The Center Line Community Suggestion Box is a repository of ideas provided by citizens who love Sturgeon Bay! Some are projects and solutions that have been used with success in other communities; others are creative but untried.
Responses are not expected (but would always be welcome). What we hope is that this is a useful repository of constructive suggestions from the community for the City to refer to, and sometimes might indicate an opportunity for communication from the City to share information or clarification on questions or concerns that are raised. Thank you to the City for embracing what is meant as a positive contribution from the community.
Here is a great video of a granary being renovated for Bellingham, WA. "The renovated Granary Building on Bellingham’s waterfront is taking shape in the former home of the Washington Egg and Poultry Cooperative Association."
Read more here from the Bellingham Herald.
"It only takes an ounce of vision to see how this type of adaptive use and historic preservation would revitalize Sturgeon Bay's west side waterfront." (Bob MacDonald)
submitted by Bob Dubuque via fb
(Bellingham Herald)
Door County lovers....Sturgeon Bay friends, please look at these pics.
This pavilion could be on Sturgeon Bay's westside waterfront and fall within public trust doctrine uses. It could be attached to the granary and be designed in a way that houses public restrooms and provides the support the historic granary needs.
It's been confirmed that the City can maintain and operate a Pavilion Park like this and the revenue from events and rentals can go into the general fund. City Attorney Randy Nesbitt, the City dministrator and Alderman Ward, have seen this concept at the friends negotiations in Madison earlier this year.
Think: farmers market, covered concert venue, wedding rental, festivals & car shows, fishing tournaments, and much-needed shoulder and off-season events like housing a very prominent and beautiful ice rink, Christmas festivals and Christmas market etc.
It could be designed to have sections closed off such as an area near the fireplace for a warming house. Please share and add your thoughts for potential uses below.
Mohonk Mountain House, NY
THINK COVER OF DC TOURISM GUIDE BOOKS. NEW AND OLD ICONS.
Submitted by Carri Andersson
Applications from local governments due to Wisconsin State Forester January 13, 2017: "The Community Forest Program (CFP) protects forests that are important for people and the places they call home. Community forests provide many benefits such as places to recreate and enjoy nature; they protect habitat, water quality and other environmental benefits, and they can provide economic benefits through timber resources. Community Forests have also long been sites for environmental and cultural education."
Perhaps our Parks Dept and/or Planning Dept have ideas on the books for conserving forested lands within the city limits and could proceed with this acquisition grant. A strong opportunity if partnered with the high school, elementary schools or NWTC for educational opportunities!
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Cooperative Forestry staff, requests applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP). This is a competitive grant program whereby local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants to establish community forests through fee simple acquisition of private forest land from a willing seller. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forest land from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits such as sustainable forest management, environmental benefits including clean air, water, and wildlife habitat; benefits from forest-based educational programs; benefits from serving as models of effective forest stewardship; and recreational benefits secured with public access. Eligible lands for grants funded under this program are private forest that is at least five acres in size, suitable to sustain natural vegetation, and at least 75 percent forested. The lands must also be threatened by conversion to non-forest uses."
submitted by Nancy Aten, received from US Fish and Wildlife Service
http://www.hanging-gardens.com/project/de-pere-city-hall
"De Pere City Hall was looking to set a precedent for sustainability in the area. Located near Green Bay, Wisconsin, this client needed a green roof system that was going to provide all of the wonderful benefits of a green roof while remaining resilient to the cold Wisconsin winters. Working closely with the owners, Hanging Gardens helped them to determine the best system, and went about placing a design together that would maximize heating and cooling cost savings on this 2-story building and provide a rich aesthetic for passersby on the nearby hiking trail near the Fox River. Residents in De Pere now have one of the first green roofs in the area to call their own!"
Image from the Wisconsin company www.hanging-gardens.com
submitted by Nancy Aten
Example from Burlington: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/11/burlington-what-works-green-energy-214463
"Burlington's decades-long commitment to sustainability has paid off with cheap electricity—and some pretty great homegrown food."
