Committee recommends firm for Jasper downtown/riverfront project
The Jasper committee charged with developing a master plan for the downtown and riverfront area recommended CityVision Associates as the firm for the project.
The committee interviewed four firms interested in developing the master plan in November. These four were whittled down from a list of eight that answered requests for interest from the city.
Barry Alberts, managing partner of CityVisions Associates out of Louisville,Ky, presented the Board of Public Works with a list of projects they have worked on or are currently working on that included Louisville, Owensboro and Paducah, Ky riverfront redevelopments that have been very successful.
[ilink url=”https://duboiscountyfreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/CityVisions-Associates-Jasper-Master-Plan-RFQ.pdf” style=”download”]CityVisions Associates – Jasper Master Plan RFQ[/ilink]
They have also worked on projects restoring or reinventing abandoned industrial buildings similar to the Jasper Cabinet building. They worked on the Glassworks Building in Louisville; turning an eyesore into a hub of entertainment and business activity for the town.
The firm has about three decades of planning in the private and public sectors.
Alberts stated CityVision is particular about the projects they take on and the sense of pride, history and community involvement Jasper portrays made the project attractive for his firm. “We told Jasper if they are looking to just add sidewalks and walking paths, we aren’t the firm they should choose,” Alberts stated.
The Riverwalk/Downtown Masterplan is part of a branding effort for the city that includes a new city website and in the past year has included increased advertising for attractions like the Jasper Train Depot and Spirit of Jasper.
The city’s initiative is being funded with funds from the state’s accounting error that has led to an influx of about $800,000 in County Option Income Taxes and Economic Development Income Taxes for Jasper.
The mayor indicated the Board of Public Works would be reviewing the company and making the decision of awarding the contract at the December 26 Board of Public Work’s meeting.
The downtown/riverfront master plan committee members include Mayor Terry Seitz, City Planning Director Darla Blazey, Councilman Tom Schmitt, Planning Commission President Brad Schnarr, Ken Sternberg, Maureen Braun, Jane Balsmeyer, and Douglas Prickett.
