HomeMy WebLinkAbout30. 15-404AUGUST 25, 2015 15-404 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED___7-0_____LOST________LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________)
PURPOSE: APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH
HOUSEAL LAVIGNE ASSOCIATES, LLC TO UNDERTAKE
CENTRAL CITY INVESTMENT STRATEGY ($149,250)
INITIATED BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Oshkosh that the
proper City officials are hereby authorized to enter into and take those steps necessary
to implement an appropriate professional services agreement with Houseal Lavigne
Associates, LLC to undertake a Central City Investment Strategy Study in the amount of
$149,250.
Acct No. 537-1040-6401-00000 TIF #12 Division Street Redevelopment
Acct No. 526-1040-6401-00000 TIF #16 100 Block Redevelopment
Acct No. 534-1040-6401-00000 TIF #20 South Shore Redevelopment
Acct No. 536-1040-6401-00000 TIF #21 Fox River Corridor
Acct No. 502-1040-6401-00000 TIF #25 City Center Hotel
Acct No. 249-0740-6401-00000 Community Development Special Fund
City of Oshkosh
Department of Community Development
Planning Services Division
215 Church Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54901
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OIHKOIH
ON T9E WATER
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
Darryn Burich, Planning Director
August 18, 2015
Approve Professional Service Agreement with Houseal Lavigne Associates
Consultants for Central City Reinvestment Strategy ($149,250)
BACKGROUND
The Community Development Department issued an RFP in May 2015 requesting professional
services to assist with a comprehensive update of its 2000 Downtown Action Plan. This new
comprehensive effort is identified as the "Central City Reinvestment Strategy" and is meant to help
guide public and private investment and programming for the downtown and central city area for
the next 15 years. Essentially, the community is seeking to develop a"road map" to guide future
decision making and investment.
While this is intended to "update" the 2000 Downtown Action Plan, it also represents a significant
expansion of the area and the scope of the previous Plan. The product of this effort will be a
comprehensive planning document containing the core elements of the Wisconsin's
comprehensive planning legislation that will be able to be easily incorporated as part of the City's
Comprehensive and Strategic Plans.
The City received a total of 11 responses to the RFP from which Houseal Lavigne Associates was
selected as being most responsive to the RFP.
ANALYSIS
The scope of services generally relates to developing the plan and will include community outreach
and engagement, an existing conditions and inventory analysis, market analysis, visioning, final
report and implementation strategy. An advisory group/steering committee will be formed to work
with the consultant in development of the plan.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed contract is for $149,250 of which the City was awarded a$50,000 WEDC grant to
assist with the planning effort. The balance of funding will be split between various downtown TIDs
that will benefit from the planning effort and this includes: 12, 16, 20, 21 and 25.
RECOMMENDATION
Common Council approves the contract with Houseal Lavigne Associates for $149,250.
Approved,
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City Manager
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June 7, 2075
City of Oshkosh
Department of Community Development
Attn: Darryn Burich
PO Box 7130
Oshkosh, WI 5 490 7-113 0
Dear Mr. Burich,
PLANNING
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
,� RECENED ;
1
JUN O 1 2015
COMAdUNiI�Y UhVhI.UPAI6�NT
� Houseal Lavigne Associates is pleased to submit this Proposal for the City of Oshkosh Central City Reinvestment
Strategy project. Our ProjectTeam is uniquely qualified to undertake [his assignment, bringing wide ranging
� national experience together wi[h local insight and understanding. Our staff of proiessionals provides the experi-
ence and expertise necessary to craft a responsive, detailed, creative, and exciting plan for powntown Oshkosh.
� We are dedicated to excellence and are available and committed to undertaking the Central City and Down-
town Area Comprehensive Plan Update assignment immedia[ely upon selec6on.
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Houseal Lavigne Associates is an awardwinning community planning, urban design, and economic develop-
ment consulting firm with extensive experience in a range of assignments, including downtown and commercial
area planning, waterfront planning, comprehensive planning, outreach and facilitation, corridor planning, devel-
opment and infiil redevelopment projects, transit-oriented development, parks and open space, sus[ainability,
transit and transportation planning, and project financing and impiementation. We have worked with more
[han 250 communities across the country, induding projects in Wisconsin, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Con-
necticut, Kansas, Keniucky, Georgia, lowa, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Illinois, lowa, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan,
Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia.
� Our recent work in Wisconsin indudes a Visioning & Sirategic Plan for the greater Pond du Lac region, which
is a project organized and financed by a broad coalition of private businesses, local governments, and com-
� munity organizations. Our firm has also conducted market assessments related to economic development and
neighborhood reinvestment efforts for the City of Milwaukee. Finally, our firm has successfully completed more
� than thirty downtown plans ranging from small towns to major metropolitan centers, including communities
with downtowns similar in size, scale, and complexity to Oshkosh, with many having waterfront locations and
� university within or nearby the study area.
