Local leaders want input on revitalizing downtown
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
DAYTON — A group of business and government leaders who have been working on a turnaround plan for the downtown said they want to hear from the public in the coming weeks.
At a press conference held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, officials announced A Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, an initiative aimed at creating a development blueprint for the city.
The planning effort, which began last year, has included input from local business executives as well as elected officials, administrators and staff from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Montgomery County and the city of Dayton.
The effort is divided among three committees focused on the plan for downtown, a value proposition for the urban core and funding sources for implementing the plan. The group defines value proposition as the things that make Dayton an attractive place to locate and its competitive advantages.
Dr. Mike Ervin, a local philanthropist and co-chair of the planning effort, said the principles laid out on Jan. 27 are meant to act as a starting point for the discussion over the downtown's future.
The group hopes to have a draft plan completed by June, he said.
"The future belongs to those regions taking urban revitalization seriously," Ervin said. "Those are the regions that are and will continue to attract high-value jobs, young professionals and those businesses and institutions that want to employ them."
Also chairing the planning effort are Michael Greitzer, co-chair of the Downtown Dayton Partnership Greitzer and Dayton City Manager Rashad Young.
During the press conference, the group issued what it calls guiding principles for planning. The list includes such issues as housing, sustainable development, training for green jobs and evaluating and recommending whether the city should have street cars.
Ervin said the area under review will include not only the central business district, but also other neighborhoods and landmarks such as Miami Valley Hospital, the University of Dayton and the Dayton Art Institute.
Have Your Say
Public Meetings:
Feb. 10: Noon at Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.
Feb. 12 5 p.m. at c{space, 20 N. Jefferson St.
Feb. 17: 7 p.m. at Sinclair Community College, Charity Earley Auditorium, Ponitz Center.
Surveys:
Short surveys offered at www.downtowndayton.org. Click on the link in the bottom left corner. Surveys also available at Dayton Metro Library branches.
Chats:
Discussion threads have been set up at www.mostmetro.com.
Facebook:
Official Facebook name: A Greater Downtown Dayton Plan.
Source: Downtown Dayton Partnership
