Greater Downtown Master Plan
Posted by Adele Gibbs
Minutes from the Missoula Sunrise Rotary Meeting November 12, 2008.
With President Chris Warden away, Advisor to the Board Anne Guest lead this week's meeting. Anne did a terrific job, and while we missed Chris, don't anyone tell him that attendance was up this week while he was gone!
Sergeant at Arms David Bardwick introduced guests John Kroph (guest of Paul Williamson), Peg Novatny (guest of Anne Guest), Julie Titchbourne (guest of Linda Pijon), Dau Ming (from China) and Julianna and Daniel (exchange students from Brazil). David shared his usual bit of humor with some brain busters (it was early-we didn't do too well!). David also shared that at a meeting of the Money Train committee last week Rusty Lockner entered the room and tossed on the table (over to Anne Guest) a parking ticket he'd received. Anne announced that Rusty had been granted a one-time waiver. Rusty spun the wheel for this "indiscretion" and his punishment was a $2 payment (same amount as the ticket). Then, testing the "one-time" nature of the ticket waiver, Rusty approached the podium and delivered another ticket to Anne. One-time waiver did in fact mean one-time waiver, and Rusty left the podium with the ticket. Turns out this ticket was Clyde Neu's!
There were several announcements:
Anne Guest reminded us that next week's meeting will be the annual Thanksgiving breakfast at the College of Technology, 909 South Avenue West, between the Fairgrounds and Sentinel High School. We will also see a program about gingerbread houses. Please remember - we are NOT at the Blue Canyon next week!
Anne also reminded us that the holiday music program (at the Hilton) will be December 10th, with entertainment by the Hellgate Chevaliers. Signup sheets were sent around. The Youth Homes Christmas breakfast program is December 17th (also at the Hilton). Elves are needed (signup sheets were sent around) to assist with set ups at 7am that day.
Our club received several thank you cards from the Youth Homes kids for the pumpkin carving event on October 26th. The beautiful thank you cards were circulated at the meeting.
Anne announced that the Missoula Symphony Chorale's "standalone" concert (sans symphony) will be held this Sunday at 3pm at the UM Recital Hall. This was a sellout event last year, and tickets are only $8 and $10. See Anne Guest with any questions.
The announcement of the chorale concert was a perfect lead-in to the next announcement which started with Paul Williamson and Anne Guest singing, "Who put the bop in thebop-she-bop-she-bop." BOP, of course, referring in this case to Baskets of Plenty. Paul announced the baskets are ready, order forms were at the meeting (you can also email basketsofplenty@gmail.com). The baskets are $60 and checks are to be made to Sunrise Rotary. There are 100 total baskets to be sold, so get yours ordered!
Paul also announced that a demonstration of a hydrogen-powered maglev personal rapid transit system will be made on Friday at 1:30 at MonTEC, 1121 E. Broadway. Paul and John Kroph (his guest at today's meeting) will lead the demonstration. An official from the U.S. Department of Transportation (Paul Brubaker) will attend the demonstration and reception. The public is invited!
Jeanine Nguyen announced that Julianna (from Brazil) is bored on the weekends and is looking for opportunities for more exposure to Montana and American life. If you have ideas or can help, please contact Jeanine!
Lynda Frost announced (to the accompaniment of David Bardwick on the train whistle) that the Money Train committee is meeting again next Wednesday at MRL (don't bring your parking tickets!). Remember, the event will be Saturday, February 7th. Tickets will be available in the next few weeks and ONLY 80 tickets will be sold!
Susan Cramer reported that the Membership Committee has created an outline for members with details on inviting/recruiting new members to our club. The outline was circulated to all in attendance. If you missed the meeting please contact Susan for your copy. Susan invited all to join the membership committee meeting following our regular meeting. She also said the Board has challenged each Board member to recruit one new member this Rotary year - perhaps all club members could participate. Susan also suggested that we use the terrific club brochures as a recruiting tool.
