Discussion for adoption of the “Imagine Lincoln City Community Vision” plan was tabled Monday until the Dec. 10 meeting of the Lincoln City City Council.
Eighteen months of diligence involving a massive volume of input gathered through numerous events, meetings, surveys and social media could reshape the future of the Central Oregon Coast when the Lincoln City Planning Commission’s proposal is reviewed.
Adoption of a sign amendment ordinance affecting local businesses will also be evaluated at the Dec. 10 meeting.
Results of community outreach generated by a comprehensive team of City leaders representing a wide diversity of civic groups and residents were expected to be presented Monday at the Council’s regular session at City Hall, where approval of Taft Hall as a warming shelter site dominated the discussion.
Setting government interests aside, the mission of the expansive “Imagine” project has been to utilize public opinion to reveal the type of community Lincoln City residents desire their town to be 20 years from now.
Since May 2017, the Vision project team has gathered ideas for a three-stage development plan to present to the City Council to consider for the people who live, work and visit the coastal community they call home.
Through a variety of engagement techniques, representatives of local organizations and groups with diverse interests identified 10 focus areas and 212 ideas designed to outline the community’s overall intent of what they envision for the town’s future. Areas examined were: Sense of Place and Community Identity; Quality Community Services; Activities and Attractions for All Ages; Education and Learning; Economic Opportunity; Housing; Arts and Culture; Enhancing Mobility; Environmental Sustainability; and Community Health and Safety.
Several proposals were adopted in each category. For instance, under “Sense of Place and Community Identity,” it was suggested there be an effort to develop an incentive program for merchants to remodel and beautify storefronts, and for the installation of hanging flower baskets and holiday displays.
In the area of “Quality Community Services,” it was proposed to move utilities underground with greater reliability and aesthetics, and to improve cell service and other forms of communication.
Everything from traffic flow, safety signage, assisted living, animal welfare, recycling, beach access and creation of a central gathering place have been addressed.
Upon Council approval, government officials, in conjunction with community entities such as the Lincoln County School District, the North Lincoln Fire Protection District and the Devils Lake Water Improvement District, will utilize the findings as guidance to collaborate with service organizations, local business and individuals to achieve what the people have told them they believe is best for the community they live in.
