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Council approves Downtown Master Plan Task Force members
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Fifteen members of the Downtown Master Plan Task Force were appointed Monday night. The task force will “provide guidance and recommendations to the city as it prepares the downtown master plan.” The group is expected to meet six to eight times over the next eight months.
Following the Dec. 21 kick-off meeting, city staff solicited interest from various stakeholder groups.
The task force members are: Rick Ford (representing the City Council and the Downtown Business Council), Mike Huang (Planning Commission and Commitment to Community), Debbie Boe (Heritage Preservation Committee), Dave Roan (Parks, Arts and Recreation Board), Kevin Norby (Commitment to Community and Downtown Business Council), Dan Keyport (Downtown Business Council and Planning Commission), Adella Pollack (Human Rights Commission and downtown resident), Greg Swan (downtown resident), Brian Betlock (resident), Stacey Harding (resident), Jim Hornecker (development community), John Prodzinski (Chaska business – Ridgeview Medical), Mike Senden (downtown institutions – Auburn Manor), Gary Van Eyll (faith-based community – Guardian Angels), Bob Roepke (faith-based community – St. John’s).
Monday night, the council also moved to add a youth representative to round out the task force.
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Wow. take a look at this...
Back to page topWow. take a look at this list. You have a sitting councilmember's wife and two ex mayors. It seems like downtown failed under Roepke and Van Eyll. So the best idea is let's put them on the task force to revive downtown.
Why are they representing the faith based institutions?
Wouldn't you want Father Jarvis from GA or Jean Rollins from St. John's representing the interests of the faith based institutions.
Does anyone out there think this is crazy?
Take a look at what? Not...
Back to page topTake a look at what? Not sure what you are inferring, but my position on the Downtown Master Plan Task Force is as a representative of the Historic Preservation Commission, not as a councilmember’s wife. I have been a member of the HPC for the past year. When they asked for volunteers for the Downtown Master Plan Task Force, I raised my hand. The HPC also had a representative on the Commitment to Community Task Force. The next group might have a difference HPC member participating. Sorry, that is just how these things work.
This city has spent lots of...
Back to page topThis city has spent lots of money and time over the last 10 years trying to rescue downtown.
All the kings men and all the kings helpers couldn't put humpty dumpty back together again.
The net result is that these efforts have resulted in the inevitable.
City leaders waste time and effort on downtown, while they forget where the majority of the residents live. Yes, the vast majority of the residents do not live downtown - lets start thinking about their needs.
There are a lot of empty shops in the area of 41 and Pioneer trail. There are lots of empty commercial buildings in the industrial areas. Clover Ridge is still full of undelivered promises. This is where the people live and where the efforts should be focused.
Downtown will probably do a lot better with less input from the elitist efforts which suffer from the forest and tree problem.
It's a difficult task in...
Back to page topIt's a difficult task in downtown, Chaska has been effected more than the surrounding communities. Business' count family income when they move in or expand. Unfortunately because of decisions in the past we have an abundant of low income housing. This makes it very difficult for business' to make it. You don't see this problem in Chanhassen, drive around there and see how vibrant the city is.
At this point I don't think it can be saved. It won't be an "Excelsior" like some people hope. You don't have the income in our community that supports that type of area. Ultimately retail is supported by disposable income and that is a problem in parts of this area.
Why not Father Paul Jarvis?...
Back to page topWhy not Father Paul Jarvis? You think he doesn't have enough to do? And besides - do you think that institutions like Guardian Angels, St. John's, and the Chaska Moravian Church don't bring THOUSANDS of people to downtown every single week? These institutions have every right to be represented on a Downtown Master Plan Task Force.
City Councilmember's wife? Uh, try again. Debbie Boe has about the most in-depth knowledge of the history of the City of Chaska out of anyone who lives here. She *deserves* to be on the committee of her own merit, and will do a fantastic job.
Two Ex-Mayors? People who understand the City and how to work with the Council? That's a bad thing?
Why didn't you mention people like Greg Swan - he's new(ish) to Chaska, and has an impeccable marketing background. His name is on the list. Or Dan Keyport. He owns a thriving downtown business and puts his heart into downtown Chaska.
-Katie Tierney
Clover Ridge
Katie, I am in complete...
Back to page topKatie, I am in complete agreement that the faith based institutions should have a role to play in this new task force. But why would you choose Van Eyll and Roepke? I am sure there are others that are much closer to each church that could bring a fresh perspective.
Van Eyll and Roepke had their time as Mayor and they did absoultely nothing to revive downtown. Can't you see that this smacks of two guys that cannot let go and need to control the process?
I do want to recognize that Roepke did the levee and that was huge for perserving downtown so he does deserve credit for making that happen. Van Eyll did nothing but lip service the fact that he is serving on the task force is a joke and a slap in the face to the businesses downtown.
As a new downtown resident...
Back to page topAs a new downtown resident under age 30 who fell in love with the downtown Chaska community, purchased a historic 120 year-old home to fix it up and loves frequenting downtown businesses, I'm thrilled to join the task force. I'm excited to share my talents in the marketing industry with the community and do my part to help support and revitalize the downtown community we love so much.
Greg I think it is great to...
Back to page topGreg I think it is great to see your enthusiasm for our downtown. This comittee is a big step in the right direction. Continual focus and attention to the vision and then an adopted plan for revitalization is key to the success for our downtown area.
This looks like a great group of dedicated people to get this process started. I look forward to following the progress of everyone's work on this comittee. Thank you for your service.
Jay Rohe
To chaskacounterpoint:Did...
Back to page topTo chaskacounterpoint:Did you know Gary VanEyll is not just a former mayor, but a very active parishioner at GA? He has served on the parish council, the finance council, he's on the building and grounds committee, he's active in the Men's Club and it's very rare that you don't see him as an usher at mass on Sunday morning. He's very qualified to represent my parish and I think GA is fortunate to have his leadership. If you have such strong opinions about who shouldn't be on the Task Force, why didn't you volunteer? The city of Chaska isn't divided between downtown and "up the hill." We are all effected by the success of the city, no matter where you live. As Grandma Madge used to say, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything." Instead of complaining, why not bring new ideas to the table? Your voice is louder when you bring positive solutions.