Susan Anderson announced that the Sustainable Business Council will meet on November 20th at MCT. The meeting will include a panel on healthcare for small businesses, focusing on opportunities and challenges. This event is free and open to the public. Pass the word!
Our Rotary Minute was provided by Brenda Thayer. Brenda spoke about gifts to the Rotary Foundation, in particular the Annual Programs Fund. The Fund has helped hundreds of thousands, with gifts providing immediate funding for the Foundation's cultural, humanitarian, and educational programs. Over $90 million has been donated by Rotarians, with another $250 million promised.
Anne Guest reminded us the Holiday Social will be held at Cynthia Bryan's home on Tuesday, December 30th. Mark your calendars!
There being no further announcements, Anne attempted to move on to the program. Rusty asked if there was time for a story. Anne relented. Rusty told us a story of Al Jensen (will this poor man EVER get over turning 50?) as a child. Fortunately after hearing the story we were pleased to know it wasn't true.
Anne then introduced our speaker, Linda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Missoula Downtown Association. Linda has a BA and MA from UM and has been with MDA for nine years. She spoke to us on the Missoula Greater Downtown Master Plan.
Linda said that in the recent past there had been no plan for the future of downtown Missoula and there were many questions about its future. Almost two years ago a steering committee was formed to start work on a plan. $450,000 was raised and 36 consulting firms applied. The consulting firm selected was Crandall Arambula of Portland, Oregon. Linda reviewed with us an information-packed presentation about the 25-year plan prepared by Crandall Arambula. She also provided us a "Fact Sheet" with details on the Plan.
Linda explained that there have been three prior public meetings on this plan: March 2008, May 2008, and September 2008. The next meeting is scheduled next Wednesday, November 19, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park, 200 South Pattee. All are encouraged to attend.
The Greater Downtown Master Plan is the planning document that gives a general framework, including planning for the development of downtown. Its purpose is multiple:
· To lay out the future for Downtown Missoula
· To provide direction for positive change
· To indicate how much and what kind of development is appropriate
· To provide reasonable certainty and predictability for potential investors
· To provide guidance for day-to-day decisions by government officials
· To suggest the impact of changes over time
· To provide better visual definition of the downtown
· To serve as a document for the citizens to understand proposed changes and put them into proper context
· To define obligations for government officials and those who follow in decision making.
Linda's presentation covered detailed aspects of the Plan. The Plan is lengthy and not all parts of the Plan are noted here. However, some highlights include:
· The potential for 2850 new housing units, and substantial new and remodeled business and retail space
· A primary focus on keeping Macys, expanding its building into its current parking lot and developing additional parking (structure) kitty corner to the southeast
· Growing the downtown area both east and west
· Expansion of existing downtown parks and the riverfront trail system
· Major expansion of Caras Park (to Kiwanis Park)
· Enhancement of all pedestrian access points, including steps off the Higgins Avenue bridge on both east and west sides
· Development of the "Depot Square" to potentially include new housing north of the railroad tracks and an underpass (walk/bike) under the tracks
· Extension of the E. Pine boulevard all the way to St. Pats
· Development of the riverfront triangle (with primarily housing-its "best use")
· The retention of government services in the downtown area with a campus orientation
· A performing arts center potentially shared with the UM Museum
· A cultural center developed in the area north of Kiwanis Park
· A solid circulation framework connecting all transportation networks: train, streetcar, bike systems
· A focus on sustainability via increase in bike traffic with improved bike paths and protected bike lanes known as "cycle tracks", including on the Higgins Avenue bridge and on Broadway (this would mean a change to a 2-lane Higgins Avenue bridge)
Linda provided a Response Sheet to all attendees requesting feedback on the plan. The feedback is directed to the consulting firm (Crandall Arambula). Linda again encouraged participation in the November 19 meeting, and encouraged us to view these websites: missouladowntownbid.org (the downtown BID website) and ca-city.com (the Crandall Arambula website).
