Downtown Jasper & Our Riverfront – Next Steps
March 22nd, 2015More than 300 citizens weighed in at public meetings. Another 75 provided input during interviews. The Jasper Common Council adopted it with rave reviews. What is it? The Jasper Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan. And this spring, we will be considering the next steps, including budgeting for a portion of a design and engineering plan for repurposing Hoosier Desk and discussions on a Courthouse Square project.
To refresh your memories here are the five key points of emphasis for the Jasper Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan:
1. COURTHOUSE SQUARE – Strengthening the Character of the City’s Icon
2. ENHANCING THE CITY’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE RIVER – Building a Critical Mass around Recent Investments
3. REUSE OF THE FORMER INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES – Capitalizing on Jasper’s Industrial Heritage
4. DOWNTOWN CONNECTIVITY – The Street Complete
5. INTEGRATING ART IN THE PUBLIC REALM – Advancing Jasper as a place of History, Tradition and Innovation
As Mayor, I firmly believe the City needs to lead these efforts at this time. We have the financial capabilities to perform multiple projects and, in the case of Hoosier Desk, to cooperate with others for a major development.
You – our citizens – gave direction for our Jasper Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan and you are needed to drive it forward. I ask you to communicate your continued support to your council members.