STEVENS POINT, WI (WITH EXCERPTS FROM WSAU.COM): Residents packed the Community Engagement Room at Mid-State Technical College for the first meeting of the Redevelopment Authorities’ planning process to better meet community needs in two areas of Stevens Point: the downtown and Division Street near UWSP and the roundabout exit from I-39.
Representatives from Vandewalle and Associates, an urban design group out of Madison, gave a brief presentation on what the group is looking for to begin planning the future of the areas. After the presentation, community members participated in two interactive activities to provide initial ideas to the design team.
Brian Munson, a principal urban designer for Vandewalle and a Stevens Point native, said the group is looking to really collaborate with members of the community on the project. “What we are looking for are opportunities to work collaboratively with the entire community to really look at how these areas serve the function of the community. How they enhance the quality of life for everyone who interacts with the downtown and Division St. corridor. And what this looks like not tomorrow but 10 years and 20 years from now.”
The planning process for the area will be a four-step process. This includes asset inventory and analysis, opportunity analysis, vision and master plan, and implementation. The meeting was the first step in the asset inventory and analysis phase.