,� Most recently, our firm was awarded the 2014 National Planning 6ccellence Award for an Emerging Planning
and Design Firm from the American Planning Association (APA), specifically noting our innovation, implementa-
+� tion success, creative and effective outreach, integration of new technologies, our industry leading graphic com-
�� munication, and our overall influence on the profession of planning in the United States. In addition, we have
� won several APA awards in several states for our comprehensive plans, corridor plans, strategic plans, ou[reach,
technology applications, and implementation.
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HOUSEAL LAVIGNE
ASSOCIATES, LLC.
CHICAGO, IL
i34 North LaSalle Sheet, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 6o6oz
(3t2)37z-1oo8
NAPERVILLE, IL
nq Easl Van Buren Avenue
Napervi]le, IL 60540
(630)305-oo3fi
www.hiplaming.com
info@lilplanning.com
We appreciate the opportuniry to be considered for the Central City Reinvestment Strategy for the Ciry of
Oshkosh and look forward to the possibility of working with you and the community on this important project.
li you have any questions regarding our statemen[ of qualifications, please do not hesitate ro contact us.
Sincerely,
Houseal Lavigne Associates
Houseal, AICP
www.hlplanning.com
City of Oshkosh
Central City Reinvestment Strategjr
Scope of Work
Our proposed scope of work is comprised of eight key steps that collectively address all tasks identified in the
Cit�/s Request for Proposals. Our scope of work provides a detailed inventory and physical and regulatory
analysis of Downtown; engages the public, including elected officials, downtown residents, residents at-large,
businesses, employees, developers, property owners, stakeholders, and others; and provides a visionary, yet
attainable, Plan for powntown/Central City Oshkosh. It will deliverthe policies and guiding vision and
specificity necessary to maintain current momentum within Downtown and the surrounding areas, and
define new opportunities and targeted strategies that can leverage recent investment and further encourage
downtown revitalization.
Step 1: Project Initiation
This first step in the process is intended to establish the "footing" and understanding of the project and
initiate the dialogue between the Consultant Team, City staff, O�cials, and the Central City Advisory
Committee/Core Group (CCAC/CG).
1a: Communication Plan
At the beginning of the process, a detailed communication plans will be developed and reviewed with City
staffto ensure an open and on-going dialogue throughout the entire process. Roles, responsibilities, timing,
deliverables, media and collateral content, and more will be identified and addressed on the front end to
ensure the best possible communication between all involved individuals and parties.
1b: Director Meeting
The Consultant Team will meet with key City staff prior to the initial Central City Advisory Committee/Core
Group (CCAC/CG) meeting. This first meeting will allow the Project Manager and the Consultant Team to
review and discuss issues pertaining to the scope of work, project schedule, review consultant and client
responsibilities, and other issues pertaining to the contract. This meeting may also include a tour of the
Downtown/Central City planning area, to allow City staff and the Consultant Team to experience the study
area together and discuss conditions on site.
1c: Elected & Appointed Officials Roundtable Discussion
Ajoint roundtable discussion/workshop will be conducted with the City Council and Plan Commission at the
onset of the planning process. This workshop is intended to facilitate a discussion of the issues and
opportunities facing the Downtown/Central City and identify the priorities and aspirations of the
communit�s elected and appointed officials.
1d: Central City Advisory Committee/Core Group Meeting and Workshop
Before actual work begins, a project initiation meeting will be held with the Central City Advisory
Committee/Core Group (CCAC/CG) to set the foundation for the planning program. The purposes ofthis
meeting will be to: (a) review overall project objectives; (b) review the Cit�s past planning efforts (c) review
the planning process and schedule; (d) establish the role of the CCAC/CG; (e) and identify key stakeholders to
participate in the Stakeholder workshops & interviews. This meeting will conclude with a Project Initiation
CiTy of Oshkosh • Central CiTy Reinvestment Strategy
Houseal Lavigne Associates
Workshop. The workshop is intended to solicit CCAC/CG members' views regarding their concerns and
aspirations for powntown/Central City Oshkosh.
Step 2: Community Outreach & Engagement (traditional and web-based)
Community outreach and citizen participation are the cornerstones of our proposed planning process.