Anne thanked Linda on behalf of the club and told her we'd be donating a dictionary in her name.
In keeping with this year's tradition, we closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four Way Test.
Sergeant at Arms David Bardwick introduced guests John Kroph (guest of Paul Williamson), Peg Novatny (guest of Anne Guest), Julie Titchbourne (guest of Linda Pijon), Dau Ming (from China) and Julianna and Daniel (exchange students from Brazil). David shared his usual bit of humor with some brain busters (it was early-we didn't do too well!). David also shared that at a meeting of the Money Train committee last week Rusty Lockner entered the room and tossed on the table (over to Anne Guest) a parking ticket he'd received. Anne announced that Rusty had been granted a one-time waiver. Rusty spun the wheel for this "indiscretion" and his punishment was a $2 payment (same amount as the ticket). Then, testing the "one-time" nature of the ticket waiver, Rusty approached the podium and delivered another ticket to Anne. One-time waiver did in fact mean one-time waiver, and Rusty left the podium with the ticket. Turns out this ticket was Clyde Neu's!
There were several announcements:
Anne Guest reminded us that next week's meeting will be the annual Thanksgiving breakfast at the College of Technology, 909 South Avenue West, between the Fairgrounds and Sentinel High School. We will also see a program about gingerbread houses. Please remember - we are NOT at the Blue Canyon next week!
Anne also reminded us that the holiday music program (at the Hilton) will be December 10th, with entertainment by the Hellgate Chevaliers. Signup sheets were sent around. The Youth Homes Christmas breakfast program is December 17th (also at the Hilton). Elves are needed (signup sheets were sent around) to assist with set ups at 7am that day.
Our club received several thank you cards from the Youth Homes kids for the pumpkin carving event on October 26th. The beautiful thank you cards were circulated at the meeting.
Anne announced that the Missoula Symphony Chorale's "standalone" concert (sans symphony) will be held this Sunday at 3pm at the UM Recital Hall. This was a sellout event last year, and tickets are only $8 and $10. See Anne Guest with any questions.
The announcement of the chorale concert was a perfect lead-in to the next announcement which started with Paul Williamson and Anne Guest singing, "Who put the bop in thebop-she-bop-she-bop." BOP, of course, referring in this case to Baskets of Plenty. Paul announced the baskets are ready, order forms were at the meeting (you can also email basketsofplenty@gmail.com). The baskets are $60 and checks are to be made to Sunrise Rotary. There are 100 total baskets to be sold, so get yours ordered!
Paul also announced that a demonstration of a hydrogen-powered maglev personal rapid transit system will be made on Friday at 1:30 at MonTEC, 1121 E. Broadway. Paul and John Kroph (his guest at today's meeting) will lead the demonstration. An official from the U.S. Department of Transportation (Paul Brubaker) will attend the demonstration and reception. The public is invited!
Jeanine Nguyen announced that Julianna (from Brazil) is bored on the weekends and is looking for opportunities for more exposure to Montana and American life. If you have ideas or can help, please contact Jeanine!
Lynda Frost announced (to the accompaniment of David Bardwick on the train whistle) that the Money Train committee is meeting again next Wednesday at MRL (don't bring your parking tickets!). Remember, the event will be Saturday, February 7th. Tickets will be available in the next few weeks and ONLY 80 tickets will be sold!
Susan Cramer reported that the Membership Committee has created an outline for members with details on inviting/recruiting new members to our club. The outline was circulated to all in attendance. If you missed the meeting please contact Susan for your copy. Susan invited all to join the membership committee meeting following our regular meeting. She also said the Board has challenged each Board member to recruit one new member this Rotary year - perhaps all club members could participate. Susan also suggested that we use the terrific club brochures as a recruiting tool.
Susan Anderson announced that the Sustainable Business Council will meet on November 20th at MCT. The meeting will include a panel on healthcare for small businesses, focusing on opportunities and challenges. This event is free and open to the public. Pass the word!
