Nice Turnout for LCI Envision Duluth Open House

While waiting for the Living Centers Initiative Open House to begin, Duluth Economic Development Manager Chris McGahee expressed some degree of concern about how many people would attend. After all, Wednesday is church night, and high winds and heavy rain persisted throughout much of the day.

As it turned out, there was no need to worry. Approximately 40 to 50 Duluth residents eager to help plan a community where they can all get away from their dependency on the automobile and live work and play braved the elements to participate.

"I'm pleasantly surprised," McGahee said. "It looks like we may have as many tonight as we did last week." The city hosted duplicate LCI Envision Duluth 10-Year Update open houses on March 3 and 9 to allow as many residents as possible to attend.

In 2000 the city was awarded an LCI study grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission, which set the stage for projects like the Town Green and other downtown amenities.

Fast forward to 2010. The city has been awarded another $100,000, and city officials and residents are busy planning future downtown improvements through 2020.

Surrounded by charts and diagrams depicting projects that are being considered, Mayor Nancy Harris invited attendees to study them carefully then ask questions and make suggestions."Imagine what it could be," Harris said. "That's what this is all about. Your input is invaluable."

Jacobs Engineering Group Project Manager Megan Will provided an overview of the project and fielded questions from the attendees, who were asked to complete a worksheet expressing their priorities in Land Development Projects and Transportation Improvements.

Land Development Projects were divided into two groups. The Residential/Commercial projects being considered include the redevelopment of the Old City Hall Block, Hill Street, Davenport Road Senior Housing, and Proctor Square. Potential Civic/Public Use Projects include Hill Street Green Parking, a library, a YMCA and relocation of the Post Office.

Transportation Improvement Projects were divided into four groups: Trails, Sidewalks, Roadway Improvements and Transit. Trails being considered include a railroad right-of-way trail that would connect to Main Street and another at Duluth High School with connections to Glancey Rehabilitation Center and Brock Road. Other improvements being studied are a Dogwood Street Extension, Davenport Road Extension and Ridgeway Road Extension. 

The public comments and suggestions will be incorporated into a plan that is expected to be presented to Mayor Harris and the city council in May.