20/20 Cold Spring Vision Team

It was a perfect summer day for the Mn Design Team to conduct their re-visit to Cold Spring on Saturday, June 25th. One year ago this group of community development professionals conducted an extensive weekend visioning process in Cold Spring. Five Mn Design Team members gathered at the new Lions Park shelter along with the Cold Spring 20/20 Action Teams to discuss what progress has been made over the past 12 months.

The morning was spent providing the Mn Design Team with brief updates by each of the 20/20 Action Teams. These included representatives from the Arts & Culture, Design Standards, Land Use, Natural Resources, Tourism & Commerce, Social Action and Steering committees. Just before noon the group all loaded aboard a hay wagon for an old fashion hay ride around town to review some of the city projects and changes that have occurred over the year.

Stops along the way included the work in process to upgrade Lookout Park, the new Quarry Cinema movie theatre, a number of downtown building projects, the new Gluek warehouse in the recently established commercial park, and the new office center on highway 23 across from the Blue Heron Supper Club. The Design Team had many positive comments about all of the work that has begun over the past year.

"Based on what we have heard this morning and saw around town, the people of Cold Spring can be very proud of the progress that has already been made this past year." commented Mn Design Team member Jim Dean. "You're doing the right things by involving as many people as possible in your community efforts. Participation and communication are the two most important keys to your success."

At 12:00 noon, the general public joined the 20/20 and Mn Design team in a luncheon and community update presentation held in the Lions Park shelter. A short presentation by the 20/20 Steering committee was followed by a Mn Design Team response and recommendations session.

Some of the recommendations made by the Mn Design Team included the need for the city and township to establish long-term working relationships. Land use and transportation are important topics that both the city and township need to cooperate together on. Along with working on design standards, efforts should be made to create incentive programs for existing businesses to get involved with new standards during remodeling projects. The land use committee should look at working on comprehensive plan issues centered around transportation and zoning designations.

The 20/20 Vision/Action Teams process has only just begun in Cold Spring. If you would like to join the group or would like more information about future action plans and projects, please contact Duane Kuss at 685-8603 or visit our web site at www.2020coldspring.com. Remember, you have the power to make a positive difference in our community.

PHOTOS NOW ONLINE... Go to:
http://www.2020coldspring.com/photohistory.html

# posted by Duane Kuss @ 6:08 PM