" 'There’s nothing magical about Burlington,' says Taylor Ricketts of the University of Vermont’s Gund Institute for Ecological Economics. 'We don’t have a gift from nature of ample sun or mighty winds or powerful rivers, so if we can do it, so can others.' ".
"How did this former logging port on the shore of Lake Champlain transform itself over the past 40 years from a torpid manufacturing town in the far corner of a backwater state to a global trendsetter in sustainable development and green power? The answer carries particular resonance at a time when the United States’ commitment to environmental issues and addressing climate change is suddenly less certain than at any time in a decade. Cities like Burlington, the largest city in a state whose tourism and agriculture dependent economy is vulnerable to climate change, have had to craft their own solutions to address global warming and to insulate themselves from the vagaries of global energy markets."
shared by Angela Lensch
http://www.cbs58.com/story/33730128/milwaukee-bar-owner-proposes-rainbow-crosswalks-in-city
" 'I'm all about raising awareness for some of the racist and diversity issues that we're challenged with,' said Lynn Heimbruch. The idea is certainly getting people talking. 'I just think that, you know, everybody should just do their own thing and I think it would be great, it would be pretty,' said Tracie Newcomer, who is visiting from Illinois. Schneider is already in talks with the Department of Public Works to lay the foundation for the new crosswalks. The DPW sent an e-mail to him saying they are going to research the best option for compliance with federal requirements. 'I'm hoping it just shows that our city does have a lot to offer every type of person,' said Michael Fisher, Co-owner of This Is It. Fisher said the idea came about after Schneider visited Vancouver, Canada and noticed their rainbow crosswalks. Knowing the Federal Highway Administration has strict guidelines on sidewalk design in respect to the white lines, the DPW said they'll work with Schneider on this idea."
Idea proposed for Door County by LGBT Door County
Groundwork's only program so far in Wisconsin is in Milwaukee. Sturgeon Bay could be the second! "The mission of the Groundwork USA network is to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being." Groundwork "believes in leading by doing". Read about Milwaukee efforts here: http://groundworkusa.org/profile/growing-community-milwaukee-urban-gardens/..
Groundwork USA is now accepting Letters of Interest from communities wishing to begin the process of applying for Groundwork USA program funding and technical assistance and to join the Groundwork Network. Funding is currently available to select up to two new communities for the Groundwork Program. They will be eligible for up to $200,000 in funding and technical assistance from the National Park Service, US Environmental Protection Agency, and Groundwork USA to plan, establish, and build the capacity of Groundwork Trust organizations in their communities. For complete details on the application and selection process, including eligibility requirements, submission details, and evaluation criteria, download the Call for Letters of Interest. Letters of Interest must be received by Groundwork USA by February 1, 2017.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact Anjali Chen, Trust Services Director at Groundwork USA. For more information about Groundwork USA, please visit www.groundworkusa.org.
Nancy Aten
It is time for Sturgeon Bay to heal the separation between downtown and Bay Ship. One way to do this is to create an official 'shipyard district' along Third Avenue that starts at Jefferson Street all the way to Sunset Park. Enhanced landscaping along the parking lots on Third Ave, displays of industrial parts, informative displays, a lookout tower to view the ship yard, and - here is a new one- night time projections on the former PJ buildings. These projections could either be abstract Laser shows or other creative dynamic (changing) lighting. This would be a First in Door County, sure to attract tourists and a novel way to improve a very unattractive area of St. Bay.
Hans Christian
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
From the Pulse: https://doorcountypulse.com/grant-awarded-northeast-wisconsin-bike-pedestrian-plan/ - "The Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission has been awarded grant funds in the amount of $108,000 to develop a Regional Bike and Pedestrian Plan for northeast Wisconsin. The award is part of the 2016-2020 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funding cycle. TAP allocates federal funds to transportation improvement projects that expand travel choice, strengthen the local economy, improve the quality of life, and protect the environment. Bay-Lake RPC’s Regional Bike and Pedestrian Plan is intended to increase transportation options for residents and visitors through identifying and planning for bicycle-pedestrian trails, on-road accommodations, sidewalks, etc. Future newsletter articles will provide additional details once the project commences. The Regional Bike and Pedestrian Plan will begin in 2017 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2018."
