AThe Future of Downtown Athens - Discussing A Master Plan
11-17-2009
The recent dialogue concerning a new master plan for Downtown Athens has sparked many local residents to seek more information concerning this project. Several concerned citizens have asked my stance on the newly discussed master plan, and I feel that this will be an important issue during the 2010 election.
The downtown master plan will be intended to shape the potential of the downtown district economically, culturally, and architecturally. Many progressive cities throughout the nation have adopted similar documents, and most are long-term outlines for development and land use. Some have had positive experiences, largely due to tourism and location centralization, and some have seen the complete opposite.
As we talk about this future plan, we must keep in mind that Athens is unlike any other city in the state of Georgia. For many decades, people have poured into the downtown streets to see some of the greatest bands of all time take the stage, but only after spending a bright summer day viewing the wonderful art scene. The culture of our city comes from the greatness of our people, and each generation that has lived here has worked hard to define the unique vision of Athens.
We must open the table to discussion, but never compromise the important cultural value of our city.
In 1978, there was an attempt to adopt a master plan, but after much discussion, the plan never left the ground. Now, thirty-one years later, our downtown area is one of the most prominent, essential economic locations in Athens. Downtown may not be perfect, especially when discussing parking and overall renewal, but by bringing everyone to the discussion table, we can develop solutions to improve the quality and functionality of our strongest resource.
I will not endorse a master plan that denies reasonable discussion and debate. The master plan that I will ultimately support must address both long-term and short-term issues by putting in place a strategy to encompass the entirety of the debate. We have to come together as a city and address an array of issues such as economic development, park and ride alternative transportation zones, historic and architectural preservation and restoration, vehicle congestion, projected job growth, crime and safety, game-day organization, clean up, and enforcement, and the creation of a procedural guide in case of future challenges.
The new master plan is in the early stages of discussion, and it has been a major issue on the mind of Kathryn Lookofsky, director of the Athens Downtown Planning Authority. Director Lookofsky has openly engaged with our local papers to discuss the master plan, and is open to opinions from the public. The citizens of Athens should become involved in the process, and they should send Ms. Lookofsky an email at director@downtownathensga.com with questions, comments, or suggestions. There are a lot of questions that cannot be answered at this time, but this is an important topic that needs to be discussed.
11-17-2009
The recent dialogue concerning a new master plan for Downtown Athens has sparked many local residents to seek more information concerning this project. Several concerned citizens have asked my stance on the newly discussed master plan, and I feel that this will be an important issue during the 2010 election.
The downtown master plan will be intended to shape the potential of the downtown district economically, culturally, and architecturally. Many progressive cities throughout the nation have adopted similar documents, and most are long-term outlines for development and land use. Some have had positive experiences, largely due to tourism and location centralization, and some have seen the complete opposite.
As we talk about this future plan, we must keep in mind that Athens is unlike any other city in the state of Georgia. For many decades, people have poured into the downtown streets to see some of the greatest bands of all time take the stage, but only after spending a bright summer day viewing the wonderful art scene. The culture of our city comes from the greatness of our people, and each generation that has lived here has worked hard to define the unique vision of Athens.
We must open the table to discussion, but never compromise the important cultural value of our city.
In 1978, there was an attempt to adopt a master plan, but after much discussion, the plan never left the ground. Now, thirty-one years later, our downtown area is one of the most prominent, essential economic locations in Athens. Downtown may not be perfect, especially when discussing parking and overall renewal, but by bringing everyone to the discussion table, we can develop solutions to improve the quality and functionality of our strongest resource.
I will not endorse a master plan that denies reasonable discussion and debate. The master plan that I will ultimately support must address both long-term and short-term issues by putting in place a strategy to encompass the entirety of the debate. We have to come together as a city and address an array of issues such as economic development, park and ride alternative transportation zones, historic and architectural preservation and restoration, vehicle congestion, projected job growth, crime and safety, game-day organization, clean up, and enforcement, and the creation of a procedural guide in case of future challenges.
The new master plan is in the early stages of discussion, and it has been a major issue on the mind of Kathryn Lookofsky, director of the Athens Downtown Planning Authority. Director Lookofsky has openly engaged with our local papers to discuss the master plan, and is open to opinions from the public. The citizens of Athens should become involved in the process, and they should send Ms. Lookofsky an email at director@downtownathensga.com with questions, comments, or suggestions. There are a lot of questions that cannot be answered at this time, but this is an important topic that needs to be discussed.
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