For More Information
Contact: Kitty Clemens
Economic Development Director
719-685-9741
CELL (719)-321-8561
May 14, 2004
Fact
Sheet
Historic Manitou Avenue Downtown Revitalization Project
Winter 2004/2005
Project History The downtown revitalization project is a component of
the Avenue Plan which was approved in 1998. The Avenue Plan was the outcome of
an exhaustive public process of meetings and planning sessions that spanned an
11 month period. Nearly 100 citizens and business owners participated. The plan
cost approximately $70,000 to conduct. The Avenue Plan includes 3 sections,
downtown, eastern end and western end of Manitou Avenue.
In 2002, a group of citizens held their first meeting to discuss the feasibility
of implementing the Avenue Plan. Representatives of every community based board
and commission joined in the effort. More than 200 residents volunteered their
time and energy to get the downtown portion of the Avenue Plan funded. Between
April, 2002 and November 2003, there were weekly meetings of core volunteers, 5
public meetings, a Walkable Audit by Dan Burden and 6 City Council hearings. The
voters overwhelmingly approved the ballot measure by a 7 out of 10 margin. Over
1500 people cast their votes out of 2080 registered voters.
Proposed Project Timetable Downtown construction is divided into phases
and will be programmed to avoid disruption of summer tourism season and holiday
shopping activities.
Construction timelines also take into consideration the grant awards received
thus far.
There are 5 phases of construction in the downtown. The final phase is slated
for completion in 2008.
Funding Sources: Voters approved a 3/10th percent sales tax increase in
November 2003. This increase will fund a $1.8 million bond repayment. But most
importantly, the money that voters approved has been leveraged as a match for
grant applications. To date, the project qualified for $345,000 in 2004, another
$390,000 in 2005 and $700,000 in 2007. Additionally, the project has received
preferred status for an additional $2.2 million in federal funds over the next 4
years. Private foundations that awarded funds to the project include the El
Pomar Foundation and the Gay and Lesbian Fund of Colorado.
Project Summary: When completed the project will:
Replace over 5000 lineal feet of sidewalk with wider more pedestrian friendly
sidewalks.
Remove the visual pollution created by 53 telephone poles and power lines from
the 600 block of Manitou Avenue to the 1000 block of Manitou Avenue.
Cost approximately $6 million
Add 33 park benches
Create new safer crosswalks in 18 locations, 10 on Manitou Avenue and 8 on
side streets
Plant 63 ornamental trees
Plant 60 street trees
Add 63 historic street lights
Business Improvement District Role: Downtown businesses created a
business improvement district as well. The district will use their resources to
enhance existing City services. Their programs will work to keep the streets
clean, plant flowers, clear snow in pedestrian walkways and market the District
as a unique shopping and dining destination.
# # #
Manitou Springs Ahead is a citizen driven
volunteer effort to implement the Manitou Avenue Master Plan. Citizens from
numerous community groups formed Manitou Springs Ahead to submit
charitable grant requests, solicit individual legacy gifts and work with
government agencies on final design and construction in historic downtown.
Progress updates can be found at
www.manitouspringsahead.com.