Door County is one of the 8 counties in the NE region. Is our Door County Economic Development Corporation working for us on this project? Or City of Sturgeon Bay? I hope our local representatives are working in collaboration with Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission.
Chesla Seely-Anschutz and others via fb
A Splash Pad. Similar to the one in Fitchburg WI (http://www.fitchburgwi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Splash-Pad-68 ) that I took my children to.
What is the purpose of a development in that location? Bringing people in to Sturgeon Bay, to use and support businesses already in the area, yes? Providing something attractive that is not already in the county. Giving us something that local families as well as tourists would find useful and attractive? We have so few free things for families to do. The water in the Bay is COLD even in the height of the summer. When I took my children to the Fitchburg Splash Pad (less than a mile from where I grew up) there was a huge crowd. Happy running splashing babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary aged kids and their parents and grandparents. My boys had a blast for hours. We only left when we had to get lunch.
Just imagine: A family staying at a campground in the summer needs to go into town to go to the grocery store. The kids are grouchy about needing to shop. The Mom promises that they can stop and play at the Splash Pad for a while if they come. They come in to town and the kids play. Maybe they walk across the street and get a snack or lunch while they're there. They slow down and look at Sturgeon Bay instead of just dashing past it to get north.
Or how about: It's summertime and it's hot out. A family with 3 kids is getting tired of staying at home. They pack up their towels and throw on their swimsuits and Mom walks them down to the Splash Pad for the afternoon. The water is cool and the sprays make the toddler laugh. The big kids run around, but the Mom knows that she doesn't need to be right on top of them because there isn't any standing water for them to fall into; it's safe, and she can focus on the toddler. They stay all afternoon and walk home exhausted but happy to get dinner ready.
Let's pick something that adds to the interest and function of the City. Something that will draw visitors and local families alike. Something that doesn't compete with any existing businesses. Something that we can customize to be as "Door County" as we like. Practical, useful. Please.
Beth Lokken
As a grandmother of five, ages 4mos-11 years old, I would love to see more activities for our young children. Of course there are parks with playgrounds, beaches, and a skate park but I think we can do more.
Splash park
Gaga ball pits
https://youtu.be/sO73MVAkhzw
Children's museum with hands on activities.....
These are a few things that come quickly to my mind, but I am sure there are a lot more possibilities.
Liz Orlock
This seems like it could be a nice addition for Sturgeon Bay! Kayak Share Stations. (We are alongside a National Scenic Trail, the National Ice Age Trail).
"People can now rent kayaks from Paddle Share stations on the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities, and return them a few miles downstream.
"The National Park Service is behind this first-of-its-kind program that allows paddlers to rent a single-person kayak from a designated paddle-share station within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, paddle around for a few hours, and then drop it off when their allotted time is up.
"How it works: The National Park Service requires paddlers to be at least 18 years old and have some experience kayaking before taking advantage of the Paddle Share program. If that’s you, visit the Paddle Share website here and click “make a reservation” on the map to choose where you want to pick up your kayak and when. (Each station has 16 kayaks, according to the Mississippi River Paddle Share Facebook page.) You can choose between morning (8 a.m. to noon); afternoon (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) or all day (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Then pay online with a credit card – it’s $30 for four hours or $60 for the full day. After paying, you’ll be emailed a 10-digit access code that will unlock the Paddle Share locker. Inside you’ll find your kayak, a paddle and a life vest – and then you’re good to go. Just remember to return the equipment to the return stations at Boom Island Park before your time is up.
"The stations are located near Nice Ride bike share stations, so people can paddle one way and then bike back along the river.
