Downtown Revitalization Plan

Community Workshop #1

Potential Projects and Prioritization

Agenda

• Introduction

• Message from Mayor

• Process

• Potential Projects & Prioritization

• Areas of Interest Exercise

• Closing Remarks

Introduction

• BLA Team

• City Representatives

• Community Leaders Committee

• Business Leaders Committee

• Welcome from the Mayor

Process

• 5 Committee Meetings

• 2 Community Workshops

• Interactive Input

• Goals, Objectives & Projects

• Implementation & Maintenance

• Adopted in May 2012

Downtown Districts

• Downtown Core District

• Depot District

• I – J Corridor District

• East Downtown District

• West Downtown District

Key Focus Topics

• Aesthetics

• Mobility

• Public Spaces

• Private Spaces

Aesthetics – “Curb Appeal”

• Period-Appropriate Lighting • Plantings – trees, shrubs, planters, etc. • Benches • Bicycle Racks • Stamped Concrete Sidewalks w/ texture and color • Facades – improve, protect, design standards/recommendations • Signage – theme or brand of Bedford • Pavement Markings

Aesthetics – “Curb Appeal”

• Overhead Utilities • Maintenance and upkeep • Cleanliness of sidewalks, facades, building grounds – litter,

animal waste, leaves, ornamental tree “berries” • Downtown Theme – “brand” – limestone, early 1900s, green

space, astronauts • Murals – especially in key locations – building behind park on J

Street and building at 16th and H Street

Other Ideas?

Mobility – walking, biking, driving, parking

• Trails – dedicated “separate” walking/biking trails – recreational – (B-Line in Bloomington) – link significant historic structures and sites with neighborhoods, parks, library, etc.

• Integrated Trails/Sidewalks – convenience – draw recreation downtown – (Cultural Trail in downtown Indy)

• Crosswalks/Signals/”Chirp” Signals – improve safety for pedestrian travel

• Street Improvements

Mobility – walking, biking, driving, parking

• Parking – especially for county employees – lot requirements or limited spaces

• Parking Garage – especially if downtown begins to thrive

• Business Freight/Materials Off-Load – challenges for trucks navigating downtown streets/alleys

• Trolley utilizing rail for tourism and special events or “wheeled” trolley utilizing street system

Other Ideas?

Public Spaces – parks, government

facilities/buildings, future buildings/spaces, events

• Courthouse building and grounds need maintenance, upkeep and renovations – reintroduce fountain or rain garden to enhance west entry

• Limestone sculptures - display local artisan talent • Convention Center – downtown meeting and conference space – new or

existing facility • Downtown theatre/performing arts center – perhaps integrated into

convention center • Municipal Building – City Hall, Police Station, others - new facility or new

location in existing building

Public Spaces – parks, government

facilities/buildings, future buildings/spaces, events

• Lawrence County Tourism presence in Bedford – satellite location or embrace tourism at the Chamber of Commerce

• Trails – linear park system – (see above) • Enhance/Expand Farmers Market • Utilize downtown for more weekend and evening events/activities –

coordinate with downtown business owners • More restaurant options downtown – fine dining – outdoor seating • Milwaukee Depot – utilize/move

Other Ideas?

Private Spaces – privately-owned

property/buildings, businesses and housing

• Incentives for existing and new downtown business development (tax incentives, rate reductions, low-interest loans, free wireless internet)

• Vacant and aging buildings and housing – commercial services or professional office space

• Loft apartments above downtown businesses with rear entrances, decks and parking – living alleys

• Façade improvements – integrate limestone features

Private Spaces – privately-owned

property/buildings, businesses and housing

• Renovation of aging homes in downtown districts – habitat for humanity and other means

• Restaurants in the downtown districts (see above)

• Other downtown business development - Bookstore/Coffee Shop, Winery outlet, Ice Cream Parlor, theatre/performing arts

• Sidewalk improvements (partnership with city and private owners)

Other Ideas?

Areas of Interest

• Locations within each district needing attention

• Buildings, sidewalks, streets, vacant properties, etc.

• Key features, buildings, areas to showcase

• Locations for consideration for previously mentioned items, i.e. convention center, municipal center, trails, etc.