Springfield's New Planner and a Master Plan for Downtown

The council introduces a new professional planner for economic development, delves into the Downtown Medical District Master Plan with a focus on future development and community engagement, and debates the legality of the city clerk holding dual elected positions amid an ongoing election recount. 8mins

Economic Development Planning & Zoning
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Original Meeting

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Springfield City Council on YouTube
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024
6861.0
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jeff schneider
Springfield, IL
Getting it done.
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In This Video
  • Mayor Buscher introduces Sean Pritchard, a new professional planner for the Office of Economic Development. Sean Pritchard introduces himself and shares his background and excitement for the role. 
  • Val provides background on the Downtown Medical District Master Plan and introduces Josh Koontz for the presentation. 
  • Josh Koontz begins the presentation on the Downtown Medical District Master Plan, explaining the planning process and the coalition involved. 
  • Josh Koontz details the purpose and goals of the master plan, emphasizing its role in guiding future development and community engagement. 
  • Josh Koontz outlines how the master plan can evaluate development proposals, set a regulatory framework, and coordinate initiatives with external partners. 
  • Josh Koontz describes the six-step planning process, emphasizing the consistency of the coalition and partner firms throughout the project. 
  • Josh Koontz provides an overview of the study area, defining the core downtown and urban core of the Mid Illinois Medical District as areas for increased activity. 
  • Josh Koontz discusses the study area profile, existing conditions assessment, and the integration of past city plans into the current study. 
  • Josh Koontz presents the vision statement and guiding principles for the city center, focusing on livability, community building, resilience, and accessibility. 
  • Josh Koontz describes the division of the study area into functional sub-areas and the identification of key opportunity sites for development. 
  • Josh Koontz outlines the housing strategy and economic development recommendations based on the market study conducted with Johnson Consulting. 
  • Josh Koontz concludes with the implementation strategy, emphasizing the importance of a detailed action matrix and collaboration with partners. 
  • Mayor Buscher addresses the council, explaining the city's role as the lead in the master plan and the need for a resolution to adopt it. She highlights the requirement for a full-time employee to implement the plan. 
  • Aldermen raise questions about budgets, leadership and implementation. 
  • Alderwoman Notariano clarifies that the proclamation is not about the legacy of Columbus but about recognizing Indigenous history as part of the broader historical narrative. 
  • Discussion begins on the ordinance declaring the city clerk's office vacant. Alderman Williams questions the process and legality of the current city clerk holding two elected positions. Corporation Counsel explains the legal situation and the ongoing election recount. 
  • Aldermen expresses understanding of the city clerk's situation, suggesting patience until the election recount is complete. 
  • Mayor Buscher addresses Alderwoman Notariano, who suggests considering a leave of absence for the city clerk during the transition period. The Mayor and Alderwoman Notariano discuss the challenges and potential solutions. 
  • Clerk Lesko emphasizes the importance of a transition period for the incoming city clerk and the need for continuity in the office's operations.