Vision for Business in the Uptown Community
Uptown's vitality and its proximity to strong neighborhoods and the natural features of the lakes give the area huge potential. But we must recognize and respect the fragile transition between areas of intensive development that are right up against residential neighborhoods and the lakes area. It is not an “either/or” situation between a thriving Uptown business community, having a high quality of life in our residential neighborhoods, and protecting our natural amenities. Working together, we can realize our potential for ingenuity and collaboration to foster positive change. We all have a stake in Uptown’s success.
For our business community to thrive we must:
- Preserve and enhance the unique flavor of Uptown area by supporting existing, and creating new opportunities for locally owned businesses
- Increase daytime pedestrian traffic
- Involve our neighbors and neighborhood groups in long-term planning
- Promote the Uptown area
- Bring back a post office to Uptown
- Understand and respect property rights and zoning codes
- Support the mayor’s call for an area-wide traffic study
- Expand our transportation options
To shape the future development of Uptown we need to develop a neighborhood or master plan. We can build on the Charette done in the 90s and expand the conversation on our vision for Uptown. We need to bring the four area neighborhoods together in conversation with businesses and developers, and develop an area master plan together. Good development comes from good planning.
Promoting the principles of New Urbanism will help achieve these goals.
Share your ideas & concerns with Ralph at 612-821-3819 or email rembuz@aol.com |
