Greetings All,
I may be the first new post to the forum since the article in Sunday's paper. Let me start by jumping into the glass fishbowl and announcing that I am new (as of November 14, 2005) Urban Planning and Development Manager for the City of Florence.
Let me start by saying that I cannot attest to the past efforts of downtown revitalization or the quality of new buildings (except to say that all I have heard is how astonished visitors are when seeing the new Library) as I am neither a Florence native nor an architect, therefore I am left to my professional opinions and personal preferences, see note above concerning buildings, I agree. I might also add about the Library that it was placed in a calendar highlighting libraries across the world.
What I can tell you all is that the City, for the past several years has, in cooperation with the Florence Downtown Development Corporation embarked on a comprehensive journey towards revitalization of downtown. Phase I of the study drafted Design Guidelines (available at www.cityofflorence.com scroll to the magnolia flower and follow the link), which were adopted and made effective as of July 1, 2005, as well recommended hiring of an Urban Planning Coordinator. I am living testimony to the fact that both of those items have been accomplished.
Phase II of the study was a micro level assessment of recommended uses for each block of the downtown and built on the master plan recommended in the Florence 2010 plan. Phase III was recently completed and looked, among other things, a Tax Increment Financing analysis, a historic nomination of the downtown historic district as well as a conceptual streetscape design and an RFQ. The RFQ, I think, requires special mention in that it will be a packet of information about Florence sent to about 250 to 300 developers who develop in downtowns in the southeast.
Currently the FDDC is developing our website and I will provide links to the various phases of the plan for you to digest. I think the important thing is that we, the City, are taking this business of downtown revitalization seriously and are laying the groundwork for developers and others to assist us in the revitalization effort.
I think it is hugely important to mention leaders such as Mayor Frank Willis, FDDC Chairman George Jebaily, the members of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation as well as the citizens who cared enough to attend the many public forums held to obtain public comments on the proper way to revitalize downtown. I apologize if I have forgotten any names.
I can go on and on and I will answer questions as they are posted and I would like to make the comment building on the prior paragraph that the developers we have spoken to have told us that we have done everything right and it will be easy for others to follow. Keep in mind that the Performing Arts Center (A joint venture of the City and FMU) as well as the Florence Little Theater (A joint City/County/McCleod Hospital/FLT/Bruce and Lee Foundation effort) are going to happen and soon. In addition we have an existing restaurant building a new facility and a proposed 60-unit apartment complex coming in the near future as well.
I forgot about the downtown events. Real quick, Pecan Festival 4500 in attendance in year one, 15000 in year two. Florence After Five planned for October. FDDC website will come online soon with more details.
So long for now.
Phillip
