It's frustrating not to have the time to write when there is much to say, but I'm just going to have to accept that this is going to be one of those days.
It probably sounded like I was giving Jeff Roudenbush too hard a time in last evening's hurried posting, and if so, apologies. Anyone with ideas about downtown is welcomed at the table, with the frustration on my part coming from the unwillingness of so many people who have ideas to take note of what's already going on. More so, with another neighborhood forum approaching, there's the fact that locals hereabouts refuse to sit at the same table even when self-interest compels them to do so.
It is so very clear to me that three (maybe more) fundmental preconditions are necessary to make this notion of a functional downtown come to fruition. First, government must takes its own rulebook seriously. Second, there must be a comprehensive plan for reinventing the core. Third, there must be unity among all participants in order to achieve it.
Specifically, although I abhor ROCK's goals, I envy its organizational skills. These skills are not unique to one-issue lobbyists inspired by religion. They are available to all, and yet New Albany's citizenry persists in fragmentation.
Everyone has ideas ... why not work together to see which of the ideas are useful, which are repetitive, and which have a chance of succeeding? Obviously, it won't happen for so long as the "our people vs. them people" mentality reigns.
As noted, there's no time today. I'll be at the Bank Street site by 9:30 a.m., meet with our licensing lawyer from Indy at 11:00 a.m at the Plaza Drive location, then be back downtown to show him the build-out and be at the Carnegie by 1:00 p.m. for the urban enterprise zone seminar. After that, with luck, there'll be time for a progressive pint and cigar at Connor's Place.
Have a good Friday, all.
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I won't be able to make the seminar as I'm meeting with another potential downtown team member to hopefully create some cool cultural activity.
Thankfully, Randy is streaming it live via New Albany Now. It will be archived for later listening as well.
A note from UEA Executive Director Mike Ladd:
Cut and paste the link below to hook you directly into New Albany's Friday tax seminar which will concentrate on incentives for investors in enterprise zones; new market tax credits; and other topics.
The entire event will be available as a live audio Webcast, and you can participate via online chat. In addition to the Web link, you can listen over any phone line by calling ( 13... . . Finally, the event will be available following the event as a recorded podcast. The New Albany UEA site will soon have individual segments of the seminar available to you for download in coming days.
The URL for the link to the show is below, but clicking on either hot link will connect you to this three-hour presentation. Anyone who has connected before 3 p.m. EST will be able to listen live to the conclusion of the seminar.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Randy-Smith/2009/02/06/Incentives-for-Investors-in-Enterprise-Zones
I have a few thoughts on this and I may be discounted some because I don't live downtown, but I have an affection for it and its architecture so I will put in my two cents.
1. Code enforcement has to be take seriously. It is not a property value thing or beauty thing...to me it is a pride thing.
2. More home ownership. New Albany has the third largest number of government backed housing units in the state. The more people own their homes, the more pride will be taken in keeping them up.
3. Creative re-use of buildings. A quick look at some revitalized downtown areas show that the cities have helped to make them a place to live, work and play. I think that might even be a slogan for one or two.
4. Less red tape. I am not referring to historical districts. I believe they need the guidelines and restrictions in place to preserve our treasured past. I am referring more to the lack of vision by leaders that won't approve the creative plans for some of the buildings in downtown.
5. Last is that vision. A comprehensive plan, both short and long term, must be developed to steer the downtown revitalization. Without a plan, the city goes in circles. One step forward and two steps back is not a healthy plan.
Just my thoughts. Commence to ripping them apart.
Nothing to rip, Daniel. Good stuff.
Daniel,
I agree completely with all of it.
PS Never thought I would be writing that!!(VBG)
2. More home ownership. New Albany has the third largest number of government backed housing units in the state. The more people own their homes, the more pride will be taken in keeping them up.
Yes, does this also mean less "substandard housing" - ?
I agree with your suggestions Daniel. The problem is leadership to enact ANY of them. All of these suggestions have been on the table since the McKinley administration.
Way to go Gina!!
I think that pretty much says it all!
Please come and express these ideas at the Neighborhood Forum on February 11 @ 6:30pm, Central Christian Church
Why Greg? I and most of the other people who will likely attend have already spoken to these issues endlessly. What would be the point? Neighborhood outreach is one thing, but wasting everyone's time is another. I think all the city officials should use the time to drive around the inner city and make a list of problems they can deal with the next morning.
I attended yesterdays UEA seminar and found it to be both informative and hopeful.
Hopeful because it reaffirmed my convictions that there are alternative means available for individuals and communities as well to move forward even in the "property tax cut" era we find ourselves.
We really can fund new business, infrastructure improvements, and quality of life in New Albany.
Easy? Not on your life!
Possible? Most definitely!
Gonna happen? Only if we apply ourselves to the task and insist that our elected leaders follow suit (or not)!
My thanks to Mike Ladd, the speakers for their presentations and the audience for their attendance and questions.
It was time well spent!
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