Council Hears Presentation On ‘Parklets’
July 19, 2017 at 6:24 p.m.
By Dan [email protected]
The “parklets” proposal was pitched in a presentation to city council Monday by Leigh Groninger, a plan department intern, who said alley projects and parklets can increase pedestrian activity and downtown vibrancy, among other benefits.
The presentation included suggestions that parklets could be established in front of several downtown restaurants. Typically, the installation of the parklets – deemed as possibly a seasonal approach – would involve eliminating two or three parking spaces to accommodate each parklet.
The idea was pitched as a companion to the alley enhancement concept, which the city has already embraced with a pilot project west of North Buffalo Street between city hall and two businesses to the south. That project is already close to completion.
The idea of removing parking spaces in favor of decorative seating areas, though, drew a cool response because parking in the downtown has become a premium as new store openings – especially new restaurants – have increased demand.
She suggested parklets could potentially work in front of several restaurants, including Mad Anthony’s, Rua, Latte Lounge and One Ten Craft Meatery, as well as Three Crowns Coffee.
Planner Jeremy Skinner reminded council that the presentation was not a proposal, but rather “things to consider.”
Council member Cindy Dobbins, who lives downtown, said she occasionally hears concerns about the need for convenient parking and encouraged the plan staff to consider parking as well as input from nearby business owners.
Mayor Joe Thallemer also sounded cautious.
“I think we’re going to take this slow. I know parking is an issue,” Thallemer said.
Council also heard a presentation from Dr. Nate Bosch, from the Lilly Center For Lakes & Streams, which the city supports financially. Bosch recapped efforts to track the health of lakes and streams, highlighted other efforts and noted that the three lakes that are part of the city, or abuts the city – Winona, Pike and Center lakes – generate about $2.5 million annually through residential properties around the lakes.
Council also heard a draft proposal to establish a stormwater utility quality management plan that would establish policies for construction involving private contractors and public works projects.
The city has policies that involves warnings, notice of violations, tickets, stop orders and revocation of work permits.
The proposed plan would allow for an “escalation for interaction” between the city and contractors and a range of potential daily fines, according to Ryan Workman, the MS4 coordinator for the city who presented the draft proposal.
The proposal also includes an appeal process.
A formal proposal has not been submitted for consideration.
Editor’s Note: The following paragraph was inadvertently cut from the end of Dan Spalding’s city council story in Tuesday’s edition.
Council also heard a report from the Clean Waters Partnership, which is seeking to apply for a grant that could be used to help prevent pollution in some creeks that feed into Pike Lake.
The “parklets” proposal was pitched in a presentation to city council Monday by Leigh Groninger, a plan department intern, who said alley projects and parklets can increase pedestrian activity and downtown vibrancy, among other benefits.
The presentation included suggestions that parklets could be established in front of several downtown restaurants. Typically, the installation of the parklets – deemed as possibly a seasonal approach – would involve eliminating two or three parking spaces to accommodate each parklet.
The idea was pitched as a companion to the alley enhancement concept, which the city has already embraced with a pilot project west of North Buffalo Street between city hall and two businesses to the south. That project is already close to completion.
The idea of removing parking spaces in favor of decorative seating areas, though, drew a cool response because parking in the downtown has become a premium as new store openings – especially new restaurants – have increased demand.
She suggested parklets could potentially work in front of several restaurants, including Mad Anthony’s, Rua, Latte Lounge and One Ten Craft Meatery, as well as Three Crowns Coffee.
Planner Jeremy Skinner reminded council that the presentation was not a proposal, but rather “things to consider.”
Council member Cindy Dobbins, who lives downtown, said she occasionally hears concerns about the need for convenient parking and encouraged the plan staff to consider parking as well as input from nearby business owners.
Mayor Joe Thallemer also sounded cautious.
“I think we’re going to take this slow. I know parking is an issue,” Thallemer said.
Council also heard a presentation from Dr. Nate Bosch, from the Lilly Center For Lakes & Streams, which the city supports financially. Bosch recapped efforts to track the health of lakes and streams, highlighted other efforts and noted that the three lakes that are part of the city, or abuts the city – Winona, Pike and Center lakes – generate about $2.5 million annually through residential properties around the lakes.
Council also heard a draft proposal to establish a stormwater utility quality management plan that would establish policies for construction involving private contractors and public works projects.
The city has policies that involves warnings, notice of violations, tickets, stop orders and revocation of work permits.
The proposed plan would allow for an “escalation for interaction” between the city and contractors and a range of potential daily fines, according to Ryan Workman, the MS4 coordinator for the city who presented the draft proposal.
The proposal also includes an appeal process.
A formal proposal has not been submitted for consideration.
Editor’s Note: The following paragraph was inadvertently cut from the end of Dan Spalding’s city council story in Tuesday’s edition.
Council also heard a report from the Clean Waters Partnership, which is seeking to apply for a grant that could be used to help prevent pollution in some creeks that feed into Pike Lake.
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