What will the Public Square look like in the Future? (Part III)
Consultants provide new recommendations for the Public Square
Last year, consultants hired by the City presented a fresh look at downtown pedestrian and traffic safety. Seeing where the old streetscape project, spearheaded by former Mayor Pete Jenkins was showing some wear, it was high time that the downtown area get a bit of a refresh.
These consultants and city staffers held a meeting at the Redmen’s Club downtown and this publication took a long look at the presentation that was given and gave some thoughts on the ideas that were presented.
The reaction to our story?
The chorus from City Hall was what one might expect. This publication was accused of being negative and pushing false narratives.
The City even went to the extraordinary effort to “correct the narrative”.
Looking back, the reaction from City Hall was hilarious. This publication never stated that the project should not have gone foward, rather this publication questioned on whether the changes put foward in the project were meeting the stated of goals of the project, which was enhancing pedestrian safety — not getting vehicular traffic through the downtown quicker.
In reality, the only narrative that needed corrected was that some of the ideas peddled by the consultant weren’t very good. And it wasn’t just myself that said that, it was the 80 some residents that came out to a follow up meeting last May.
Up to this point in the entire planning process, the City and their consultants pretty much gave the message that automobile traffic was way more important than pedestrian traffic; getting cars and trucks through the Public Square as quickly as possible was the ultimate goal. Pedestrian safety seemed to be more of an afterthought.
Yet, residents that attneded the meeting at the Bravo Room last May weren’t putting up with it. They advocated hard for change and told the consultants not just what they wanted, but more importantly, what they didn’t want.
Well, this past Monday, the City and the consultant showed that the changes that residents had been advocating for were actually integrated in the last plan that was presented to the City Council’s Committee of the Whole.
So, what changed?
Elimination of the second lane on the east side of the roundabout
One dedicated traffic lane coming into the roundabout from each entrance
Expanded greenspace in center of roundabout, keeping the iconic fountain and flag pole
Pushing back the project to 2026 (though less invasive utility work could begin later this year).
And even though Monday’s meetings still demonstrated some areas for improvement, including better pedestrian access for handicapped individuals and a continued desire for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at crosswalks in the Public Square, this final design is much better than what was proposed one year ago.
In the end, the thanks for advocating for these changes lies with you - our residents. And, that is the whole driving force behind Civic Capacity. One of the core values of this publication is that when residents are provided accurate information and thoughful analysis, they have the tools to develop their own ideas and insights on what our communities need and deserve. This publication isn’t here to tell our readers what to think — this publication is here to dive deeper into what is on offer in order to have fuller, richer conversations about our communities.
Those individuals that love and care for our community came out last May to work towards a better design for pedestrians and traffic; you all deserve a round of appluase. Thank you and Congratulations!
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