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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Adv - 2005-05-12 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES May 12, 2005 City of Kitchener The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Councillor John Smola with the following members present: Marty Schreiter, Jason Lane, Glen Woolner, Michelle Morissetti, Jim Jansen and Shelley Gibbs. City staff present include: Silvia Wright, Tracey DeVille and Rohan Thompson 1. Business Arisina 1.1 Downtown Youth Discussion Silvia Wright introduced Rohan Thompson, Youth Coordinator (Downtown). Mr. Thompson gave an overview of the work that is being done to support youth in the downtown. He advised that he is working with ROOF (Reaching our Outdoor Friends) to develop a program designed to enhance ways to engage hard to reach youth and opportunities to form a resource group for youth to take part in program development at the new Downtown Community Centre, which is scheduled to open later this spring. Mr. Thompson explained the need for support in this area, noting that these youth are 'voiceless' in the downtown and a positive move is to form partnerships with other groups to make the youth feel welcome and accepted as an important component to a healthy downtown. Mr. Thompson provided some information regarding the need for supporting these youth through life/social skills programming. He stressed the need to create positive youth opportunities so negative views can be changed. Some examples of positive opportunities are showcasing these youth at the Market through focusing on their talents, such as poetry, dance, painting etc. A discussion took place on the possible programming that may be available for these youth. Questions regarding the Available Art Space program and perhaps an apprenticeship type relationship between local artists and these youth could be something that may be formed. Mr. Thompson advised the Committee that he is meeting with Erina Harris to discuss these and other opportunities. It was noted that these opportunities will be available to all youth across Kitchener not just the downtown youth. Discussion took place regarding the negative image the downtown businesses have of youth and the importance of changing that image. Educating business owners is being discussed and the need to find outlets to showcase the youth is important, the chess program is one such outlet that has had a positive impact on the youth. A Children's Museum in Brooklyn N.Y., for example, has been looking at staying open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accommodate these youth and provide a safe, educational place for them to engage in activities. Further discussion took place regarding ambassador programs, Mr. Thompson noted that those programs do exist in Rexdale and it is something he will look into. Page 1 of 3 DAC Minutes May 12,2005 1.1 Downtown Youth Discussion fCont'dJ S. Wright thanked Mr. Thompson for joining the Committee, noting that that having him here is a great opportunity to connect with the youth in the Downtown. 1.2 Financial Incentives - UDDer Storey uDdate Silvia Wright provided an update on the status of the Financial Incentive Program - Upper Storey Renovations. She noted that the policy is currently being worked on and the program has been submitted to the Province. The projected approval is late summer / early fall. She noted there has been a number of inquires and a great interest in the program. 1.3 Downtown Banners Silvia Wright provided an overview of the addition of banners within the downtown. She noted that the banners will define the districts using the individual district colours designed to raise awareness of the district concept. Installation of the banners is scheduled for the first week in June and any feedback is welcome. It was also mentioned that fee based space will be available for outside groups to purchase to advertise their own events on secondary banners. This program will be similar to the program for the banners that stretch across the street. A comment was made regarding the need for proper downtown lighting. It was noted that the downtown lighting issue had been addressed in a previous study. It was agreed by the Committee to have this issue brought forward to the Downtown Interdepartmental Resource Group (DIRG) for their comments. 1.4 Loft UDdate An update was provided on the status of the Kaufman Lofts. Phase 1 of the project has expanded, adding an extra 20 units creating a total of 89 lofts. To date, exact sales numbers are not know; however, the last sales update showed a total of 80% sold. The Eaton's Lofts sales have been going well, with approximately 40% sold. Silvia Wright will be working on getting a more accurate figure to keep the Committee up to date. In response to questions raised regarding the typical buyer and it appears as though the majority of the lofts will be owner-occupied. Sales have shown that if the properties have been purchased as an investment, it is more likely parents of future University students purchasing the property for their children with the intent of moving in themselves once their children have completed their studies. Many purchasers are young professionals approximately 25-30 years in age. These groups are an important part of the future of the downtown, considering that these young couples could be the looking at the surrounding downtown neighbourhoods when they are ready to start a family. Page 2 of 3 DAC Minutes May 12,2005 1.5 Parkina Ms. Wright provided a brief update on parking within the downtown. The current study is scheduled to be complete by the end of May and a presentation will be done for the Committee. A comment was made that parking problems are a positive sign that more and more people are coming into the downtown core. 1. Aooroval of Minutes On motion by Councillor J. Smola, It was resolved: "That the minutes of April 14, 2005 be approved" 2. Aooointments Ms. Shelley Gibbs was introduced as a potential new member of the Downtown Advisory Committee. Ms. Gibbs will represent the Office Owner component of the Committee. A formal approval by Council will be submitted to the June 6, 2005 Finance & Corporate Services Committee meeting. · Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee Representative No nominations were put forward. It was noted that the request for appointment to the Committee will be on future agendas until such time that the position is filled. Updates from the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee will be done through receipt of the minutes. 3. New Business Information was handed out regarding the Artist-in-Residence program, Reurbanization Conference being held in Kitchener on June 22, 2005 and the Urban Ideas Forum being held in Cambridge on May 26, 2005. 5. Advisorv Committee Uodate An update was provided from G. Woolner on the recent Economic Development Advisory Committee: · Rosemary Pitfield provided a presentation on corporate branding · Business retention update - interviews have been positive and the information gathered will be useful in providing future service for these and new businesses in Kitchener On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Page 3 of 3 DAC Minutes May 12,2005