Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Redevelopment Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staff reports redevelopment project pauses, and Western Lights drew tens of thousands
Summary
Staff updated the board on paused development applications, a parking‑garage assessment, and a second annual Western Lights festival that preliminary counts put at just over 50,000 attendees and supported more than 42 small businesses; staff will provide an economic impact report in April.
Redevelopment staff briefed the advisory board on project updates and a downtown events summary on March 4.
Brian McArdle reported that several applicants asked to pause analysis on projects including Red’s multifamily and Fifth & Keystone; the Bonanza Inn demolition will remove that site from eligibility. Staff said they are conducting a parking‑garage assessment to prepare for new developments and are hiring a development coordinator and program assistant to support Restore and the District Activation Pilot.
Rachel McIntyre presented the second annual Western Lights festival (Feb. 19–21). Preliminary metrics show just over 50,000 tracked attendees in year two (staff cautioned that tracking excludes downtown residents, children, and users with IP‑tracking disabled), 50+ art installations (up from 36), 82 live performances, and more than 42 small businesses promoted during the event. Staff hopes to publish a full economic impact report in April; last year’s estimated impact was about $2.1 million.
Staff also noted discovery of historical agency records and a 3D model of Aces Ballpark in an archive review, and reported Restore‑program openings such as Yuzu Sushi securing a certificate of occupancy. The board had no formal action on the update but will receive detailed impact numbers in April.
