fresno elections 2008

While a downtown river or fountain district may seem promising, the key to rejuvenating downtown is housing. All efforts must be centered on the idea that downtown should be a safe, clean and exciting place to live – both for young professionals and empty nest seniors alike. Residents will create a renewed demand for businesses and attractions, which will lead to greater opportunities. No one attraction will save downtown; this is about a combined effort. That is why greater community input should be incorporated into the General Plan because Downtown needs to function for people.

As we redevelop our city’s core, it is imperative that we preserve Fresno’s rich urban history by continuing adaptive reuse policies whereby City Hall works with private investors to restore Fresno’s historic buildings.

No. The city has spent money on consultants to help with the development of a viable plan to revive the downtown/Fulton Mall area. The first step should be to revisit these reports and spend some QUALITY TIME determining whether the recommendations are feasible. From what I’ve determined, there are some good ideas that have come from consultants and from individuals from within this community.

One idea is the Main Street, Four Points’ methodology. The Mayor’s idea to install fountains is a direct contradiction to this plan, which specifically warns against using a single project to revitalize a down town. The city “uniqueness” that will draw people to the Fulton Mall is already there, it’s the architecture itself. Rip off those false fronts; add lighting, landscaping, and other mediocre tasks that have been neglected for a decade. Our downtown is beautiful. It should be revitalized and restored whenever feasible. The complete Four Points plan is too lengthy to be addressed in this answer, but it is an idea that should be instituted in Fresno.

I believe the city is on the right track with making the downtown area an arts and entertainment district. Free parking should be allowed after 5pm. There should also be a stimulus package put in place where grant monies are allocated that would boust residential revitalization and growth.

Mayor Autry has a good heart and the best of intentions to make Fresno a better city. Grand visions and dreams do not make a better city. You need well defined, achievable goals, a specific long term plan to achieve those goals and a confirmed financing source. Mayor Autry’s idea of a downtown lake or a trolley car system between the Tower District and downtown are grand visions but they are premature. First of all, we do not have the financial resources to pay for these types of costly items. A second issue to consider is the water shortage we have. The revitalization of downtown will follow a pattern with building blocks put together in sequence. There will be a proper time for a downtown waterway when the right building blocks of commercial, retail, and residential development are in place.

The current makeup of Fulton Mall will never succeed. Small Ma and Pa business and some government buildings is not enough to regenerate interest in downtown and the mall. The current property owners do not take care of their property. The recently discussed Fulton Mall Improvement District where the city loans money to property owners is a potential solution to improving the appearance of the Fulton Mall. Each owner would repay the loan through assessments against their properties. The improvement district concept could also be expanded to include the entire downtown area. This is, however, not enough for the Fulton Mall. To attract people downtown you need a regional attraction like a major retailer or factory outlet store. I do not believe in destroying historic buildings. We need to maintain an historic image of downtown preserving the original architecture.

As I mentioned earlier, the right building blocks of commercial, retail and residential components must be developed to insure the success of downtown. The residential component is critical to make downtown a vibrant 24 hour part of our city and not an abandoned area after 5:00 PM.

I appreciate Mayor Autry’s willingness to put forth ideas on downtown Fresno and the Fulton Mall. His ideas have generated more discussion and the formation of several interest groups such as the Cultural Arts District Committee and the Downtown Coalition. We are now not devoid of ideas or of studies and plans to implement those ideas. What we are lacking is bold leadership. We need a summit where the City Council, the Mayor, all interest groups and stakeholders come together, dust off all of the reports and studies that have been done over the years and, together, negotiate an action plan for downtown and the Fulton Mall that very day. I plan on pushing for such a summit. I believe we can move forward on downtown issues just as we did when the City and County committed to a 10 year plan to end homelessness last fall. I support Mayor Autry’s ideas for a river and a fountain district, but I believe they can be funded by private enterprise, not the City. We can make downtown more than an 8 to 5 government center by increasing housing downtown, by having homes above retail shops like other urban centers and by giving incentives to property and business owners one by one. I am skeptical about Fresno’s current model to grant exclusive rights on large blocks of property to specific developers and, at the least, believe we need to hold such exclusive rights developers to strict timelines or forfeit their agreements. Regarding what we can do for the Fulton Mall: the Fulton Mall is already more than an 8 to 5 government center. It is a bustling retail area on weekends and can be further enhanced with event tie-ins with the arts and Chinatown districts, with more homes above retail shops, with guided walking and bicycle paths and increased attention to maintenance and façade development via the PBID once again being discussed. Further, we need to bring the Mayor, Council, all stakeholders, restaurant and nightclub owners and potential owners together to see how we can restructure our debt, keep downtown evening facilities open and provide free parking to patrons after 6 pm like we have everywhere else in the City.

Housing is the key to unlocking a rejuvenated downtown. For rejuvenated downtowns across the country living and playing downtown has been the cornerstone. Housing is my number one priority for downtown. While there have been a number of projects proposed for the downtown, I have and will continue to support those with significant housing. While water features can be nice, I have not supported such “extras” when we are missing the “basic” housing required.

For Downtown to become a thriving neighborhood beyond 8 to 5 Monday through Friday it needs residents. Local government has often been its own worst enemy in this area. Not only low-income housing but affordable housing is lacking downtown. It is younger people who want the big city living experience. They are the adventurous urban pioneers who will live in affordable housing but over qualify for low income. Any thriving neighborhood needs schools and shopping. Downtown is no different. A sustainable population is the base for other amenities and increased entertainment and nightlife.

I believe a revitalized downtown is critical to the success of our community. Over the last 6 years, I have worked the Mayor and my colleagues on the council to develop public/private partnerships to turn our downtown into a 24 hour hub of activity.
Revitalizing Downtown
• Create a balanced mix of market-rate and affordable housing, including mixed-use development to provide a combination of housing, retail and entertainment
• Invest in infrastructure to repair streets and sidewalks, preserve green space and make downtown Fresno a desirable place to live and work
• Build out the cultural arts district to expand entertainment options and create additional opportunities for actors, artists and musicians

Tying the Fulton Mall to Chinatown would be an ideal project, but I don't believe a river is the most effective way to accomplish this. There are many exciting ways we can revitalize our downtown to create a thriving community and destination point for our visitors. I feel there is significant value to exploring fresh ideas before carving out my own. Part of being an effective leader is being open to the knowledge and experience others have to offer, being open to the fact that we might benefit from listening to the successes other cities have achieved and learn from their experiences.

I am a proponent of adding more green space in downtown, a Fresno Central Park. This will spark interest in private investment and mesh our government center with outdoor activities. Can you imagine, having plenty of parking while having a picnic in the park, before attending a baseball game or a concert? I support exploring the many plans for various projects in the downtown area. Private investment is key to the success of any of these plans. As Mayor, I will work to make sure the city plays its role while protecting taxpayers and I do not support eminent domain for private developers.