"This Paddle Share program is part of the Mississippi Park Connection’s Alternative Transportation Plan of 2012. It costs $215,000, but a federal grant, plus a donation from REI cover all the program costs. Over the next five years, the park hopes to expand the program throughout the 72-mile river corridor, the Mississippi River Paddle Share Facebook page says."
Nancy Aten
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
Let's join the Walk to School Day celebration October 5th!
And, funding is available for Walk/Bike to School projects and Safe Routes to School. TAP allocates federal funds to transportation improvement projects that expand travel choice, strengthen the local economy, improve the quality of life and protect the environment. Many TAP projects enhance non-motorized forms of transportation like biking and walking. The Wisconsin projects feature many safe bicycle routes to schools initiatives.
Sturgeon Bay could develop alternative transportation projects and seek this funding. For list of newly funded Wisconsin projects ($15 million), see: DOT's 2016-2020 Awards.
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
On August 4th, Laurel Hauser convened an evening discussion of waterfront development and historic preservation with Sam Shogren, several community members, and city staff.
Laurel said: “Sam is a Sturgeon Bay native and lead consultant with Shogren Consulting Group (http://shogrenconsultinggroup.com/) that specializes in maritime heritage, historic preservation and community development projects that connect ports, people and place. This is a chance to talk informally about future possibilities for our waterfront and to hear what other communities around the country have done to preserve their maritime history.”
These are brief notes/highlights I recorded of the discussions.
Port Townsend, Washington - city's waterfront effort included purchases of public access easements on private lands, in order to make extensive connecting public access (a few miles long).
“Small boat builders” could be an economic hub for Sturgeon Bay. Sam and others mentioned several small firms that might be attracted to set up shops near the waterfront in Sturgeon Bay to join an existing core.
Ryan Kernosky, City Planner, noted he is working on a shipyard/shipbuilding walking tour, tied in with the Main Street Program, and he hopes to have time to develop this. (There was much interest from community group). Ryan envisions the possibility of a Sunset Park tower that gives an expansive view of Bay Ship.
Sam mentioned potential funding sources from Maritime Administration.
Sam spent a good portion of the time on the general topic of an “Integrated Cultural/Scientific Maritime District” for Sturgeon Bay, that could include a NOAA Water Quality Lab, hands-on fisheries demonstrations, a Knowledge Hub (which would also give tech companies motivation for extending bandwidth here), etc.
The Lake Michigan Research Institute initiative (http://lakemichiganresearchinstitute.org/about/) was noted as an opportunity that the City could pursue for Sturgeon Bay. This project was launched in Sturgeon Bay. A feasibility study affiliated with UW-Green Bay is underway.
January 5th, 2016 - Lake Michigan Research Institute.org
Sam discussed the importance of community brainstorming - that a structured and endorsed group should meet on a continuing basis every 6-8 weeks, and also include regular “talk to the City staff” meetings. The group discussed what might be the most effective way to structure this planning effort (either with City leadership or via a community organization)?
Nancy Aten
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
This is an interesting article discussing 'urban blue space' (sometimes known as waterfronts) and ideas for how to envision their future.
"[Urban blue space] is a social space of gathering, labor, economic exchange, recreation, subsistence fishing, cultural tradition and journey-making, as well as an ecological space of watershed catchment, primary productivity, near-shore habitat, species migration and, often, environmental degradation. Urban blue space is a more complicated concept than “waterfront” and better captures the intersecting imperatives of sustainable urban development. While a waterfront suggests a firm boundary—literally, that which fronts the water, with connotations forged in the experience of late modern cities, namely trade, piers, industry, tourism and retail/leisure promenades—urban blue space is broader, more complex and more permeable. It is a kind of place that makes room for the ecological, in both a social and an environmental sense. In the same way that “green space” signals a civic and environmental good, urban blue space suggests a shared public place. It is adjacent to, part of and informed by the characteristics of the water, sky and associated aquatic ecosystems that extend beyond the city’s jurisdictional boundaries. Urban blue space is a regional commons."
