Meeting Date: March 10, 2022
To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
From: Revee Needham, Assistant City Planner
Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Title
Comment Letter on Proposed Bridge Square Renovations.
Body
Action Requested:
A motion of support from the Heritage Preservation Commission on the comment letter for the proposed renovations to Bridge Square.
Summary Report:
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) discussed proposed changes to Bridge Square at the December 14, 2021 meeting. Input from the HPC and other stakeholders were presented to City Council at their December 20, 2021 meeting. The proposed plan was adjusted to incorporate comments at the direction of City Council. An updated concept plan became available to the public in early February 2022. The video and proposed plan were reviewed at the HPC meeting on February 10, 2022. The public is also welcome to take the survey online. The City Council and staff value the feedback from the HPC about the proposed changes. Additional information can be found in the attachments on the historic features of Bridge Square and further background on the updates to Bridge Square.
After the February meeting, HPC members were asked to review the proposed plan further and provide feedback. Comments from two Commissioners are attached. The Subcommittee (Commissioners Evans, Steed, and Thomas) met on February 22, 2022 to discuss the proposed renovations. From that meeting, as well as comments from other Commissioners, a comment letter was drafted. The entire HPC is asked to review the proposed comment letter and make any changes as necessary. These comments should reflect the position and view of the HPC on the proposed changes. Commissioners are welcome to separately provide feedback from their personal perspective as a private citizen via the public survey.
The final comment letter will be sent directly to staff leading the project and will be shared with and reviewed by City Council. Staff and consultants will compile all the stakeholder and public input received and will make changes as necessary before presenting a plan to City Council. The tentative schedule for concept plan approval by Council is in April 2022. City Council will review and approve each stage along the way. Additional updates on the progress of this project will be provided as information becomes available.
Alternative Options: N/A
Financial Impacts: N/A
Tentative Timeline:
The proposed renovations of Bridge Square are tentatively scheduled to be presented at City Council on April 5, 2022. After approval, City Council will determine the availability of funding to budget for the project and solicit final drawings in the future. Future phases will be approved at a later date. Staff has reached out to the State Historic Preservation Office to consult with them on the proposed Bridge Square changes.