Fulton Mall: Missed perspective(s)
I attended tonight’s charette ready for battle…well, ready to watch others battle. I expected a clash of perspectives: between those who want to protect the integrity and historical assets of the Fulton Mall, and those that insist a road is necessary; those that want to invest in the area, and those that think it’s time to move on.
The room filled quickly. As renderings were posted, comments started flying. The mayor brought the crowd together, and what followed was incredibly…civil. Actually, the event was geared toward presentation, rather than public discourse (though that came later).
My hat’s off to the City and the planning consultants for the process, the presentations, and the perspective (catch up online if you missed out). The history of the mall was highlighted, balanced with data about consumer trends—those numbers make a good case for change, if the Mall is to become a center of commerce.
What I didn’t see in the numbers, and in comparisons to other communities, is the impact of arts and entertainment.
If we’re talking about shops and retail, a road through the parts of the mall makes sense to me, as it would provide visibililty, security, convenience. But Fresno already has several shopping destinations. Can we bring shops to Fulton that make it more of a destination than River Park, or Fig Garden? Will a road through the mall capture traffic for the 40% of people (can’t remember if that was the exact figure) who shop on their way to and from work?
I think the Fulton Mall has a unique opportunity to become a destination for entertainment: restaurants/bars/nightclubs, cultural events, and more. It could be something different than the shopping centres found further north—a place worth walking to from a not-too-far-away parking garage. Because you’ll want to walk around once you’re there.
Maybe that vision still needs a road through it, but it’s hard to gauge based on the info presented tonight.
Your turn: Thoughts from tonight? Were your thoughts/hopes/expectations represented? Thoughts on the process?
Downtown Fresno: What is a Vibrant and Prosperous Downtown?
I’m downtown at 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday to join the discussions about the area’s future. I wish you were here with me, but this is the next best thing.
9:02 a.m. - It sounds like 300 people in the Holiday Inn’s conference room. Looks more like 75-100. Food is available for purchase…
9:12 a.m. - City Manager Mark Scott welcomes everyone; gives overview of why we’re gathered. Mark explains that we need to welcome lively conversation and debate.
9:16 a.m. - Travis Sheridan takes the mic. He is facilitating the meeting. “We’re going to talk a little today - in this vision process - about the things that make you home sick.”
Side note: The wifi at the Holiday Inn is spotty, at best.
9:21 a.m. - Travis plays two audio clips, asking the audience what and where they’re reminded of. They music sounds like street jazz.
- New Orleans?
- San Francisco?
- Visalia?
- Fulton Mall?
“Fresno has it’s own unique sound…We’re writing the track of what we want our downtown corridor to become.”
9:24 a.m. - Travis is writing notes on the wall (audience participation):
Expectations
- Debate
- Results
- Different visions
- Ideas into action
- Ways to play/get involved
- Press/publicity
- Clear goals
- Break the ice (about “big” energy ideas)
Norms
- Respect
- No weapons
- Listen to different opinions
- Open minds
Values
We believe __________________ because ____________________!
9:40 a.m. - Travis invites table groups to refine the statement by rearranging post-it notes. Meanwhile, the rest of the groups talk about the Fulton corridor, as though it were a movie.
9:55 a.m. - Groups are still individually arranging the post-it notes, but conversation among the rest of the room has transitioned to a discussion of what should be started/stopped/continued on the Fulton Mall.
10:06 a.m. - “Our goal today is to get to that concrete vision” that will be used throughout the week. (Travis)
10:17 a.m. - Overheard: “Can you imagine how loud this place would be if we had alcohol?”
Lots of maps on the wall:
The crowd keeps growing:
10:55 a.m. - Travis sums up a “vision” for Fulton, noting that he’s referring to it as just “Fulton” for brevity’s sake. Further discussion with the audience about what that vision should say.
11:06 a.m. - Travis is trying to sum/wrap things up. Ideas from the audience are becoming more and more specific.
11:09 - Craig Scharton takes the mic.
11 public meetings over the next eight days. “No matter how hard we try…to remember everything, every perspective…we will fall short…” if we don’t get input from as many people as possible—so invite others. (Craig)
Childcare, translation and transportation services have been provided; the ad in tomorrow’s Fresno Bee will serve as a bus pass for the entire week, to and from the meetings.
11:13 a.m. - Stefanos Polyzoides, one of the consultants hired takes the mic to emphasize the importance of coming together and talking to each other.
» Schedule and details: FresnoDowntownPlans.com
11:20 a.m. - Q&A
- Parking in the spiral garage is free for noon meetings
- Parking in any garage is free for the evening meetings
- Bikes are allowed
11:22 a.m. - We’re done.
