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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory 2012-02-23 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES February 23, 2012 City of Kitchener The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor Dan Glenn-Graham with the following members in attendance: Councillor Frank Etherington, Alan Doherty, Amina Gilani, Cameron Dearlove, Michael Falcone, Aaron MacFarlane, Lawrence McNaught, and Jamie Yantzi City staff in attendance: Cory Bluhm, Mistie Brown, Sandy Curzon and Hilary Abel. Approval of Minutes th The minutes of the Feb 7 meeting were approved. Moved by Frank Etherington Seconded by Michael Falcone Carried Committee Updates Economic Downtown Advisory Committee nd The Downtown Action Plan was presented to DAC on February 22 for discussion. EDAC cautioned not to turn away store chains from the downtown core, even though the public input suggested a desire for local and unique stores. Discussion Indicates you get better service from boutiques and smaller stores, along with specialized stores like Lulu Lemon. Focus on destination stores. Safe & Healthy Committee Will be meeting next week. Arts & Culture Committee ACAC discussed focusing on subgroups including an independent music cluster. A Public art working group passed a motion for a mural designed by Larry Hunter be painted in Belmont Village. The design features a fictional scene of activity in the mid-1950’s on Belmont Avenue, with storefronts and details consistent with that era. New Business Downtown Action Plan Cory Buhm provided the draft plan that will be presented to Council on February th 27. The plan is reflective of the input from the public and various committees. He notes the minor modifications within the action items:  “An Amazing King Street Experience” - something things that were added were food and performance focused in the civic square, Gaukel Street th celebrations for the 100 birthday of Kitchener, and the focus on destination retailers. Councillor Glenn-Graham refers to physical experience, which is o benches, plants, banners – anything that enhances Downtown’s look. It was discussed that there is a need to encourage higher standards of the appearance of downtown businesses, property standard enforcement, loitering, and cleanliness. Duly noted, however the plan provides a more positive feel that promotes a pedestrian friendly environment.  “New Urban Neighbourhoods” - a new point was added about cycling from different areas in the core and how the city wants to encourage this mode of transportation. Motion by Aaron MacFarlane Resolution: “That the Downtown Advisory Committee endorses the Downtown Kitchener Action Plan 2012-2016 dated February 2012 as presented.” A show of hands was requested. Motion Carried Downtown Advisory Committee – moving forward In 2011, DAC identified specific downtown issues that provided smaller groups to discuss and present for an overall resolution. Over a five month period, the sub- committee groups (made up of 4-5 members each) would take the last hour of the regular DAC monthly meeting to discuss a topic of their choice and present to the whole committee. DAC agreed to this format again for 2012 which will begin March 2012. The topics were chosen and those members present at today’s meeting were given the opportunity to decide which topic they wanted to tackle. Members who were not present will be given the opportunity to decide before or at the next nd scheduled DAC meeting of March 22. 1. Civic Square - Councillor Frank Etherington - Councillor Dan Glenn-Graham - Lawrence McNaught - Jamie Jantzi 2. Small-scale Events After Five - Aaron MacFarlane - Michael Falcone - Alan Doherty - Amina Gilani - Cameron Dearlove 3. Street Furnishing tbd - Other Discussion Items Honest Lawyer’s new signage is up at 305 King St.W. – soon to open as a “restaurant/entertainment” venue targeting corporate professionals. Meeting adjourned at 5:20pm.