Title
Agenda Itrem:
Downtown Project Next Steps
Body
Issue:
The LUEC committee will be discussing future steps of the Downtown Project.
Committee Recommendation:
Being developed.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to finalize a specifics for a public Downtown Project community meeting.
Staff Contact:
Brian Wilson, Downtown Code Enforcement Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.709.2790
Presenter(s):
Brian Wilson, Downtown Code Enforcement Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.709.2790
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8227
Background and Analysis:
The Downtown Project is a multi-directional strategy enacted by council in 2011 aimed at creating a safe and welcoming downtown for all. It consists of a series of programs and projects each focusing on addresses challenges the city has faced in the core of downtown Olympia.
Several key elements of the Downtown Project have been implemented over the last year. Best Management Practices (BMP) were established for bars and taverns in Downtown Olympia. The BMPs are a signature agreement between the city and bar/tavern owners that focus on techniques and practices encouraging safety for patrons. They also prevent over serving and increase communication between the bar/tavern owners.
The Downtown Ambassador Program launched on August 1, 2012. The program includes two parts: Ambassadors and the Clean Team. Ambassadors provide customer service to all users of downtown. They assist with parking issues, way finding, and are an information source for upcoming community events. The Clean Team focuses on beautifying downtown by sweeping the streets, cleaning overflowing garbage cans and minor graffiti abatement.
The City has also invested in placemaking around the downtown core. Two parklets (pocket parks in parking spaces) were installed as a part of a matching grant from PBIA funds. Tree benches are in the process of being installed on 4th avenue and the artesian well has received significant structural and artistic upgrades.
At the September, 2012 LUEC meeting, committee members expressed a desire to host a Downtown Project public update meeting this winter. In addition, the committee suggested to staff to host a meeting for the group that attended the Project for Public Spaces presentation in Winter, 2011. More details about the specifics of these meeting will be discussed.
In addition, future plans about the artesian well lot will be discussed.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The success of the Downtown Project will create a more safe and welcoming environment in Downtown Olympia.