The full article by A.T. Wessells, 2014, is here: http://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/4/4/764/pdf
Suggested to Nancy Aten by Shawn Graff, who has extensive experience in consulting with local governments, foundations and non-profit organizations on fundraising, site planning, historic preservation and long-range planning
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
Project for Public Spaces begins their waterfront development suggestions with: "1. Make public goals the primary objective. The best solutions for waterfronts put public goals first, not short-term financial expediency. As long as plans adhere to the notion that the waterfront is an inherently public asset, then many of the following steps can be pursued successfully. Community engagement — and, ultimately, local ownership and pride — will flow from this basic premise."
http://www.pps.org/reference/turnwaterfrontaround/
http://www.pps.org/reference/10_qualities_of_a_great_waterfront
Posted via fb from Chesla Seely-Anschutz
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
At first, simply rehab the granary building so the first floor can be used as the Sturgeon Bay Visitor's Center. Add public bathrooms. Add a large wrap around porch to add definition and structural integrity to the Granary. Future use will be a lookout room (available for rent - to profit the Visitor's Center) in the upper part of the granary. Bike and Kayak rental with a Kayak launch from that location. Offer lessons on sailing/boating/kayaking/fishing. Have the Visitor Center offer REAL Lighthouse tours to our wonderful and existing lighthouses. Start the Visitor Center on the path to financial stability so it can grow and sustain itself. Bring back water ski shows, or bring in a wakeboard tournament.
Also - it's time that the west side gets an economic boost from the city. MOVE THE FARMERS MARKET TO THE WEST SIDE WATERFRONT. There is more space available for expansion there which is better economically for the city. Give the west side of Sturgeon Bay a nice economic boost that they have been shorted on for many years. We have a lack of parking in this town, so that means we gain a nicely newly paved parking lot. Also, the congestion at the current farmers market on Saturday mornings is unsafe - the west side waterfront location will be much safer. The farmers market on the west side waterfront will also help highlight the west side of Sturgeon Bay to tourists and locals alike.
Thank you,
Elliot Goettelman
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
Nice park equipment idea - there's a video in this article and more information.
"Residents [of Windsor] are calling for the al fresco gym alternatives after seeing a video of similar options in Barrie, the president of the Windsor Downtown Business Improvement Association, Larry Horwitz, says.
...Horwitz plans to bring the idea to city council in the coming weeks. He said he's garnered a lot of support for the idea after someone shared the video with him on social media.
'The riverfront would be more fun ... more active,' Horwitz said. 'It's almost like creating art, exercise and beauty at the same time.' "
Kathleen Finnerty, Melissa Clark, Linda Beckman via fb
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
Close 3rd Avenue for about 6 hours on Saturday mornings from Oregon to Jefferson and put the out-of-town farm market vendors back to back down the street centerline. Opens the city parking lot for parking, and farm market clients need to hoof it onto the street in front of the property tax paying, brick and mortar businesses to reach their favorite farm vendors.
Establish a May through October market street on the historic market street and this becomes a long term sustainable business feature for the city dweller business owners and a wider welcome to area visitors.
Don Freix
Your proposal is in line what I would also love to see happen. In my home country Germany cities have rezoned many inner city parts as pedestrian zones (limited car access), with great success for the many small businesses that are located in those zones. It is a zoning that supports formation of community, is children friendly, and supports local businesses ('buy local'). Cars are delegated to lots down the street. (That can be a challenging concept). In my opinion, it is the best thing that could happen to Third Ave.
Hans Christian
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)
Recently, melaniejane suggested a public forum for discussion of a minimum wage and other local workplace concerns. "A discussion on the issues regarding federal minimum wage increase in a tourist economy like ours. I think it would be a valuable discussion for both employers and workers in this area". Maybe a public forum could bring forth innovative business-attracting and business-sustaining / job-sustaining ideas.
on behalf of melaniejane
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)