Discussion at a public meeting to discuss downtown revitalization efforts seemed lively as about 30 downtown business owners, city leaders and residents gathered Wednesday.
The meeting allowed Short Elliott Hendrickson (SHE) representatives to outline ideas for the downtown area and to gather feedback from the public on the needs and desires for the community. The City of Gering and the downtown revitalization committee selected SEH to oversee the planning process after the city received a $30,000 Nebraska Department of Economic Development grant.
“It seems like we had really good conversations,” Andrew Dane, project manager with SEH, told the crowd.
During the meeting, representatives gathered into groups to discuss “nodes” that the consultants had designated. Nodes included the area around the main M Street intersection, the section around the courthouse and areas between the two other nodes.
Conversations centered around M Street focused on beautifying the corner and making it a noticeable entrance to the downtown area.
“The gateway to downtown is M Street,” Jeff Pedersen, SEH consultant, said. “The feeling is that we need to attract those people who are going east and west onto M Street.”
Three of the corners at the intersection were cited as being parking lots or vacant lots that were in need of some aesthetic improvement. Discussion centered on improving those three corners, with “pocket parks” suggested. Pedersen said the areas do not need to be large, but would improve the look of the downtown entrance. A large feature, such as a gateway arch or other feature, could also highlight the entrance.
As the city contemplates the location of a proposed hotel, Pedersen suggested that the hotel be located on the Gering Civic Center property, facing Tenth Street. He drew a design that included a drop-off area and would be made possible by a proposal to narrow Tenth Street from four lanes to two lanes. Such a location would lead to adding some activity to that area, he said.
The city should also step back from proposed closure of N Street, he said, but could designate a pedestrian parking on the street for those who may be visiting the civic center and crossing to access parking. Street surfaces and other features could be designed to promote slower traffic, but still allow thorough traffic.
“Closing a street is never a good idea,” Pedersen said.
Widened sidewalks and extended bulb outs were proposed throughout the downtown area as ways that could improve walkability and pedestrian safety. The ideas were talked about in each of the nodes, but particular emphasis was placed on pedestrian safety around the courthouse node because of school children crossing Tenth Street.
In discussing the courthouse node, some participants suggested that the area wasn’t necessarily a part of the downtown area. Consultant Bob Kost suggested that the area has more of a “suburban” feel and could be treated as its own area. With the towering trees at the courthouse, he suggested building on the greenscaping in the area and using it to compliment activities.
The courthouse lawn, where downtown merchants hosted the annual arts festival last year, could serve as a potential site for a pocket park or gathering area. Some discussion centered on eliminating streetside parking around the courthouse and the adjoining block where Pizza Hut, Subway and other restaurants are located.
Landscaping throughout the downtown area was suggested to be native vegetation. The Gering Civic Center landscaping was suggested as a model of the type of landscaping that would be suitable for the downtown. Planters, designed with wagon wheels could help reflect a common theme that could be built around the history of Gering.
The history of Gering and its location on the Oregon Trail was suggested as the theme that should be a commonly reflected theme throughout the downtown. Discussion centered around adding markers in the downtown area to help define historical buildings, educate people about the history and landmarks in Gering and could be used in a walking tour of the downtown area. Dane said a textured street or pathway could designate the path of the Oregon Trail and continue to the Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Strategies to make the downtown area more bicycle-friendly, use of public artwork and other ideas were also discussed during Wednesday’s meeting.
Ideas from Wednesday’s meeting and other meetings will be gathered and posted online, Dane said. SEH Holding consultants will make a final report, including a recommendation for priority projects, at the Gering Council’s Feb. 10 meeting.
Comments can also be directed to Dane by Monday, Jan. 20, by email at adane@sehinc.com.
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