MO 1996-006 to 1996-010 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

4. The City needs to create places for public gatherings and special events that foster our sense of community pride. The civic center and the marina community center are examples of projects that reflect our will and ability to build things to make the City better. Other opportunities are apparent for our future; examples include major projects such as a renovated library which will provide our community with access to "cutting edge" information resources and a revitalized downtown district which could incorporate a new town square or plaza. 5. A municipality's first responsibilities include protecting the public health and safety. No city can maintain a reputation as a good place to live or to invest in, if these basic services are not high quality. Therefore, the Capital Improvement Program must always give strong consideration to the facility needs of these essential functions. 6. The Capital Improvement Program should address another potential public concern by working toward the retrofit of public facilities to better meet current seismic requirements. Strengthening Neighborhoods 7. A "community" is people -- neighbors living together. Our neighborhoods, therefore, are our most important assets. Accordingly, public investment should emphasize facilities that strengthen neighborhoods, reinforcing our pride in place and caring for each other. 8. Public investment must support and stimulate private investment in our residential areas, too. Private investment in our neighborhoods -- through maintenance and improvements of the homes and yards, for example -- must make financial sense to property owners. Thus, public facilities built in our neighborhoods should enhance property values so that people want to put money into their houses and lots. Property values increase with a strong sense of safety and security; quiet and aesthetically attractive environments; convenient access to services and facilities; good parks and public places; good schools; and the upkeep of surrounding properties. 9. If the City wants to encourage people to take pride in our residential areas, and to maintain and upgrade their yards and homes, the City must do its part as well. Capital investment, therefore, must include the careful and ongoing maintenance of our neighborhood streetscapes: the trees, streets, curbs, and sidewalks. 10. People will more likely take pride in, and care about, their neighborhoods if they can identify with them; therefore, neighborhood marker signs should be designed and installed; neighborhood parks, plazas and other gathering places should be built and kept up. Connections throughout the neighborhood, including bike paths, bike routes and pedestrian ways, should be provided and well maintained. Page 2 of 5