Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the North Second Redevelopment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Draft North Second Street redevelopment RFI draws traffic and design concerns; public input planned
Summary
City staff presented a draft Request for Interest for redevelopment of North Second Street properties and proposed public input meetings; staff said it seeks "gentle density" residential development and is considering a partial street closure with a pedestrian easement.
City staff presented a draft Request for Interest (RFI) for redevelopment of North Second Street properties and outlined a timeline that would include public input sessions in May and June, a final RFI for committee approval, and an anticipated solicitation in August.
Mister Lynch, who presented the draft, said the city seeks developers' qualifications rather than full proposals initially, and is looking for "gentle density"—housing options greater than single‑family but generally less than a six‑unit building. He said staff is also considering closing Second Street within the block while maintaining a 30‑foot utility easement and a bicycle/pedestrian access to reduce traffic conflicts.
Becky Hebda, a nearby business owner at 1602 North Second, spoke during public comment and urged the committee to consider existing pedestrian and mobility needs at the Bridal and North Second intersection. "There's a busy dentist on that corner... so if we're gonna consider putting in additional housing units, I really think we need to reconsider what it looks like on the streets there because it's already very difficult at certain times a day to turn left or right off of North Second in either direction," she said. Hebda asked that businesses be included in nearby outreach and asked committee members to consider impacts on clients who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Alder Walter Killian asked whether documented public input could factor into scoring developer responses. Lynch said staff will document feedback and can incorporate neighborhood preferences into scoring or use them as evaluative guidelines; he agreed to consider Killian’s request to weigh public participation when scoring responses.
Alder Gisselman urged that new development fit the existing working‑class neighborhood and suggested including green space or community gardens as neighborhood amenities.
Staff did not seek a vote on the draft RFI at this meeting but will return with a final document after public input. Lynch said a neighborhood meeting is tentatively planned for the third week of May and that a virtual feedback form will be posted for those unable to attend.
