In 1986, City staff together with consultants prepared the first Town Center Plan during a period when an intensive effort was being made to revitalize the downtown. This effort has continued over the past 21 years and has preserved the character of the Town Center.

Recently, the City identified a desire to revisit and complete a new plan to build upon the accomplishments of the original plan as well as to address the current and future needs of the Town Center. This initiative follows increased redevelopment activities and projected growth within the Town Center including the proposed redevelopment of 2.5 acres known as the “Old Lumberyard” site, west of City Hall.

The conceptual plan for the Old Lumberyard Redevelopment Project proposes a mixture of commercial, office and residential uses and provides for additional surface and street parking. Though it is a separate project, it is expected that the consultant for the Town Center Plan will have open dialogue with The Stonehenge Company for the duration of these two efforts.

The Town Center Plan will provide a 20-year guide for future land use and economic development decisions and is to be designed, organized, drafted and implemented as a flexible document, enabling the City to respond in a proactive manner to the changing needs of the downtown area. Additionally, this plan will be the result of a consensus building process and will serve as a guide to develop and implement land use and economic development policies and objectives for the Town Center. The Town Center Plan will provide strategic recommendations which focus on meeting the needs of the City and downtown business owners and residents, as well as ensuring effective service delivery, enhanced economic vitality, and appropriate land use decisions.