Title
Downtown Strategy Recommendations: Review of Draft Heritage Commission Comment Letter
Recommended Action
Move to approve the drafted comment letter on the draft Downtown Strategy recommendations (with amendments, if applicable).
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the draft comment letter submitted by the Downtown Committee.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Sadlier, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Background and Analysis:
The Downtown Strategy consultant team released their recommendations at the October 29, 2016 public open house. These recommendations were based on an extensive public outreach process, including a special meeting with the Heritage Commission.
At least three Heritage Commissioners - Commissioner Rachel Newmann, Commissioner Pat McLain, and Vice Chair Dwayne Harkness - attended the open house. Afterwards, members of the Downtown Committee met to review the recommendations and begin drafting a Heritage Commission response letter to be submitted to the City Council. The draft letter is provided in Attachment 1. A detailed table and summary of the consultants’ draft recommendations are also provided (Attachments 2 & 3).
The Heritage Commission will discuss and approve the final version of the comment letter at the November 30th meeting. The approved letter will be up to one page in length. City staff will format the letter and arrange for Chair Davies to sign before it is submitted to the City Council.
The Council will have a special study session on the Downtown Strategy recommendations on December 6, 2016. The approved Heritage Commission letter will be handed to all Councilmembers at that meeting.
Options:
1. Approve the draft letter as presented.
2. Approve the draft letter as amended.
3. Not approve the draft letter.
Attachments:
1. Draft Letter
2. Table of Draft Downtown Strategy Recommendations
3. Summary of Draft Downtown Strategy Recommendations