Anticipating high levels of participation from an active and engaged community, our proposed outreach
process includes both treditional (face-to-face) and web-based activities to obtain the broadest levels of
participation in preparing the Centrel City Investment Strategy for Oshkosh. Community outreach is included
throughout the entire planning process, with this step providing the initial participation efforts and laying the
foundation for the remaining steps. Collectively, our planning process includes:
. Press Releases & Newsletter Articles
• Community Workshops
• Business Workshop
• Key Person Interviews
• Focus Groups
• Interactive Project Website
. sMap—interactivemappingtool
• RSS news feeds
. Facebook/Twittersocialnetworking
integration
"Traditional" Outreach
2a: Press Releases, Notices, and NewsletterArticles
• CommunityCharacterVisualPreference
Survey
• Resident Questionnaire
• Business Questionnaire
. Staff Meetings & Conference Calls
. AdvisoryCommittee/CoreGroup
Meetings
. Public Open Houses
. Plan Commission (Public Hearing)
. City Council Meetings
We will work with City staff to prepare special articles at key points in the planning process for the interactive
project website we will create for the project, the Cit�/s website, local newsletters, and local media outlets.
We suggest an initial article to describe the purpose and objectives of the Central City Investment Strategy as
well as regular updates during the process.
2b: Community Workshop
This community workshop is the first of many face-to-face community outreach events scheduled
throughout the planning process. The purpose of this first workshop is to allow residents and stakeholders to
provide input before any plans or recommendations are formulated. The workshop will: (a) review the
purpose of the Central City Investment Strategy, the planning process to be undertaken, and the schedule for
the project; and (b) secure local views on concerns, issues, and potentials within the community.
2c: Business and Property Owners Workshop
This workshop will be targeted specifically to Downtown/Centrel City business owners, business managers,
and property owners, as an important stakeholdergroup. The purpose is to establish a dialogue and obtain
CiiyofOshkosh • CeMraICiTyReimestmentStrategy
Houseal Lavigne Associates
feedback from those members ofthe business community that have a unique insight and perspective and
whose assistance and involvement is crucial to the Plan's ultimate success.
2d: Key Person Interviews & Stakeholder Focus Group Discussions
Key Person Interviews and Focus Group Discussions allow us to obtain first-hand insight into the community
from a diverse array of perspectives. Confidential interviews/focus group discussions will be conducted to
obtain additional information regarding local issues and potentials. The Project Team will work with City staff
and the CCAC/CG to identify those individuals and groups to be interviewed. We recommend a broad
sampling of interviewees who may possess unique perspectives or special insights into the community.
Interviewees could include members of the Redevelopment Authority, Business Improvement DistriM,
Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Business Bureau, nearby neighborhood associations, civic and
community organizations, selected property owners, new or lifelong residents, builders and developers, local
business leaders, representatives from UW Oshkosh, and other government and quasi-governmental bodies.
Web-Based Outreach
2e: Interactive Project Website
We will design and host an interactive Project Website that is linked to the Cit�/s website. We are committed
to utilizing the internet to maximize the participation and communication between the City, the CCAC/CG,
and residents as it relates to the new Oshkosh Downtown/City Center Plan for the duration of the planning
process and beyond. This website can be used to post project schedules and meeting dates; display graphics,
maps, and draft documents; address frequently asked questions; host a community discussion forum;
contain online community surveys; and provide a variety of other features. The website will be the "one
place" to go to for information regarding the Downtown/City Center Plan. Our websites are designed and
hosted in house and provided free of charge for our projects.
2f: Social Media Networking & RSS
If desired by the City, we can integrate Twitter, R55 Feeds, and Facebook into the interactive website and
Downtown/Central City Plan process. For those residents that use the Internet to stay informed, these tools
are essential in keeping them connected with local happenings as it relates to the Plan. Social networking
tools can help increase awareness ofthe Plan and process and assist in increasing the number of people
participating in all outreach exercises, including traditional face-to-face meetings.
2g: sMap (Online Community Issues Mapping)
For no additional charge, we will feature sMap, a web-based community issues mapping tool on the
interactive Project Website. This award-winning tool, developed by Houseal Lavigne Associates, allows
website visitors to identify, map, and comment on areas of concern and valued Downtown assets. It
simplifies the mapping process and familiarizes residents with all areas of the Downtown in a fun, interactive,
and effective manner. Input from residents allows us to create a composite map of Downtown issues to
assist with the identification and establishment of goals and objectives, development opportunities and
priorities, improved connectivity, and sense of place.
2h: Online Questionnairesfor Residents & Businesses
To provide another means for community participation, we will prepare (1) a web-based questionnaire for
Oshkosh residents and Downtown visitors, to solicit community-wide opinion on a range of topics and issues,
and (2) a web-based questionnaire for business owners and operators designed to gather information on
those issues and concerns most important to the Cit�/s business community. These online surveys will be
posted on the project website. At the close of the survey response period, we will review and summarize
results as a gauge of community priorities and issues.
