Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-09 12-134 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION Item No. Date: April 9, 2012 12 134 Item/Subject ORDER, Authorizing Removal of the Fountain.in West Market Square and Relocation of "Continuity of Community" to the Bangor Waterfront Responsible Department: Community & Economic Development Commentary: West Market Square is recognized as an important downtown gathering place for individuals and events. West Market Square is in great need of updating and has the potential to be an even stronger asset for the City. Plans for a reconstructed West Market Square went through an extensive public meeting process in the summer of 2005 and received approval from the Business & Economic Development Committee in September of 2006. Construction concepts and designs were completed at that time and the plan called for the majority of work to be carried out by Public Works crews. The plan was not implemented due to budgetary concerns. Community members and business owners have a strong desire to see this project completed. The Downtown Bangor Partnership has recommended a phased approach to enhancements to West Market Square that include the relocation of "Continuity of Community" and removal of the fountain. The proposed renovations will create open space that will allow for better maintenance, snow removal, decrease hazards present with the existing fountain and keep people out of the roadways during events. The Commission for Cultural Development noted that relocation of the "Continuity of Community" to the Bangor Waterfront will allow for a more prominent venue for the sculpture as well as provide for a more appropriate display of the sculpture. "Continuity of Community" will become the centerpiece of a "Sister City Monument" that will provide the opportunity to recognize important relationships and events that highlight Bangor's relationship to other communities (ex. Sister City relationship with Harbin China). Funding has been allocated from the Downtown TIF for FY12. Public Works is able to complete the scope of work in April as to have minimal impact on downtown businesses busy summer season. 1) Relocate the "Continuity of Community" to the end of the Bulkhead on the Bangor Waterfront. 2) Remove the existing fountain and surrounding shrubbery to create a more flexible open area. The fountain area will be filled with concrete to match existing layout of West Market Square. 3) Make landscaping upgrades as remaining funding allows. This proposal has been unanimously approved by the Commission for Cultural Development and the Historic Preservation Commission. Department Head Manager's Comments: City Manager �► � `� � � 2 c�,v.c� � c� J.� c.�-�ri.� 3 - � �,w app✓�c.� Associated Information: Budget Approval: Legal Approval: Introduced for 1/ Passage First Reading Referral Finance Director Page _ of _ Assigned to Councilor — Sprague CI'T'Y OF BANGOR 12 134 April 9, 2012 (TLE.) ORDER, Authorizing Removal of the Fountain in West Market Square and Relocation of "Continuity of Community" to the Bangor Waterfront WHEREAS, West Market Square (WMS) is a visual focal point for the City of Bangor, a location for both formal and informal gatherings, events and business activity; and WHEREAS, plans for a reconstructed WMS went through an extensive public meeting process in the summer of 2005 and received approval from the Business & Economic Development Committee in September of 2006; and WHEREAS, construction concepts and designs were completed at that time and the plan called for the majority of work to be carried out by Public Works crews; and WHEREAS, the plan was not implemented due to budgetary concerns; and WHEREAS, community members and business owners have a strong desire to see this project completed. Bringing the project to completion would send a strong message reinforcing the City Council's continued support of downtown; and WHEREAS, in the interest of progress the Downtown Bangor Partnership has recommended a phased approach to enhancements that will offer greater flexibility for community events and create an atmosphere that is more inviting and aesthetically pleasing at minimal cost to the City; and WHEREAS, the proposed renovations will create open space that will allow for better maintenance, snow removal, decrease hazards present with the existing fountain and keep people out of the roadways during events; and WHEREAS, the proposed renovations will not prohibit future enhancements; and WHEREAS, a location at the end of the Bulkhead on the Waterfront has been identified that will provide "Continuity of Community" more prominence and a more appropriate artistic display; and WHEREAS, "Continuity of Community" will become the centerpiece of a "Sister City Monument" that will provide the opportunity to recognize important relationships and events that highlight Bangor's relationship to other communities (ex. Sister City relationship with Harbin China); and IN CITY COUNCIL April 9, 2012 Vote: 5-3 Councilors Voting Yes; Baldaeci, Gratwick, Hawes, Sprague, Weston . Councilors Voting No: Blanchette, Durgin, Longo Councilor Absent: Gallant P CITY CLARK # 12-134 ORDER (TITLE,) Authorizing Removal of the Fountain in West Market Market Square and Relocation of "Continuity of Community" to the Bangor Waterfront Assigned to Councilor CD 0 LO r� CD Ln Ln Cv os- io