob, spokesman for his worh group Pablo Ramftez, a Dubuque police of- acfly what David Rusk the commission chairman, was looking ion At the begin- Krug of the session, Rusk reminded those in Saturday's tdea~ will be pu: into a worldng final ch-aft, which will be ~dewed resentatives. An approved final draft is City Council in November: Rusk said· Voi 12. No 2 October 2001 David Rusk Conunissioner ISIOfl:7,: , p.rpgr ss ont~nu eS ~%~fi~]~ ~i'~{6~h~,'~;~n' ~s Visioh DowntoWn continues to ehgage Dubuque residents m developin~ a sh~ed vision for the he~ of our ci~: SpearHeaded Ci~ of Dubuque Plmg Co.aec; yisio~ Dow~L~wn has ~een me topic of ~o co~.' ~e{~n~s ~n~. me focus of a citizen ~:qu~ti0~"' A '~e~{o? g~oup s~si0n ad a vMidatibn'smdy ~e plied for tMs f~. ...... : . ~,. ,.,~ '..~. .... . .'.- 'As bach step of ~e visioning process ~s completed, a ~a~ of ~e V~smn Downtom document Is update . The co~aee' w~l ~ublish ~d dis~bute a final 9~rsion'o~ ~e: Vision Downiown' document by ~e end of .,~ y~ ~a win fo~a ~ ~op~ ~o ~ ci~ co..~il ~o ¢o~a¢~ w~. ~x,~o~:~;a?w~owu p~ ~,~.e,. Additio~ steps ~ ~6 plamng process include comping ~e completed Vision Downtown document wi¢ ae c~em downtown plan ~d Mmre pl~ ~e final step is ~e creation of a downtown master plan. Vision Downtown survey underway The telephone survey for the Vision Downtown document is under way, cording to the Dubuque Downtown Plan- ning Committee. The committee is encouraging par~ies that are called to provide confidential an- swers to the survey. The Center ~or Busi- ness and Social Research at Loras College is performing the telephone validation survey for Dubuque. The city plans to initiate a comprehen- sive downtown master plan based on the Vision Downtown document, which will be released by January. XVI Budgetary Accounting Vision Downtown Project: Budget Estimates November 14, 200t ~ision~Downtown~Projec:t~Component~: ! Proie~;y ActuaLo~J~ ;CitYsFunds Ma[~hmg:~,~ E~ense~ Set up of logo ~.75 A~ual ~6.75 =Hnting of m~os and leBers for mailing $472.00 A~ual ~72.00 Vision Downtown stickers $186.~ A~ual $186.~ Mailing to prope~ owners and stakehold~s $120.00 A~ual $120.00 =~nting of memos and leffers for mailing $256.65 E~imat~ $256.~ Mailing to prope~y owners and stakeholders $120.00 E~imat~ $120.00 C~yFocus printing of e~ra copi~ $3,811.00 A~ual $3,811.00 ~y Focus marling to business~ and P.O. box~ $425.40 A~ual ~25.40 C~y Focus mailing to propeAy owners and stakeholders $120.00 A~ual $120.00 C~ Focus p~tage p~paid tatum $1,2~.00 Estim~ $1,200.00 Tabulation and analysis of Questionnaire r~pons~ ~,8~.00 A~ual $3,800.0C Keynote Speaker - honorarium & trav~ e~enses $3,250.00 Estimated $1,250.00 $2,0~.00 Five Flags Civic Center - lair ~69.50 A~ual ~9.50 HyVee Catering $527.00 A~ual $527.00 Suppli~ $1~.~ A~uat Five Flags Ci~c Center - labor ~9.50 A~ual ~9.50 HyV~ Catering $15~.10 ~ual $151.10 Suppii~ $231.00 A~ual $231.~ Cotle~ion, tabul~ion and analysis of data $8,3~.00 A~ual $8,395.00 In~tations, refr~hments and faciliti~ for r~ctor group ~.50 A~ual ~5.50 Public Relations for ~sion ~ment ~00.00 Estimat~ $~0.00 Printing/DistHb~ion of Vision ~ment - dra~ $214.00 A~ua{ $214.00 Printing of Vision Document - final $5~000.00 Estimat~ $5,000.~ ~ Compilation of Archive Binders $200.00 E~imat~ $200.00 i Ci~ F~us Mailing to busin~s~ and P.O. ~xes ~25.00 E~imated ~25.00 Ci~ Focus mailing to propeAy ~em and stakeholders $120.00 E~im~ed $120.00 Total Proje~ Costs - E~imat~ $39,4~.80 $29,900.80 ~ $9,500.00 R~aining Balance per Proje~ Budget $10,599.20 $99.20 $10,500.00