Downtown authority favors community survey for town center and eyes planning committee

The Downtown Development Authority on May 19 discussed conducting a community survey to guide planning for a proposed town center, after two developers said they want to be included in the poll. Board members noted there are "7-8" remaining on the authority's TIF grant and said the survey would help set priorities for the project.

The discussion, summarized by board members during the meeting, focused on timing and stakeholder involvement. Bob Chapin and Rence Meredith said they would be interested in serving on a town center project or planning committee; the Board of Trustees is also discussing formation of such a committee. The board did not take a formal vote to create the committee at the May meeting.

Members discussed including developers in the survey process so their proposals align with community priorities. The transcript records two developers' interest but does not provide their names or the firms they represent. The board noted the limited TIF balance as a factor in sequencing work and said a survey would clarify what elements residents most value.

The item will return to future agendas: the board listed the town center committee and related planning among July topics. No formal action to allocate funds or adopt a survey instrument was recorded at the May 19 meeting.