WATERFRONT COMMUNITY FORUM – AUGUST 1, 2007

Concluding plenary discussion

Exciting ideas in small group work
• Sinking of I-95
o Using creative financing and leased spaces may make that easier
o Do it step-by-step in a way that creates value at each step, and that makes real and palpable the vision of the covered highway, with development on top of the covering.
 This is a “phased plan” so that we can see the vision and build increasing support for it.
o Also important to have a plan B for what to do in the meantime….
• Diversity is the key:
o Not just mixed use, but mixed income, mixed ethnicities.
o The possibilities to make the waterfront a diverse place -- social, ethnic, economic diversity – rather than a place for the richer….
o This is critical to support – everyone should see how developing along these guidelines will benefit them and increase their access to the waterfront (to live, shop, visit, etc.)
• Connect this to a comprehensive regional plan.
o It’s about more than the waterfront; it’s about people, all of us.
o Who will “own” this?  We all must.
• Connecting development values to community values
o Zoning:  building zoning regulations on these development guidelines would seem to protect neighborhoods, while also being of benefit or value to developers and investors
o Address utilities and other infrastructure issues and stakeholders
o This connection is essential to create a plan the public will rally behind – create civic political capital.
o Convincing developers and politicians that our values are their values… get the utilities on board.
 Grassroots involvement is the key.
 Involve neighborhood publications in on the process – now and through implementation
• Use public transit (existing lines as well as new lines) to reinforce the connections the guidelines seek to build and strengthen.
o Reopening old trolley lines to link the waterfront with the rest of the city -- not just the roadways as in the guild lines.