City of Oshkosh • Central CiTy Reinvestment Strategy
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2i: Online Visual Preference Survey
An online Visual Preference Survey will be used to solicit community feedback on potential development and
land use related components such as mix of uses, density, "visual bulk", architecture, streetscape, pedestrian
realm amenities, and overall desired character of the different areas of Downtown/City Center. This feature
further strengthens the Cit�/s outreach and improves the level of participation from the community. The
Project Team will then analyze survey results and prepare a summary report.
Step 3: Existing Conditions Inventory and Analysis
This step provides a detailed assessment ofthe existing conditions and influencing factors within the
Downtown/City Center and its environs. We will assess regulatory controls, past plans and studies, and other
physical characteristics that define Downtown/City Center and adjacent areas. This detailed assessment will
provide the Project Team, the City, and community at large with a thorough understanding of the
Downtown's makeup and function, and the influencing forces that include positive synergies, negative
externalities, and future potentials. The results of this analysis will be presented in an existing conditions
report and presented to the CCAC/CG. An additional level of detail will be applied to identified development
opportunity areas, including site geometry, dimensions, and other site-specific factors and influences.
3a: Review of Past Plans and Studies
The City's previously prepared plans and studies having an influence on the Central City Reinvestment
Strategy will be assembled and reviewed, including but not limited to the 2000 Downtown Action Plan,
Pioneer Inn Assessment, and any other documents deemed relevant.
3b: Review of F�cisting Zoning Ordinance and Development Regulations
A detailed review of the existing zoning districts and regulations for the Downtown/City Center will be
undertaken to identify and assess regulations and standards of the zoning ordinance that are in need of
amending. Components such as, but not limited to, height, setback, parking, permitted uses, development
approval processes, district boundaries, landscaping, signage, lighting, and more will be assessed for
appropriateness and applicability. This initial assessment will serve as a base of understanding for developing
zoning amendments and regulatory strategies later in the planning process if warranted.
3c: Existing Land Use, Parcel, and Buiiding Inventory and Assessment
Existing Land-Use and Development maps will be prepared that inventory all sites and buildings within the
districts that comprise Downtown/Central City Oshkosh. Primary and secondary land uses will be identified,
along with active and passive recreation areas. In addition, an inventory ofthe built environment will be
completed and a 3-D model of Downtown Oshkosh will be developed providing an inventory and assessment
of all principal and accessory buildings..
3d: Urban Design, Streetscape, and Downtown CharacterAssessment
An inventory and overall assessment of the Downtown's character, aesthetics, streetscape, community
identity, wa�nding, and urban design features will be undertaken. Key areas throughout the Downtown/City
Center, rights-of-way, business areas, public spaces, historic sites/structures, and gateways will be assessed
as a foundation for future urban design, streetscape and community character enhancements and
improvements.
3e: Parking, Transportation, Access, and Circulation Assessment
An inventory and analysis of existing parking, access, and circulation conditions will be undertaken within the
Downtown and surrounding areas. Particular attention will be given to assessing the amount, type, and
location of parking, including public, private, on-street, and off-street parking. This step will also encompass
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and assessment ofvehicular, bicycle and pedestrian facilities along with public transportation operations.
This step includes collecting and inventorying transportation information such as vehicular and pedestrian
circulation patterns, crosswalks, parking supply and demand, public transportation, ridership data, accident
data, traffic control devices, available traffic count information, proposed improvements (streets and paths),
and current conditions and capacities. Problems, concerns will be identified along with potential
opportunities for improvement and enhancement.
3f: Community Facilities & Infrastructure
An inventory and analysis will be undertaken of community facilities and infrastructure within the Study
Area, including City facilities, County facilities, and other public/quasi-public uses, including schools,
telecommunications, police, fire, public works, etc. Facilities will be evaluated with respect to age, condition,
capacity, the need for future improvement, expansion, and the possibility of discontinuation or relocation.
Capacity issues that could affect any redevelopment and the revitalization of Downtown Oshkosh will also be
identified. An objective of the Plan will be to work toward consensus among the different government
agencies and community facilities. Infrastructure and utility information will be provided by the City.
3g: Parks, Open Spaces and Environmental Features
This step will include a review, inventory and analysis of the Downtown/Central City area's open space and
environmental features, including the Fox River, various trails and open spaces, fishing areas, picnic areas,
festival space capacity, and more. We will examine natural and human-made features that add to the
Downtown's special image and charecter. Problems, concerns, strengths and opportunities for improvement
and incorporation will be identified.
