Thursday, February 05, 2009

Downtown ideas in the Tribune.

Sorry, but I've been too busy developing my company's economy to give this the attention it deserves: ROUDENBUSH: Downtown New Albany ideas from long-time admirer.

The first time I read through these proposals, some seemed sensible. Some of them survived a second reading. Then, after a third ...

For example, a signage project is already underway ... and why put a visitor center in a place that isn't on any of the main entry routes ... and the incessant assaults on the historical preservation instinct grow tiresome ... and why extend Grant Line with entirely new roadway when it runs parallel to 8th, anyway ... and when there's already a Padgett Museum, why use Carnegie for anything other than pure art and much more of it ... and when will the misrepresentations of 8664 ever end?

But the writer nails the two-way street conversion, so give him that. In large measure, the suggestions seem sincere and well-intentioned, at least until the attacks on preservation and 8664 begin capsizing the ship.

Where's the New Urbanism in any of this? Discuss if you wish. I'm tired.

6 comments:

TedF said...

I found nothing offensive in the letter and even contacted Mr. Roudenbush to compliment him on his column. The head scratcher for me, which I hope to discuss further with him, is the remark about removing “restrictions” in the historic district. I hope he can expand on his thoughts so I can understand the point he is making.

There’s a documented and undisputed body of evidence which supports the benefits of National Register and Local Historic District designations. The tax incentives alone spur investment, not to mention the vast pool of grant funds that can be tapped including Preserve America grants, UEA Façade Enhancements, HLFI grants and more.

None of that would be available without the district designations.

The Design Guidelines followed in the district promote a high and consistent standard for work, which is evidenced by some terrific rehabilitations that have been completed in recent years and that are currently in progress.

Again, I hope to get a better understanding of his statements by discussing with him.

Ann said...

Per the signage project, yes it is underway. And like everything that involves oversight by government entities, it's not a simple matter of designing signs and then installing them.

INDOT has to approve many facets of this project and they have a lot of restrictions and requirements regarding placement, color, and even the number of items that can be listed on signs. Scott Wood has been working diligently on this for many months, and it's getting close to fruition, but the delays haven't been because the City isn't trying. It's a matter of all the hoops that have to be jumped through.

Jeff Gillenwater said...

Thanks for mentioning that, Annie.

Though some snickered, Scott gave us a heads up about INDOT involvement even before the design phase began.

Based on a perusal of the transportation department regulation novel, I'm sure it's a lot of work.

Larry M. Summers said...

< SARCASM >Working with INDOT is always fun!< /SARCASM >

Note: I am a roadway engineer.

dan chandler said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
dan chandler said...

There exists much interest in “improving” or “revitalizing” the downtown, however that may be defined. That shows that people are interested in downtown New Albany in ways that they are not interested in, for example, lower Charlestown Road. Why is that?

It’s not just the old buildings. Old buildings are sprinkled throughout the county.

It’s not that downtown is by the river. Everything in Floyd Co. from Silver Creek to the boat is on the river.

There’s something about downtown, a place designed for people and not just automobiles, which attracts people. The streets, sidewalks, and buildings were all planned with people in mind, something not seen in our newer commercial districts. Downtown has something that no other place in Floyd Co. has.

It’s that “something” which causes people to be interested in downtown. It’s the aim of the preservation ordinance to make sure that new downtown construction adds to this special something. Without that quality, downtown is just another subject about which people do not write letters to the editor.