[Winona Online Democracy]
There have been several posts recently bemoaning the lack of planning in Winona and I'm not sure if folks are aware that there is a major planning effort underway as we speak - a comprehensive plan for the city, including growth areas; a downtown revitalization plan; and a riverfront revitalization plan. The city has hired a talented and experienced consultant team, URS from Minneapolis, to head up this effort in conjunction with city staff. The project started a couple months ago. Those of you who follow my posts know I am in the planning consultant business myself and our firm (DSU) put in a proposal on the project, were short-listed, but were not selected. In fact, 17 firms responded - a whopping number in my experience, evidence of the interest in Winona's planning efforts - and 4 firms were short-listed to submit more detailed proposals.There is a 13-member steering committee, advisory to the City Council, and several sub-committees dealing with various issues. All these meetings are open to the public, some will be designed specifically to gather public input. The entire planning effort will take most of this year. Joe Barbeau, Assistant City Planner, is coordinating the effort on the city's side. Details, including agendas and minutes, are easy to find on the city's website - click the Comprehensive Plan Update box.As a planner with almost 30 years in the field I can say that the city is in good hands with the URS team. Understand that this is like the manager at Chevrolet praising Ford, but I have known Dave Showalter and Julie Farnham, and their work, for many years. They are experienced, smart, personable, and have been through this kind of effort with dozens of communities over the years. This is not to say it will be easy. Formulating common goals and making decisions about the future can be excruciating, but what's the alternative? I would urge all those who are interested in the future of Winona to find out about this effort, attend the meetings, follow its progress, and make your views known in constructive fashion along the way.Phil Carlson, Mpls_______________________________________________ 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