3h: Assessment of Downtown Districts and Growth Potential
This step will assess the boundaries, character, and function of the unique areas of Downtown/Central City to
determine if amended district boundaries should be considered as we move forward in the planning process.
Evaluating the "districts' and boundaries of Downtown/Central City will allow the Central City Investment
Strategy to establish both broad recommendations and policies for the entire Downtown area, as well as
"districY'-based recommendations, policies and improvements specific to the unique areas within the
general and expanded Central City area. This step is also intended to explore the possible expansion of the
Downtown/Central City boundary in new directions and areas to facilitate and manage desired growth and
new development.
3i: Identification of Catalyst Sites
Merging market and real estate assessments with the land use and planning components, which include a
survey and assessment of currently available properties and those that are obviously underutilized, we will
identify specific opportunity sites for new development and ensure that the concept proposals are realistic
and achievable given current and foreseeable market conditions. These preliminary "catalyst sites" will
include those sites that have the ability to initiate development and redevelopment in Downtown/Central
City and serve as the first and most important projects for a community to undertake, encourage and
support. These sites could include candidates for new residential, commercial, or recreation development.
3j: Downtown Culture andActivityAssessment
Activity monitoring and assessment will be conducted during evenings, weekends, and events to ensure a
24/7 understanding ofthe function, role, use, intensity, and activity in the Downtown. Daytime observation is
important, but successful downtowns provide a wide range of activities over the course of a day and week.
This observation and assessment is crucial to understanding the many interrelated facets of the
Downtown/Central City.
3k: Existing Conditions Synthesis Report
City of Oshkosh • Central CiTy Reinvestment Strategy
Houseal Lavigne Associates
The results of the community outreach activities and the results of the various background studies will be
brought together into a Synthesis Report highlighting the issues, opportunities, potentials, existing
conditions, and trends which should be addressed in the Central City Investment Strategy. The report will be
a standalone document and will serve as a foundation for the future steps in the planning process.
31: Staff Review
The draft Synthesis Report will be provided to City staff for review. A meeting/call will be conducted with City
staff to discuss the report. Appropriate revisions will be made based on feedback and discussion.
3m: CCAC/CG Meeting
A meeting will be conduded with the Central Ciry Advisory Committee/Core Group and City Staff to review
the results of the community outreach, market assessment, and background studies. The objective of the
meeting is to reach agreement on basic issues and concerns that should be addressed in the Central City
Investment Strategy, as a foundation for preparing alternative planning concepts and approaches for
consideration. The CCAC/CG meeting is open to the public.
Step 4: MarketAnalysis
The market analysis will serve to provide the foundation for recommendations and strategies that are solidly
grounded in market and economic reality. Our team brings the knowledge of market and economic trends
and strategies designed to best position the City to capture emerging market opportunities and maximize
development potential.
Downtowns inherently benefit from the mixing of a variety of uses. At the conclusion of our team's market
study we will provide a summary of each potential use and the relationship of how positioning and
juxtaposition of different uses can create market synergies. This includes but is not limited to defining the
types of space each use requires and how these distinct spaces and uses can fit together successfully in the
Central City area.
While the analysis will conclude with recommendations related to an overall potential development program
incorporating all uses, each segment of the market will be reviewed and analyzed separately as follows.
4a: Demographic and Socioeconomic Overview
A detailed demographic assessment ofthe City and adjacent communities will be undertaken, including an
analysis of existing conditions and trends related to population, households, income, age, laborforce
employment, and related data. The synthesis of demographic information will lay the groundwork for
crafting a development plan that maximizes existing and future opportunities and influences.
4b: Residential MarketAnalysis
We will conduct an analysis of residential market opportunities within the Downtown/Central City. Our
methodology will focus on long-term demographic trends and influences. Analysis will include an assessment
of existing product and planned development within the City and the competitive market area including sales
prices/lease retes; vacancy; unit type/size; absorption data; amenities; parking; assessment fees; taxes; and
other related factors. A detailed assessment of market and housing demand including recommended unit
types and target demographics. This information will in turn provide a valuable basis for development
strategies for the Central City.
4c: Retail/Entertainment/ServiceAnalysis
This analysis will combine demographic trends with an analysis of supply and demand, including a retail gap
analysis. We will conduct an inventory of existing and any proposed development for retail, restaurant,
City of Oshkosh • Central City Reinvestment Strategy
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entertainment, and service related uses in the greater market area to better quantify the competitive
environment. The analysis will include an assessment of those uses found in similar environments that are
absent or underrepresented in Oshkosh. An important factor of this analysis is quantifying end users that can
afford and/or require newer higher priced locations versus smaller business that may desire established,
more affordable space.
