Committee backs Downtown 2045 plan to guide the next 20 years of investment

Planning staff gave the committee an overview of the Downtown 2045 plan and recommended the council approve a resolution adopting the plan as the downtown component of the city’s comprehensive plan.

Tim Corcoran, director of planning, explained the plan’s development principles, outreach and supporting analyses. “The downtown plan is a shared statement, developed through a community engagement process about the desired long term future for the planning area and a strategy to achieve those goals,” he said. Staff noted the plan is backed by an economic analysis and a parking analysis; the latter found downtown parking is underutilized overall — about 46% occupied at peak (10 a.m.), staff said — implying opportunities for infill development on underused lots.

The plan identifies priority actions including activating the riverfront, expanding housing options of varied incomes, and building a stronger public realm anchored by potential public projects and private investment. Staff emphasized design standards and an implementation matrix intended to guide investments tied to ongoing private and public projects already underway.

Multiple public speakers and representatives — including a resident and a University of Notre Dame official — spoke in favor of the plan during the committee’s public comment period. The committee voted to send the resolution to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

If adopted by the council, the Downtown 2045 plan will guide zoning, public investments and development review for the downtown strategy area and strengthen the city’s position in applications for state and philanthropic grants tied to downtown revitalization.