Decatur’s Top Challenges of Next 10 Years, According to Residents
Decatur Metro | May 6, 2010The mob has spoken. (That’s you!)
And has relayed to the city what they believe are Decatur’s greatest challenges over the next 10 years. The official Strategic Plan website, Decatur Next, just came out with a synopsis of challenges relayed by residents in last week’s meetings.
- Automobile traffic, parking, pedestrian and biking safety and all the connected issues of mobility. How can we achieve successful coexistence between cars, bicycles, and people?
- Sustainability. Are there ways Decatur can become “greener” in the broadest sense, from local food production and distribution to energy conservation to resource (especially water) management?
- Infrastructure. Roads, sidewalks, storm water management, parks and green space – how can we address those needs in an era of limited resources?
- Coping with an aging population. What can the City do to help residents age comfortably in the neighborhoods they call home?
- Community affordability. What combination of programs and policies have to be in place to assure that Decatur continues to be accessible to a broad range of ages and incomes?
What’d think? Did they hit all the high points?
(I don’t see my obsessive talk of a grocery store noted here.)
NOTE: If you have specific comments you want to make “officially” to the city, you need to write a comment over on Decatur Next. If you’re just philosophizing and/or rambling, DM is here for you.
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or my obssessive talk at the meeting about a local community food co-op! but it probably goes under local food distribution. the first meeting was a great start.
WPMom…Group 33 right?
how did you guess!!??
Oh yes, the food co-op is my ultimate dream. I’ve been mumbling about that for a couple years now. But the execution would be quite an undertaking.
If as many folks are still interested, I can try to arrange a meet-up. But others will need to take the lead for now. I’m in over me head!
zzzzz….
I think we are in grave danger of becoming chic.
As a man who owns nearly a dozen mock turtlenecks, I say, “speak for yourself.”
or perhaps elitist?
Daren I have many mock turtles….wouldn’t want to ever do without them.
We should have a mock off!
At least two of the small groups talked about better synergy between school and city leadership, services, and facilities.
More comments still need to be incorporated. The planning group had a small issue with the email address facilitators had to use to submit the written comments. They have been requested to be resent and are due on 5/10, and I’m sure many more new issues will arise from those soon-to-be-received minutes. This is just a sneak peek!
well the roads definately need help, there is a crack about every foot everywhere,
e. ponce needs to be closed to traffic between the commerces, and cobblestones and benches put down..then lunch would not have to be topped off with exhaust fumes and loud trucks and busses..the elderly..great idea..we have a large rec center in the middle of town, but it is so archaic and unwelcoming..it could be used by all ages..greenspace..not enough..and recycling for business’s would be a great start, some owners care, but i believe there are a heck of a lot of bottles, cans and cardboard thrown in dumpsters, just because of the lack of an alternative.
The Rec center is scheduled to be shut down next year for improvements, with many (but not all) of them aimed at seniors.
Were you eavesdropping on my group? Someone in my group also suggested closing down E. Ponce at the Square for more foot traffic. Sounded like a good idea to me too.
why don’t they open the parking lot in the square to only foot traffic? Seems like it is a perfect gathering place and outdoor dining area.
I assume you’re talking about the E Court loop. Closing it to vehicles would upset the business owners there. Even though there aren’t many parking places there, they still hold it dear.