Village Asks Residents: 'Do you Like Our Plaza Plan?'

Attendees at a public meeting Monday for a downtown plaza in Homewood didn't quite seem sold on the idea—but they weren't outright rejecting it either, said Trustee Anne Colton. 

The 35–40 audience members heard a presentation by Director of Community Development Paula Wallrich. The plan was much the same as what was presented at a Feb. 11 meeting, when supporters and opponents asked the trustees to slow down the process and gather additional input from the community. 

Design firm The Lakota Group was not represented at the meeting. Colton was unsure why. Trustees Colton, Lisa Purcell and Jay Heiferman were present, as well as Assistant Village Manager Mike Marzal, Finance Director Dennis Bubenik, and Public Relations, Marketing Manager Rachael Jones.

Residents expressed concerns about parking, and closing down a portion of Martin Avenue for the estimated $500,000 project, which would be funded by revenue from a special taxing district. The plan calls for closing Martin Avenue north of Ridge Road for about 100 feet; the remainder of the street would open to two-way traffic.

Attendees were invited to fill out a postcard with their choice of amenities—which have been said might include such features as an ice rink, fire pit, special lighting, bistro tables, and seasonal planters and benches. Colton said she wished a representative from Lakota could have been present, to specifically address questions about closing down a portion of the road—something an urban planner would have been able to tackle in-depth. 

"I didn't feel a sense of outright rejection of the idea," Colton said. "I did sense that people were wanting more information."

Colton said that while the meeting was designed to field people's questions about the project, she was uncertain that the format accomplished that. 

"It's not the best forum for brainstorming," she said. 

Still, she hopes to bring the residents' questions and concerns back to the Lakota Group, for revisions to be made to the plan before it's back up for approval at the board's next meeting, she said.

The board will vote on whether to move forward with the project at the March 11 meeting, but the design will most likely roll out in stages. 

Residents should reach out to Village Manager Jim Marino or trustees with any specific questions. Contact information can be found on Homesweethomewood.com.

Did you attend the meeting? What were your thoughts?