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Get involved! Downtown Strategic Plan workshops Tuesday & Wednesday

October 31, 2003
Santa Paula News

Dual meetings sponsored by the City of Santa Paula and Downtown Merchants Association will be used to determine just what the future could hold through the Downtown Strategic Plan Workshop.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesDual meetings sponsored by the City of Santa Paula and Downtown Merchants Association will be used to determine just what the future could hold through the Downtown Strategic Plan Workshop.The two-day event will give participants the chance to offer ideas on improving the central business district and the overall economic vitality of the city, according to Economic Development Director Charmaine Stouder.The city’s Downtown Specific Plan Update consultant, Mogavero Notestine Associates, will facilitate the workshops.The workshops are Nov. 4th from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Nov. 5th from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Depot; refreshments will be served and Spanish language translators will be available. City officials will be on hand to listen and participate, learning from community dialogue.Housing in the downtown will also be a focus of the workshops with community members asked if residential opportunities should be offered in the downtown and, if so, what kind.
The dual workshops will focus on separate issues: on Nov. 4th, the Market Analysis/Leakage Study results will be released and community responses to key questions related to the downtown discussed.The Nov. 5th workshop will feature a walking tour of the downtown will be followed by a questionnaire targeting such issues as what elements reinforce Santa Paula’s sense of place and the barriers to same. There will be a group discussion of the tour results and a summary of results.“It’s an important next step in helping to revitalize the downtown,” said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz. “I hope that not only those that have businesses on Main Street but those citizens that care about the vibrancy of Main Street and the overall economy of Santa Paula come out,” and participate in the workshops.After the workshops, Mogavero Notestine Associates - incorporating the Market Analysis, community input and analysis - will prepare a report to be presented to the City Council by March 2004.Economic development is a top council priority and the approved report will be a roadmap for future council goals and staff actions related to the downtown.