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StumbleuponOregon District plan OK'd
Five-year strategy identifies goals, weaknesses and opportunities for the popular neighborhood.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
DAYTON — A newly approved strategic plan for the Oregon District is designed to better integrate the popular neighborhood with greater downtown and compete with other entertainment destinations, according to John Gower, director of planning and development.
On Wednesday, July 23, Dayton City Commission approved the strategic plan prepared by McKenna Associates in cooperation with the Oregon Improvement Task Force and the city.
"This is one of the moments when we see the bigger picture," said Commissioner Dean Lovelace.
City Manager Rashad Young said the most immediate action will be to improve the parking lot next to Gem City Records.
He said there also is some interest in establishing a special improvement district, which would be funded by property owners much like one that covers the rest of the core downtown and pays for services from the Downtown Dayton Partnership.
The Oregon District has never been a part of that taxing district. Young said he believes a shift is occurring in attitudes about integration of the district with the larger downtown.
The report says improvements are needed because new and proposed developments could threaten the economic vitality of the district, which includes housing, bars, restaurants and shops. In particular the report singles out The Greene, the popular new entertainment, retail and residential development located just over the county line in Beavercreek. In his presentation Gower made reference to "less authentic," but successful, competitors.
The report also mentions competitive threats from the Dayton Mall, the redeveloping Brown Street Corridor in Dayton and the proposed Ballpark Village that would be built near Fifth-Third Field.
The five-year plan identifies goals, weakness and opportunities for the Oregon District. Among the goals:
• Create a sophisticated mix of uses to form an "authentic live-work-play" district.
• Connect the district with the region by improving access and image.
• Maintain a vibrant and comfortable urban ambience.
Identified weaknesses include lack of a shared vision, lack of retail and service uses, parking shortages, parking safety issues, a worn appearance, and saturation of adult bookstores and adult-oriented uses.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7455 or lhulsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.
