Monday, June 14, 1999
Picturing Hamilton in 2020
Planners discuss the city's future
BY JENNY CALLISON
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON — An aquatic center, mixed-use riverfront development, a beltway around the city: These proposals and more surfaced Saturday as community leaders shared perspectives on 21st century Hamilton.
The group — Vision 2020 — is part of a professional planning process reshaping Hamilton.
Vision 2020 is chaired by Vice Mayor Adolf Olivas. City Planning Director James Boerke acts as liaison to Parsons Harland Bartholomew & Associates, urban planning consultants headquartered in St. Louis. Saturday, consultants and about 60 representatives from six task forces discussed their committees' conclusions.
The small groups spent months exploring trends, defining issues and setting goals in: lifestyle and lifestyle choices; economic vitality; community image and environment; community services; governmental and intergovernmental cooperation; and lifelong learning.
Participants agreed that certain themes were common to many committee recommendations: better use of the Great Miami River; improved education; better communication within the community; more transportation options; promotion of tourism; downtown renovation; and emphasizing neighborhood vitality.
“Did you hear conflicting visions in some of the reports?” asked Mr. Boerke, who guided the discussion.
“I was amazed at the lack of conflict,” responded participant Betty Maham.
Consultants outlined the next steps in the planning process, which will create a draft comprehensive plan by late fall.
Consultant Bob Ernst com plimented participants on their efforts and assured them that the contents of the plan will reflect their values while he and his colleagues will give it needed structure.
“In my 28 years as a planner, I have never seen this level of involvement from a community,” he said.
Several committee members emphasized the need to increase the number of people involved, now that Vision 2020 issues and goals have been identified.
“You have got to stay in volved,” Mr. Olivas added. “This is the Kings Island ride. You ride it, then you run to the back of the line, pick up some new people and ride it again.”
Mr. Olivas said the process of envisioning Hamilton's future has made everything seem new again.
“It's given me a new sense of optimism,” responded participant Gail Thornton.
“I feel a greater commitment to the community, and willingness to raise my family here,” added committee member Kelli Kurtz.
Investment flows into recreation
River freight traffic still growing
Drunken-driving arrests declining
'Worm' still eating computer data
Sales flying high as Flag Day is observed
Voice mail's as hot as the weather
Comedy Central's new lineup bad vs. good
Construction zone is dangerous place for workers
Cool down: skies plan on it
Getting his street smarts
2 guilty pleas are expected in killing
Picturing Hamilton in 2020
Schools update systems
Concours d'Elegance
Council field may be large in Mason
Crescent Park in final days
Pianist, CSO unite for a double delight
Section of roof collapses at store; 2 employees hurt
Spectacular feet
Summer series provides free music
Trumpeter rocks Dayton with hot night of jazz
GET TO IT
TRISTATE DIGEST
