This memo outlines the results of the initial workshop that conducted by The Cecil Group and the Concord Village Center Committee on March 28, 2007.
Report written by the Cecil Group. April 4, 2007

The most common concern among workshop participants was the preservation of existing character and local businesses, while respecting the opportunity for development potential and economic growth.  The overall goal for many participants is to establish or reinforce the three centers as walkable, self-sufficient, interrelated yet unique nodes that appeal to a variety of patrons.

The list below comprises the “top ten” issues for workshop participants.  They are listed in order of popularity, number one being the most common.

1.       Maintain existing character

2.       Maintain existing local merchants

3.       Pedestrian oriented environment

4.       Establish/maintain unique identity of each center

5.       Inter-center shuttle service

6.       “Self-sufficient” centers with an appropriate and balanced mix of uses

7.       Public places for youths to socialize

8.       Parks/open space integrated into centers’ streetscape

9.       Impact of growth on infrastructure capacity

10.   Increased supply of street furniture (ex: benches)

 

In addition to these “top ten” issues, many other concerns and goals were expressed throughout the process.  These issues are categorized into matters concerning: Scale & Design, Land Use, Economics and Transportation.  Within these categories the items are again listed in order of the number of votes they received.  It should be noted that while these items are categorized, the principles behind each of them might apply to more than one category; the breakdown provided below is for organization purposes only.

Scale & Design

  1. Green design in new buildings
  2. Outdoor dining
  3. Pedestrian connectivity

4.       Screening of parking areas

  1. Maintain existing building scale (2-4 stories)
  2. Edges of center should be clearly defined
  3. Light pollution reduction (quality of lighting)
  4. Design guidelines

9.       Walkable scale

  1. More landscaping
  2. “De-strip” mall (W.C.)
  3. Child safety
  4. Public spaces for congregating
  5. Enhancement of sidewalk activity
  6. Storefront transparency
  7. Connection to rivers
  8. Cohesiveness (W.C.)
  9. Traditional design character
  10. TDR to promote desired character/scale
  11. Sustainable development
  12. Preserve rural features
  13. No drive-thru services

Land Use

  1. Housing diversity/affordable housing
  2. Multi-use/draw destination
  3. Intergenerational atmosphere
  4. Retail diversity
  5. Boutique retail
  6. Balance of uses
  7. Nightlife retail
  8. Live/work opportunity
  9. Redevelopment of industrial properties behind Main St.
  10. More retail (C.C.)
  11. Eclectic vitality (W.C.)
  12. Movie theater
  13. Extend Main St. (W.C)
  14. Smart growth
  15. Preservation
  16. Relocate auto dealership

Economics

  1. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
  2. Economic feasibility of redevelopment
  3. Affordable retail rents
  4. Realization of economic potential
  5. Effective implementation strategy
  6. Balance of economics and quality of life
  7. Business development
  8. Tourism – signage

Transportation

1.       Traffic volume reduction

2.       Reduce congestion

3.       Parking areas need to be screened

4.       Control thru traffic

5.       Adequate parking supply for retail patrons

6.       Limit public parking on residential streets

7.       Parking structure (@Brooks)

8.       Don’t widen roads