MONROE - A draft by Main Street Monroe suggesting trees and plants be placed around the perimeter of the flat parking lot set to replace the recently demolished municipal ramp was approved by the Business Improvement District board on Thursday.
Donna Glynn shared the design plans on behalf of the Main Street Monroe Design Committee. Created by Joe Lawniczak, a downtown design specialist with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in Madison, the enhancements running along the outside of the lot include a number of trees and plants as well as a brick sign indicating city parking space for the planned 72-stall lot set to be paved in spring once the frost recedes from the ground. The goal is to present a strong partnership of support for beautification of the area.
"We just want to be on the same page to have a single voice before the council," Glynn said. "We're anxious to have something besides plain asphalt. We would prefer enhancements so it's attractive while it's there."
Glynn added that the plans are extremely preliminary and that she was unsure whether the Monroe Common Council would consider plans for a greener parking area. However, she wanted to ensure both organizations agreed on the plans before approaching the city.
Added green space would increase the appeal for visitors downtown, and Glynn noted how added measures would prevent the possibility of simple blacktop running up to the sidewalk. Rough estimates place the job costs under $20,000, Glynn said, but changes could be made. For instance, if less brick were used, it could reduce the cost.
"It's not an expensive fix to put in place for however long the city wants to dilly-dally on their decision," Glynn said.
Board member Dave Gambosi expressed doubt with the city ever coming to a decision regarding a replacement parking ramp. He said some council members would see the lots simply paved over with pea gravel and added that the composite submitted by Glynn was "a beautiful drawing."
BID Board of Directors Vice Chairman Mike Doyle expressed approval of the design but said he "would prefer not to use BID funds to do it."
Member Robert Duxstad moved to support the idea of parking lot enhancements per the design, which was seconded by Gambosi. All six present board members voted in favor of the design plan.
Donna Glynn shared the design plans on behalf of the Main Street Monroe Design Committee. Created by Joe Lawniczak, a downtown design specialist with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in Madison, the enhancements running along the outside of the lot include a number of trees and plants as well as a brick sign indicating city parking space for the planned 72-stall lot set to be paved in spring once the frost recedes from the ground. The goal is to present a strong partnership of support for beautification of the area.
"We just want to be on the same page to have a single voice before the council," Glynn said. "We're anxious to have something besides plain asphalt. We would prefer enhancements so it's attractive while it's there."
Glynn added that the plans are extremely preliminary and that she was unsure whether the Monroe Common Council would consider plans for a greener parking area. However, she wanted to ensure both organizations agreed on the plans before approaching the city.
Added green space would increase the appeal for visitors downtown, and Glynn noted how added measures would prevent the possibility of simple blacktop running up to the sidewalk. Rough estimates place the job costs under $20,000, Glynn said, but changes could be made. For instance, if less brick were used, it could reduce the cost.
"It's not an expensive fix to put in place for however long the city wants to dilly-dally on their decision," Glynn said.
Board member Dave Gambosi expressed doubt with the city ever coming to a decision regarding a replacement parking ramp. He said some council members would see the lots simply paved over with pea gravel and added that the composite submitted by Glynn was "a beautiful drawing."
BID Board of Directors Vice Chairman Mike Doyle expressed approval of the design but said he "would prefer not to use BID funds to do it."
Member Robert Duxstad moved to support the idea of parking lot enhancements per the design, which was seconded by Gambosi. All six present board members voted in favor of the design plan.