Our Rotary Minute was provided by Brenda Thayer. Brenda spoke about gifts to the Rotary Foundation, in particular the Annual Programs Fund. The Fund has helped hundreds of thousands, with gifts providing immediate funding for the Foundation's cultural, humanitarian, and educational programs. Over $90 million has been donated by Rotarians, with another $250 million promised.
Anne Guest reminded us the Holiday Social will be held at Cynthia Bryan's home on Tuesday, December 30th. Mark your calendars!
There being no further announcements, Anne attempted to move on to the program. Rusty asked if there was time for a story. Anne relented. Rusty told us a story of Al Jensen (will this poor man EVER get over turning 50?) as a child. Fortunately after hearing the story we were pleased to know it wasn't true.
Anne then introduced our speaker, Linda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Missoula Downtown Association. Linda has a BA and MA from UM and has been with MDA for nine years. She spoke to us on the Missoula Greater Downtown Master Plan.
Linda said that in the recent past there had been no plan for the future of downtown Missoula and there were many questions about its future. Almost two years ago a steering committee was formed to start work on a plan. $450,000 was raised and 36 consulting firms applied. The consulting firm selected was Crandall Arambula of Portland, Oregon. Linda reviewed with us an information-packed presentation about the 25-year plan prepared by Crandall Arambula. She also provided us a "Fact Sheet" with details on the Plan.
Linda explained that there have been three prior public meetings on this plan: March 2008, May 2008, and September 2008. The next meeting is scheduled next Wednesday, November 19, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park, 200 South Pattee. All are encouraged to attend.
The Greater Downtown Master Plan is the planning document that gives a general framework, including planning for the development of downtown. Its purpose is multiple:
· To lay out the future for Downtown Missoula
· To provide direction for positive change
· To indicate how much and what kind of development is appropriate
· To provide reasonable certainty and predictability for potential investors
· To provide guidance for day-to-day decisions by government officials
· To suggest the impact of changes over time
· To provide better visual definition of the downtown
· To serve as a document for the citizens to understand proposed changes and put them into proper context
· To define obligations for government officials and those who follow in decision making.
Linda's presentation covered detailed aspects of the Plan. The Plan is lengthy and not all parts of the Plan are noted here. However, some highlights include:
· The potential for 2850 new housing units, and substantial new and remodeled business and retail space
· A primary focus on keeping Macys, expanding its building into its current parking lot and developing additional parking (structure) kitty corner to the southeast
· Growing the downtown area both east and west
· Expansion of existing downtown parks and the riverfront trail system
· Major expansion of Caras Park (to Kiwanis Park)
· Enhancement of all pedestrian access points, including steps off the Higgins Avenue bridge on both east and west sides
· Development of the "Depot Square" to potentially include new housing north of the railroad tracks and an underpass (walk/bike) under the tracks
· Extension of the E. Pine boulevard all the way to St. Pats
· Development of the riverfront triangle (with primarily housing-its "best use")
· The retention of government services in the downtown area with a campus orientation
· A performing arts center potentially shared with the UM Museum
· A cultural center developed in the area north of Kiwanis Park
· A solid circulation framework connecting all transportation networks: train, streetcar, bike systems
· A focus on sustainability via increase in bike traffic with improved bike paths and protected bike lanes known as "cycle tracks", including on the Higgins Avenue bridge and on Broadway (this would mean a change to a 2-lane Higgins Avenue bridge)
Linda provided a Response Sheet to all attendees requesting feedback on the plan. The feedback is directed to the consulting firm (Crandall Arambula). Linda again encouraged participation in the November 19 meeting, and encouraged us to view these websites: missouladowntownbid.org (the downtown BID website) and ca-city.com (the Crandall Arambula website).
Anne thanked Linda on behalf of the club and told her we'd be donating a dictionary in her name.
In keeping with this year's tradition, we closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four Way Test.