In addition to examining sales tax genereting retail/restaurant/entertainment uses, an analysis will be
prepared of service related businesses and theirviability within the Downtown in terms of percentage of
total space occupied and applicability within defined areas. A potential development program will be
prepared that includes supportable square footage by use type. Where applicable, specific retail tenant types
to target will be identified.
4d: Office Analysis
This analysis will assess the current supply and demand patterns in the Oshkosh market and qualify potential
redevelopment opportunities. The proposed scope will start from a macro level of analysis of the City and
region to identify the potential demand for new office space in the Oshkosh market. Using this model, along
with an assessment of site conditions, local market supply and the overall competitive environment, we will
assess demand and the potential for new development within Downtown with a focus on professional o�ce
space. This will include estimates of type, scale, square footage and potential end users. As with the retail
component, this analysis will quantify end users that are seeking higher end more amenity laden space
versus those in which established space above ground floor retail may be su�cient.
4e: Preliminary Development Program
All of the above analysis will be aggregated in preparing a potential development program. One of the
strengths of our team is the ability to reconcile market/economic opportunities with site capacity
issues/constraints. We will continually assess market implications and development economics as the larger
planning exercise evolves and concepts are prepared for the Downtown/Central City and individual sites. The
Market Analysis and Preliminary Development Program will be discussed as a component of Steps 31 and 3m.
Step 5: Vision, Goals, and Objectives
This step will include a hands-on community workshop and design charrette that invites the community to
put pen to paper and illustrate their vision for the future of Downtown Oshkosh. The purpose of this step will
be to establish an overall "vision" for the Downtown/Central City that can provide focus and direction for
subsequent planning activities, serve as the "cornerstone' of the consensus building process, and identify a
path for growth and investment. Based on the Vision and previous steps in the planning process, Preliminary
Goals and Objectives will then be prepared.
Sa: Visioning Session/Charrette
The Downtown Visioning Session will involve the Consultant Team, City Staff, CCAC/CG, elected officials,
residents, and community stakeholders. The session will include both large group and small group working
sessions to review and discus conditions and potentials within the Central City. The large group will work
together to identify issues and opportunities, and the small "breakout" groups will work together to develop
"visions" for the future of the Downtown. It will conclude with general agreement regarding the long-term
role and character of Downtown/Central City and the specific projects, improvements, and development
opportunities that will be desirable in the future.
5b: Central CityVision Plan
City of Oshkosh • Central City Reinvestment Strategy
Houseal Lavigne Asso�iates
following the visioning session, the Consultant will summarize the results of the group discussions, and will
prepare a preliminary Central City Vision Plan. The preliminary Vision Plan will be based on the Vision Session,
feedback from the community outreach activities, and observations from the Consultant Team. It will provide
an overall framework for the Downtown/Central City area and serve as the foundation for more detailed
planning recommendations.
Sc: Goals and Objectives
Based on previous steps in the planning process, preliminary Goals and Objectives will be prepared which will
provide more specific focus and direction for planning recommendations, covering all areas ofthe
Downtown/Central City.
5d: Staff Review
The draft Vision Plan, Goals, and Objectives will be provided to City staff for review. A meeting/call will be
conducted with City staff to discuss the report. Appropriate revisions will be made based on feedback and
discussion.
Se: CCAC/CG Meeting
A meeting will be conducted with the Central City Advisory Committee/Core Group and City Staff to review
the preliminary Vision Plan, Goals, and Objectives. Revisions will be made based on feedback.
Step 6: Downtown/Central City Framework Plans
This step will entail the preparation of preliminary framework plans and recommendations for: downtown
boundaries and growth; land use and development; housing, transportation and parking; pedestrian and
bicycle circulation; environmental features and open space; urban design and beautification; government
facilities and infrastructure; arts and culture, and conceptual development visualization.
6a: Downtown Boundaries and Growth Framework Plan
Based on the established Vision Plan, Goals and ObjeMives and other work activities completed,
new/modified Downtown/Central City boundaries may be established. The framework plan will identify any
targeted areas for powntown growth and establish the overall character and intensity of all such areas.
6b: Land Use and Redevelopment
Based on the established Vision Plan, Goals and Objectives and other work activities completed, Land Use
and Infill Redevelopment plans and recommendations will be prepared. The framework plan will
communicate and identify recommendations and policies for commercial/retail, entertainment, office,
residential, civic, open space and other land uses. The Land Use and Redevelopment Plan will include
recommendations that will strengthen the mix of uses that are appropriate for the desired redevelopment,
revitalization, and overall character ofthe Downtown and surrounding areas. Specific infill redevelopment
and new development opportunities, strategies, and recommendations, will be included.
