City seeking input on traffic corridors
In addition to CIP incentives, council wants feedback on new city hall plaza
Windsor is seeking input and opinions from residents on development plans for two important downtown traffic corridors, as well as the future of city hall plaza and civic esplanade.
A new community improvement plan (CIP) is currently being prepared for the University Avenue West and Wyandotte Street West corridors, between the downtown area and Huron Church Road.
This CIP will involve such far-reaching matters as land use and financial incentives aimed at revitalizing the corridors.
Members of the public can check out the plan themselves on the City of Windsor's website (www.citywindsor.ca, search for “University and Wyandotte CIP”).
Then you're invited to have your say by filling out the city's online survey.
The survey will remain open until Jan. 8. There's also going to be a public meeting on Jan. 11, hosted by the city's development and heritage standing committee.
Discussions will include ways to encourage development with grant programs related to municipal fees and property improvement.
“Special attention to these corridors is needed to assess the area's unique opportunities, aging infrastructure and buildings, and the important connections between the downtown and the University of Windsor,” the City of Windsor stated.
“The corridors have been in decline and transition, and will benefit from this targeted review.”
Mayor Drew Dilkens said major economic renewal for the neighbourhoods west of downtown is “just around the corner” — as evidenced by previously announced development plans for the former Grace hospital site.
“A robust CIP will further help boost prosperity for local families and small businesses,” Dilkens said. “Community input will be vital, moving forward.”
Meanwhile, public input is also being sought on the municipality's plans for a new city hall plaza.
To be located on the footprint of the former building at 350 City Hall Square West, this plaza is being imagined as a “multi-use outdoor space” that serves both the municipal government and the community.
Also part of the project is the improvement of the civic esplanade, the city-owned property that extends between the city hall campus and the riverfront.
“All great cities have great outdoor civic spaces,” a City of Windsor news release states.
“These spaces help build and reinforce the community that uses them. They are a draw for public discourse, community events, official ceremonies and leisurely enjoyment.”
Members of the public can find out more about the project and provide feedback online at www. windsorcivicesplanade.ca.
The “idea-sharing” phase of the project will continue through the early months of 2021. The City of Windsor hopes to be able to present the project's conceptual designs in the summer.