How’s Your Vision?
In August of 2010, The Live Oak Partnership and the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) presented a 44 page downtown vision plan. Through the last eighteen months, the Partnership Board and the CRA have worked diligently in evaluating and initiating the elements of this vision plan.
During one recent meeting of The Partnership, it was realized that several of the projects of the plan have been initiated. While the vision plan includes approximately twenty project areas, through the combined efforts of the City of Live Oak, the CRA and The Live Oak Partnership, nine of these elements have either been completed or are in the process of development.
1) Façade Grant Program
Through the office of the City Development Manager, George Curtis, a façade grant program has been prepared approved and put into place. Several merchants of our downtown business community have utilized these grant funds to improve or renovate their exterior. It is now up to the business owners to utilize and promote this grant opportunity.
2) Downtown Treescape
As a part of the vision plan, a desire for tree plantings along Hwy 90 and Hwy 129 in our downtown core was discussed. With these roadways being of State property, the Florida Department of Transportation was consulted as to type and feasibility of tree plantings. Based on several issues, including safety, infrastructure and visibility, it was decided that Palms would be the available choice. These trees are now in place.
3) Way-finding Signage
As part of the short term goals listed in the vision plan, way-finding signage has made its way to the planning board. These signs include not only the traditional directional type, but also ‘gateway signs’ which serve as a welcome/entry to the downtown district.
4) Fleet Department Store Parcel
The CRA has purchased this piece of property, located across the street from Live Oak Jewelry. There are several possible uses for this parcel, with the most acceptable one being the creation of a pedestrian pocket park to aid in the connectivity of the County Courthouse to the downtown core via Warren Street to Howard Street. A possible use for this parcel would also be the placement of a public restroom for daily use by downtown shoppers and guests.
5) Warren Street Redesign
This project area is of the most complex of all of the proposed projects as that it includes the largest areas of concern. Through the redesign and resurfacing of Warren Street, potentially restructuring and beautification of the adjoining 6) Water Retention & Parking Blocks, and the acquisition and improvement of the previously mention Fleet property, the Warren street corridor could become a positive addition to the downtown district offering such amenities as; event space, recreation & fitness trail, business boardwalk, an area of display for public art, as well as an adequate parking area for our downtown businesses.
7) Baisden School & Stadium Property
The adjacent Baisden school property is the future home of a County Records Facility and County Commission Meeting Chambers. Through proper planning and improvement, this property might also include additional parking and office space for county offices, the Suwannee Valley Genealogical Society as well as Suwannee High School Football / Athletic Facilities.
8) Heritage Square Development
In March of this past year (2011), Mayor Nobles issued a citation recognizing the area that includes the 1904 Atlantic Coastline Freight Station, the 1908 Union Passenger Depot, the 1908 Live Oak City Hall and the 1894 Thomas Dowling House as “Heritage Square”. This designation was the first step in a long range vision plan for this part of our ‘downtown’. The Suwannee County Historical Museum occupies the Freight Station, The newly restored Passenger Depot is a county meeting facility and visitor’s center, The Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce occupies the Historic City Hall and the Dowling House is in private ownership. This designation will also aid in the promotion of Heritage Square being a gateway entrance to Live Oak via West 136 (Duval Street).
9) CRA Director
The City has agreed with the vision plan recommendation that a staff position is needed devoted to the responsibilities of managing and administering the activities and needs of the Community Redevelopment Agency. The CRA is currently working to fill this position.
While these plans have been initiated, it is critical to understand that the ultimate decision for their implementation lies with the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency and the Live Oak City Council.
Many of these plans will be adapted to meet the needs of business owners and citizens. The Live Oak Partnership anticipates working with the CRA and its director to facilitate discussions and actions resulting in their completion.