6c: Housing
Dovetailing with the Land Use and Infill Redevelopment Plan, and building upon the detailed
residential/housing market assessment conducted as part of Step 4b, the Housing Plan component of the
Central City Investment Strategy will identify the mix, type, character, and location of new residential
development in the Downtown/City Center Area.
6d: Conceptual Development Plans and Illustrations
Illustrative development concepts, illustrations, and 3D renderings will be provided for key development
opportunity and catalysts sites throughout the Downtown/City Center. These development concepts will
City of Oshkash • Central City Reinvestment Strategy
Houseal Lavigne Associates
allow the City to visualize and evaluate the desirability, character, and overall appropriateness of potential
development within the Downtown/City Center and possible future expansion areas. These illustrative
development concepts will capture the potential and character of new development, including commercial,
retail, residential, mixed-use, and more.
6e: Parking and Transportation Plan
The Parking and Trensportation Plan will prioritize pedestrian mobility and safety, comprehensive parking
system efficiency, and improving overall mobility and access. The Plan will provide a parking strategy forthe
Downtown/City Center, including public and private off-street lots, maximizing on-street parking, potential
deck locations, and more. The Parking and Transportation Plan will also address traffic related concerns with
and emphasis of "safety and mobility° throughout the Downtown and surrounding areas. The Plan will
include specific recommendations for motorized travel, one-way traffic patterns and overall circulation,
parking, access, and linkages between key areas of the Downtown. The Plan will also focus on the
coordination and optimization of all modes of non-vehicular travel within the Downtown and surrounding
areas, including bitycle, walking and transit services. The Plan will identify how linkages can be created
between various land uses and properties in and around the Downtown, which do not create additional
burdens on the existing traffic infrastructure.
6f: Environmental Features and Open Space Plan
Based on work activities in steps 1 through 5, the preliminary Environmental Features and Open Space Plan
will be prepared. The Plan will identify the importance natural ecological systems and environmental
features as essential components of the Downtown's overall character, sustainability, desirability, and
attractiveness. The Plan will establish the "network" of environmental features and open space within the
Downtown and seek to strengthen their role, enhancement, and overall significance.
6g: Beautification and Urban Design Framework Plan
Based on work activities in steps 1 through 5, the preliminary Beautification and Urban Design Framework
Plan will be prepared. This Plan will provide recommendations and guidance that seeks to improve the
appearance, character, and "connectivity" of the Downtown/Central City within Oshkosh and surrounding
areas through streetscape, parkway, landscaping, gateway opportunities, public art, pedestrian amenities,
wa�nding, and other signage improvements. This Plan is intended to build upon the existing enhancement
and character of Downtown and serve as a foundation forfuture and improvements and planning/design
initiatives. Cross sections, streetscape design prototypes and hierarchies, pedestrian amenity enhancements,
and much more will be included.
6g.1: Design Guidelines - In conjunction with step 6g, Design Guidelines will be developed for the
Central City planning area. The intent of the Design Guidelines is not to dictate the design and
architecture of all buildings, but instead will establish the character and design parameters for new
infill development in key areas of the Central City study area. Design components such as building
height, orientation, setbacks, articulation, parking, entrances, and other design features will be
addressed. The Design Guidelines will be highly illustrative and are intended to lay the foundation
for new zoning regulations that will guide and regulate development in the Centrel City areas.
6h: Community Facilities & Infrastructure Plan
The Plan will include the many public facilitates within Downtown/Central City (city, county, and many
others). The Plan will establish a clear direction forthese facilities and properties and provide the direction
necessary for each unit of Government to better plan for any inevitability—expansion, rehabilitation,
relocation, consolidation, or something else. These areas ofthe Downtown represent significantly sized and
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located properties that must be planned for and needs and resources change. The Plan will also address the
existing infrastructure and utilizes within the area and identify areas and strategies for improvement.
6i: Arts, Culture, and Activities Plan
Downtown/Central City is the symbolic heart of the community, and as such, it plays a vital role in
accommodating and nourishing the community's heritage, arts, and culture. This step will identify
opportunities and strategies to better foster public art, urban amenities and riverfront civic space, leverage
and showcase historic resources and amenities, and strengthen the Cit�s events, festivals, and community
gathering opportunities. The Plan will coordinate with the Cit�/s and other organizations' ongoing initiatives
to collective bolster the arts, culture, and activities that call Downtown Oshkosh home.
6j: Staff Review
The draft plans will be provided to City staff for review. A meeting/call will be conducted with City staff to
discuss the plans. Appropriate revisions will be made based on feedback and discussion.
6k: CCAC/CG Meeting
A meeting will be conduded with the CCAC/CG to review and reach agreement on the preliminary
Framework Plans before proceeding to development of the preliminary Implementation Strategy.
