Chippewa Valley citizens, shown here giving a damn.

The Barstow reconstruction project is, without a doubt, the most crucial opportunity to shape the future of downtown that most Eau Claire residents have ever experienced. And it officially started last night, as roughly 80 people gathered for a public information meeting at the library (check CTV if you missed it) to consider and discuss things like one way vs. two way, developing the riverfront, and creating amenities that define the city’s character and how people use our downtown.

“This is a great and important opportunity to have an impact on downtown Eau Claire,” said Disa Wahlstrand, project manager from Ayres Associates. (Disa also pointed out that such an oppurtunity only comes around every 50 years or so.)

The city contracted with Ayres for developing the concept plans (not the final plans), roughly 30 percent of the project. Through meetings and studies, they hope to complete the concept at the end of spring.

Amundson told those present to reverse their traditional line of thinking, in which Barstow takes center stage. Instead, he said, think of the project as starting with the riverfront and moving back to Barstow.

Ayres, along with Public Works Director Brian Amundson, directed the meeting to operate as a free-for-all discussion. Displays posted throughout the room served as comment catalysts for items like traffic patterns, crashes, multimodal amenities, and parking inventory. The project specifically includes four target areas: the riverfront (from Lake Street to EC River), Barstow, the Haymarket area, and Eau Claire Street.

“We have no preconceived notions on any of this,” Amundson said. “We want to hear what you think.”

 

Dot much to talk about.

A "Red Dot-Green Dot Exercise" asked those present to look at a series of photos and give a negative or positive reaction (by placing a colored sticker on the images). They showed everything from benches, plantings, and lightposts to fountains, boardwalks, and public squares.

“What do we want to see?” Disa asked, citing elements, themes, and features that create a sense of place and identity. “Everything is on the table,” Amundson added.

Interestingly, Amundson told those present to reverse their traditional line of thinking, in which Barstow takes center stage. Instead, he said, think of the project as starting with the riverfront and moving back to Barstow. Lines of thinking include public spaces, aesthetics, and economic development options – things totally up in the air.

The one-way versus two-way debate is certainly a major focus early on, and the Leader-Telegram’s coverage today reflects that). Which option we choose in many ways dictates how we can move forward and which options are available or eliminated because of it.

As expected, the question of cost and who’s going to pay for it came up early on. But Amundson said we must first direct our attention to what we ideally want, and then figure out the financing options for city council to vote on.

The next meeting will be in early February, at which point they anticipate much of the traffic studies to be concluded. Stay on top of the project via their fancy new website or by contacting Brian (839-4934 or Brian.Amundson@ci.eauclaire.wi.us) and Disa (834-3161 or WahlstrandD@AyresAssociates.com).

“Make sure we’re hearing you; that’s our job,” Disa said.

ACTION SHOTS!

 

More damn-giving citizens.