Downtown Master Plan
Overview
In May, 2009 the Town hired Britina Design Group and Progressive Urban Management Associates to create a Downtown Master Plan for Windsor. The plan is intended to identify both urban design recommendations to improve Downtown and the appropriate financing solutions to implement those recommendations. The planning process has included a comprehensive outreach strategy that has included a series of individual interviews with Downtown business and property owners, Town staff, a combined Town Board and Planning Commission meeting as well as four interactive public meetings. A final plan outlining design recommendations and a financing strategy is slated for February of 2010.
Funding Sources:
- Total project amount: $43,500
- Department of Local Affairs Grant: $13,000
Purpose Statement:
- To identify both urban design recommendations to improve Downtown and the appropriate financing solutions to implement those recommendations.
Project Goals:
- Creating a memorable experience through signage and gateways
- Pedestrian safety and traffic calming
- Marketing and promotion of downtown
- Economic incentives
- Sufficient vehicle parking for business and surrounding amenities
- Maintain important historic design elements utilizing property survey results
- Create opportunity for infill and redevelopment based on Form Based Code principals.
Plan Implementation and Project Financing:
- Step One: The Town provides a “quick win” gesture such as financing a downtown improvement identified during this Master Plan process such as gateway design and/or installation, signage or traffic calming initiatives
- Step Two: The downtown business community creates a Business Improvement District (BID) to demonstrate the private sector resolve to invest in Downtown
- Step Three: If the BID is formed, the Town will invest in a more significant capital improvement in Downtown.
Please provide all comments to the
Associate Planner.