Downtown Master Plan Updates Happening Now – Downtown Public Space Management Staff is working with a Committee of the Downtown Commission on the development of Downtown Public Space Management Guidelines as the first section of updates to the Downtown Master Plan. The Public Space Management Committee is chaired by Andrew Fletcher and meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. More information about the Downtown Commission and its Committees is here. A survey is available between August 12 and September 23 to get feedback on how public spaces (most specifically streets and sidewalks) are currently used and experienced, and to get input on what priorities should be considered in the guidelines. The programs and issues that the guidelines can help inform improvements to include street/sidewalk closures, street performances, push carts/vending, outdoor dining and other structures and activities that the City has the ability to manage in public areas. Click here to be directed to the survey. Downtown Master Plan Updates – Background The Downtown Master Plan Updates will build on the Downtown Master Plan and Appendices (completed in 2009), to take a deeper dive into specific topics of focus related to the public realm. The Master Plan Updates will help address concerns about management of public spaces, enhancement of community character and expanded options for place-making. The Updates will respond to the growing popularity and number of people experiencing downtown, with goals to expand downtown vitality, facilitate local business and enhance livability while managing growing demands on downtown services and competing interests for use of space. The Downtown Master Plan Updates will result in policy statements, best management procedures, possible UDO changes and downtown corridor/district studies to create better management guidance for downtown. The three sections of the updates include: I. Public Space Management Public space management guidelines Management framework II. Urban Design / Ordinance Updates UDO amendments Zoning map amendments Design Guideline updates Preservation Plan recommendations III. Corridor / District Placemaking and Streetscapes Downtown-wide development/streetscape standards (such as lighting, signage, seating, crosswalks) Consideration of sub-district areas that may have unique elements/standards that pertain to the character area/neighborhood of downtown such as sidewalk patterns, trees, seating and other enhanced place-making Planning for additional green spaces in downtown in order to enhance quality of life and quality experiences Contact Information Dana Frankel, Downtown Specialist 828-251-4051 Todd Okolichany, Planning and Urban Design Director 828-259-5840