[Winona Online Democracy]
I've wondered about that same thing, too, Glen. I think of a newer building in LaCrosse that is similar to what you described.
All of the ideas are great, but I think they "put the cart before the horse" of the visioning process.
What are our core values and how does the current downtown reflect them? That was what was asked of this visioning group. When I think of the core values expressed in our community--I can't see common values, but rather I see conflict, blame, and second-guessing (the pedestrian mall issue comes to mind).
If you want to know what I'd like our core values to be, I'd say:
Historic Preservation
Maintain and Support our Local Ecology
Outdoor Recreation
Fine Arts
Entrepreneurial Spirit--past and present (Lumber Barons and Watkins Products to Fastenall and Fiberite)
I think that if we have a vision of what kind of Downtown we hope to have--beautiful, inviting to residents and visitors alike, making the most of what nature provides, and in tune with our history--that the entrepreneurial spirit might just kick in to make it a reality.
I agree that there has to be private sector investment, but I also think there will always need to be commitment from the municipality to support their risk. I think this visioning process is a good way to frame what the municipality should be and shouldn't be committing to.
Kathy Seifert
_______________________________________________
This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy
All messages must be signed by the senders actual name.
No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list.
To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit
http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona
Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at
http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
