ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO

The earliest of Vision Fairbanks’ implementation pieces are intended to set the stage for economic development and revitalization downtown. The first of those implementation pieces has been decided and the second is soon to come.

On June 16, 2010, the FMATS Policy Committee unanimously voted in support of initiating an environmental process to study the feasibility of restoring two-way traffic circulation to Cushman and Barnette and downtown’s cross-streets to spur private sector investment.  A start date for the study has not been determined; neither is it knowable when actual change will occur on downtown’s streets.  Where we left off.

Next up is creating new zone types, new tools for economic development.  Borough Ordinance 2010-09 is tentatively due to be introduced to the Borough Assembly July 15^th, undergo a work session between Department of Community Planning staff and the Borough Assembly August 5^th, then go to public hearing August 12^th. The City of Fairbanks endorsed the measure April 19, as did the Borough Planning Commission April 20.  Where we left off.

Because roads cost money and creating new zone types is a legislative process, Vision Fairbanks is not yet market-driven revitalization.  It remains a political process for about six more weeks . . . .  But with the conclusion of Borough action, Fairbanks residents, businesses and investors alike will learn whether Fairbanks’ civic leaders can stick to a plan – a central element to building confidence in a resurgent downtown.  In about six weeks, then, the ‘results’ of Vision Fairbanks’ early days (almost 2 years) will be known and the Downtown Association, as stewards of downtown’s revitalization plan, will move to the next phase:  retail and office tenant recruitment to downtown. 

 What you can do:

• Contact FMATS coordinator Donna Gardino to thank all seven FMATS Policy Committee members for supporting the motion that kept the two-way restoration alive.
• Contact mayors Terry Strle and Luke Hopkins to thank them for their reasoned support for economic development downtown via Vision Fairbanks implementation and the work of the Chena Riverfront Commission.
• Attend a Vision Fairbanks Work Group meeting July 6 @ 4 PM at the Downtown Association Conference Room, 410 Cushman Street.  These meetings are open to one and all.