STAMFORD – The first workshop meeting of the Local Planning Committee for the NY Forward Program was held Monday with at least 30 community members present to break into roundtable groups and begin the visioning process that will steer the community toward a list of projects to receive approval for funding.
Mayor Robert Schneider welcomed those participating and gave a brief presentation before turning it over to members of the planning team.
The planning team reiterated the parameters of the projects and the target area for the program focus.
The goals of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward are to enhance downtown living and quality of life, create an active downtown with a mix of uses, provide diverse employment opportunities for a variety of skill sets and salary levels, create diverse housing options for all income levels, provide enhanced public spaces that service all ages and abilities, encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to grow the local property tax base.
A major part of the process is public engagement. The meetings are open to the public and the public is asked to get involved in the discussions which will help the committee hone the list of projects.
Projects will be weighed on the basis of their eligibility and the team will help guide property owners, homeowners and business owners through the project costs and developing a plan. They will help engage other state agencies and support the planning process. Eligible projects include public improvement projects, such as streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, new and upgraded parks, plazas, public areas, green infrastructure and other public realm projects. New development and or rehab of existing buildings for mixed use, commercial, residents, not for profit or public uses. It should result in employment opportunities.
If you have a plan or an idea as an individual or a business, you are asked to submit it. Those with expertise will help you develop a project. Visit the website to determine what projects are eligible. While not all projects will be included in the strategic investment plan, people are encouraged to submit projects for consideration during the four-week Open Call for Projects period, which ends August 28. Forms are available on the website. Anyone may submit a plan.
The final slate of projects considers feedback from the public and will be a consensus of the team. Team members sat in the roundtable groups that were formed to brainstorm the list of items to be included in the vision, which is still being honed. "Think about what you want Stamford to look like five to seven years from now," said Suzanne Goldberg, a member of the planning team.
Those attending Monday's workshop were asked to select five themes from the 21 listed that should be prioritized in the downtown area, with a space to write in other themes. The list included transportation options, childcare, beautification, branding and signage, grocery/food stores, historic and cultural resources, sustainability and resilience, public art, commercial vitality, affordable housing, walkability, parks and public space, public health, festivals and events, growth, community space, restaurants, recreation and play, regional connections, biking and public safety.
The smaller group discussions had one presenter and one notetaker. The objective was to develop a vision by identifying key issues and opportunities, brainstorm goals, brainstorm revitalization strategies and identify ways to reach those goals.
One of the recurring things mentioned is the need for a pharmacy. The village lost its only pharmacy about one year ago. Some of the ideas entered into the pot of visions were transportation for the elderly, better signage to highlight shops, more parking and other ideas.
To submit a project it is recommended you review the eligibility criteria and requirements, review the local vision, goals and evaluation criteria, consider consulting with an architect/engineer/general contractor/ vendor, attend the Open Call information session, office hours or other opportunities to meet the consultant team, fill out the project form and submit it. For the small projects, it is recommended business or property owners review the criteria and write a letter of interest to the village planning board to let them know you are interested in making improvements to your property
The public is involved throughout the process, to provide feedback at each step. The ball is now rolling for those interested to begin submitting ideas and gather critical information about their projects.
