On August 23, 2001 at 7:10 PM a Public Meeting of the Committee for the State Route 28 Town Center/Redevelopment Study was held at the Miami Township Civic Center. Larry Fronk, Community Development Director, opened the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and introducing the members of the consultant team that will be working on the SR 28 Town Center/Redevelopment study:
Ron Edgerton, KZF Design, Project Manager Tom West, KZF Design, Project Planner Linda Fitzgerald, Principal, LSR Consultants Doug Harnish, President, GEM Real Estate Jim Hassenbein, Vice president, GEM Real Estate Also attending were Trustees Edwin H. Humphrey, Joseph W. Uecker and Mary Makley Wolff.
After the introductions Mr. Fronk explained the purpose of study. He stated the Township was concerned with the business closings and saw this as an opportune time to develop an overall plan for the redevelopment of the corridor. Mr. Fronk also explained that the combination of a search for a Township identity and the need for a redevelopment plan sparked the concept of a town center - a downtown Miami Township.
The meeting was then turned over to Mr. Ron Edgerton who described the existing conditions within the study area. Mr. Edgerton explained the data gathering phase of the study. With the use of several maps and aerial photographs Mr. Edgerton described the existing land uses and zoning within the corridor. He also described areas of potential infill and redevelopment.
Mr. Hassenbein then presented a preliminary overview of the economic and market conditions within the corridor. With the use of maps and charts he defined the market area and discussed sales volumes within the study area. He also provided preliminary results of the consumer survey that was mailed to Miami Township residents. The survey showed the residents found the business district within the study area to be very convenient, but desired new businesses such as quality sit down restaurants. The survey also showed Miami Township residents wanted a pedestrian scaled business districts with increased landscaping.
Mr. Fronk then introduced the Township Trustees, each of who said a few words relating to the redevelopment study and the planning process the Township was about to undertake. Mr. Uecker then introduced Mr. Carl Hartman, County Engineer, who complimented the Township in taking a pro-active approach to development and growth.
The meeting was then turned over to Mr. Tom West who guided the meeting participant in a 30-minute visioning exercise. The purpose of the exercise was to obtain input from the participants on their vision of the study area. The participants provided their ideas of what they would like to see included in a town center. Mr. West will summarize the results and provide a copy of the summary to the Township.
Mr. Edgerton then explained the timetable for the planning process, indicating approximate times for future public meetings and future study team meetings. He stated the planning process would last approximately nine months.
Mr. Fronk then closed the meeting by thanking everyone for his or her participation.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Study Team
Mr. Fronk thanked all the members of the study team for their participation. He presented each member with a notebook they will use throughout the planning process. He also presented them with a disposable camera and asked them to take pictures of assets and liabilities within the study area. He also encouraged the team members to take pictures of other businesses or communities that have an appeal that could be incorporated into a town center.
The next study team meeting will be September 20, 2001 at 7:00 pm at the Township Hall