Summary of Public Input

Among the many detailed comments offered by the CCAG members, a number of themes arose. For a more detailed record of the discussions, themes, comments and concerns raised by Advisory Group Members at the CCAG meetings, click here.

Diversity
Many members noted the broad range of diversity among Meriden citizens, including socio-economic, racial, ethnic, age and religious diversity. The group as a whole embraced the hope that any revitalization efforts for Meriden would both respond to and celebrate that diversity. Some of the groups’ suggestions on how to do this:

	Consciously include diversity as a defining feature (identity) of Meriden in developing a sense of place.
	Seek entertainment, residential, commercial and market options that reflect the range of ages (from youth to elderly), incomes and ethnicities in Meriden.
	Seek a downtown that includes a good mix of housing, office, shopping, entertainment, and culture, that will appeal to the range of Meriden citizens as well as to visitors.
	Consider specific civic or historical options (ethnic history museums or cultural centers, changing street names to include diverse local culture).
	Seek places where Meriden’s diverse citizens can gather together – public spaces, civic centers, etc.

Phasing
Throughout the meetings, members of the group noted the need for thinking about the Center City Initiative in terms of short-term and long-term processes. They suggested balancing opportunities for short-term actions that would propel redevelopment and growth with maintaining opportunities for “ideal” and much desired long-term benefits that could become possible down the line. This includes:

	Be open to short-term opportunities that would bring private or State dollars and get revitalization off the ground, but don’t commit all the land or resources at the beginning;
	Capitalize on the markets of today while preparing for the markets of tomorrow – for example, though office space isn’t needed now, leave open the possibility of including it later;
	Begin rerouting roads, bridges, and exit ramps in ways that are cost-effective and doable in the short-term, leaving until later areas where more dramatic changes - leading to the best possible arrangements - might become worthwhile later (due to changes in building ownership or use).

Aesthetics
Another common interest that surfaced across topics was creating a space that was physically appealing and congruent within itself and with the rest of the city.  Components of this included:

	Attractive outdoor public spaces, like parks, greens, and gardens;
	Wide, tree-lined streets;
	Matching the character and feel of previous phases of civic improvement, such as West Main Street;
	Uncovering Harbor Brook to make it an attractive asset to the area;
	Building/extending the Linear Trail along the Brook

Community Benefits
Many in the group saw redevelopment as an opportunity to bring specific, desirable benefits to the citizens of Meriden. These included:

	Cultural institutions arts & entertainment, and family-centered activities;
	Increased tax base;
	Good jobs;
	Improved housing opportunities for all economic groups;
	Flood control – all members agreed that this is a must!

Additive, not duplicative
The group felt that all efforts to revitalize downtown should be done to build on and increase the success of currently thriving businesses and areas, rather than creating competition with or harming these areas.