Appropriate revisions to the Draft Framework Plans will be made based on feedback from the CCAC/CG.
61: Community Workshop & Open House
Following the CCAC/CG meeting, a community workshop and open house will be conducted to review and
discuss the preliminary Downtown Framework Plans. Appropriate revisions to the Draft Downtown
Framework Plans will be made based on feedback from the community.
Step 7: Implementation Strategy
This step will provide recommendations and actions to assist the City in implementing the Central City
Investment Strategy/Downtown Plan.
7a: Downtown/City Center Implementation Strategy
The Downtown/City Center Implementation Strategy will be prepared and distributed to City Staff and the
CCAC/CG. This step will include recommendations and implementation strategies for a variety of crucial plan
components, including: 1) amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map; 2) the identification of any
new zoning districts or overlays that may be needed to realize the plan; 3) economic and financial strategies
that will encourage desirable new development; 4) recommendations regarding property assemblages,
priority improvement projects and redevelopment sites; 5) traffic, infrastructure and recommended capital
improvement projects; 6) potential funding sources and implementation techniques, including timing,
prioritization, and partnerships; and 7) general administration and follow-up to the Plan. This section will
provide the detail necessary to allow the City to track the progress and effectiveness of the Plan and
maximize its usefulness as a tool to achieve investment and revitalization goals and objectives.
7b: Action Matrixand Performance Measures
A key part of the implementation strategy will be the development of an Implementation Action Agenda,
which will identify the key projects and actions to be undertaken, the City's roles and responsibilities,
partnerships and strategic alliances, funding, timing, and more. This Action Agenda will serve as "check list"
for the Cit�/s implementation initiatives. The Matrix establish metrics and indicators that are directly linked to
the Comprehensive Plan's core principles, goals and objectives. The matrix will provide the trends, and
measurements for achieving success. In other words, the Matrix will serve in a way as a"Community
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Progress Indicator' that will let the City know where it is and how it is trending for each of the different
priority areas. The Matrix will serve as an "honest tool" for evaluating investment effeMiveness. In order to
be effective, the indicators must be: 1) Easy to obtain; 2) From a reliable source; 3) Simple to calculate; 4)
Available for Bentonville; and 5) regularly updated. We will work closely with the City to determine the best
possible indicators and metrics given these criteria.
Step 8: Final Report and Adoption
This step includes the preparation of the Draft and Final versions of Central City Investment
Strategy/Downtown Plan, including final revisions and the Cit�/s public hearing process.
8a: Draft Central City Investment Strategy/Downtown Plan
Based on the results of Steps 1-7, a draft Central City Investment Strategy/Downtown Plan document will be
prepared for local review. The Plan report will be designed not only to serve as a legal document for guiding
land use and development, but also as a guide forfuture land use policy and for prioritizing, promoting and
implementing redevelopment projects and actions within Downtown and surrounding areas.
8b: Staff Review
The draft Central City Investment Strategy/Downtown Plan will be provided to City staff for review. A
meeting/call will be conducted with City staff to discuss the report. Appropriate revisions will be made based
on feedback and discussion.
8c: CCAC/CG Meeting
A meeting will be conducted to review and reach agreement on the draft Central City Investment
Strategy/Downtown Plan document with the CCAC/CG. Based on Feedback from the CCAC/CG, appropriate
revisions will be made to the Draft Plan.
Sd: Final Plan Report to Planning and Zoning Commission (Public Hearing)
The Final Central City Investment Strategy/Downtown Plan Report will be presented to the Plan Commission
for public hearing. Based on Commission review and discussion, and based on public feedback during the
public hearing, a revised Central City Investment Strategy/Downtown Plan will be prepared that reflects Plan
Commission and resident input.
8e: Final Plan Report to City Council
The Final Central City Investment Strategy/Downtown Plan Report will be presented to the City Council for
consideration and adoption. Based on feedback, a final Central City Investment Strategy/Downtown Plan will
be submitted for adoption.
Project Schedule
We are committed to delivering the Central City Reinvestment Strategy within the six to nine months time
frame specified in the Request for Proposals. Estimating two to three months for adoption, the table one the
following page provides an overall 11-month framework for the 8-step process, highlighting the time period
for each step, as well as an indication of the meetings to be conducted and the deliverables to be provided
along the way. We are ready to begin work immediately upon selection and are committed to devoting the
personnel and resources necessary to completing the assignment in a timely manner. Exact project timing for
each task will depend on the sequencing of several factors such as project meeting dates, public notice of
meetings, and timely response to interim study materials submitted by the ProjectTeam.
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