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Bridge to Bridge/River to Railroad Task Force Meeting – October 21, 2009 Attendees: Task Force Members: Thomas Moak – Mayor, City of Kennewick Steve Young ‐ Councilman, City of Kennewick Ken Williamson ‐ Historic Downtown District Hank Sauer – Parks & Recreation Commission Bob Spaulding – Planning Commission Absent Members: Tim Arntzen – Port of Kennewick Other Attendees Russ Burtner – Special Projects Coordinator, City of Kennewick Kevin Ferguson – Assistant City Manager, City of Kennewick Ferdouse Oneza –Planning Manager, City of Kennewick Anthony Muai – Assistant Planner, City of Kennewick Steve Mallory – Arculus Design & Technical Services Spencer Montgomery – JUB Engineering John Trumbo – Tri‐City Herald Ginger Vetrano – League of Women Voters Dick Rasp – Planning Commission James Hepstead – City Council Consultant ‐ Beckwith Consulting Group Tom Beckwith, FAICP Steve Price Discussion Steve Price gave an overview of the stakeholder’s interview. The stakeholders who belong to agencies will be interviewed last, around the second week of November after the neighborhood workshops. Local stakeholders have shown interest and are very much engaged. The general theme among the stakeholders is they all agree the area is unique to the Tri‐Cities. All favor types of use that are attractive and create a destination point of activities. That is why the Port’s plan is getting a favorable review from the stakeholders. Point destination uses: ‐ Visitors’ activities, cafes, restaurants, shops ‐ Cultural activities, e.g. amphitheater, performing arts, theater etc. ‐ Housing ---PAGE BREAK--- Bridge to Bridge/River to Railroad Task Force Meeting – October 21, 2009 o stakeholders have advocated high density of housing in this area o Housing be mixed income instead of upper income only All agree that development in this area will be a challenge. Therefore, any development strategy needs to be clearly understandable to the community. Both physical and visual access to the water is important. There is a common feeling that most of the uses in the area need to be enhanced. There is no interest in removing the auto‐row, but to upgrade the street environment and physical conditions. Mayor Moak asked if there were different types of opinion from different stakeholders. Steve mentioned that he only described the universal interests. Details of the interviews will be elaborated, e.g. ideas from specific groups such as young professionals, bicycle groups etc. There were questions as to the professional responsibility for the revitalizing efforts – who should be responsible, is there a need for a special entity? These will be elaborated upon later. Residential neighborhood # 3 is most likely to remain residential with few enhancements. Existing businesses, e.g. businesses near the railroad could use design, screening, relocation as businesses see them fit. The Committee reviewed the final version of the neighborhood mailer. are being received for box lunches, and gift certificate draw for evening meetings. All meetings will take place in Clover Island Inn. Discussion sessions will be limited to 20 people per group. At this stage, people are to brainstorm, give ideas. The later phase at the open house, there will be more visuals for people to participate. Brainstorm sessions will be around easels and maps. There are 11 questions to brainstorm some common objectives, likes and dislikes about the area. Committee reviewed the survey questionnaires and made suggestions. They will be updated accordingly. Survey will be available via City’s webpage, and should be linked with other web pages; hardcopies to be made available citywide.