As a result of feedback received during the Spring 2009 Fountain District Urban Village public meetings, a follow up focus group meeting was held specifically in regards to the "Commercial Core" area on Meridian Street. The “Commercial Core†is generally defined as the area having the highest concentration of employment and housing; direct access to transit; a wide range of land uses including retail, office, residential, recreation and public facilities; and an emphasis on the pedestrian environment.
One of the objectives of the master planning process for the area is to utilize the recently adopted Urban Village Design Standards and tailor them to augment the eclectic character of Meridian Street. The goal is to develop design standards which, when implemented, will reinforce the character through adaptive re-use of existing buildings and to guide the development of desirable new construction.
In the Focus Group meeting citizen input was gathered regarding the allowable building heights along Meridian, desired character of new development and the adaptive use of existing historic buildings, the need for special attention to the alley interface with residential areas adjacent to Meridian, and the desire to incorporate appropriate Infill Toolkit housing forms in existing residential areas adjacent to the urban village (specifically Detached Accessory Dwelling Units and Carriage Houses).
Focus Group participants made oral and written comments which are provided in the links, below. These will be incorporated into the analysis and used in refining the draft master plan.
