HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRC-10-17-08CRC Retreat Meeting, October 17, 2008
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CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Meeting, Friday,
October 17, 2008
President Ron Carter called the meeting to order at 8:12 a.m. Commission members Jeff
Worrell, Bill Hammer and Carolyn Anker were present, constituting a quorum. Also
present were Karl Haas, Les Olds, Sherry Mielke, Dan Moriarity, Curt Coonrod, Tom
Hirons and Andrea Stumpf.
Trip Overview
Mr. Carter gave an overview of the purpose of the CRC trip to Nashville, TN and
viewing the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Redevelopment: City Center, Arts & Design District
Les Olds gave the history of the City Center project including the Mayor’s original vision
of creating a “New Urbanism” development, the initial “west” development of the AMLI
Apartments and reflecting pond and Ryland town homes development. He also gave an
overview of Pedcor Company’s development in City Center in relation to CRC’s current
obligations as well as possible areas for future redevelopment.
Ron Carter stated the need to attract “other essentials of living” to ensure redevelopment
areas are viable. Ideas such as public transportation, extension of various roads for better
access, the question of attracting more retail or residential components, and allowing
independent versus corporate businesses to open in the areas.
[Karl Haas leaves at 8:45 a.m.]
The need to rename the streets in the Old Town Arts & Design District area was
mentioned. There is a possibility of renaming all streets from directional coordinates to
names of Indiana artists.
Mr. Hammer moved to instruct the staff to initiate a study of the feasibility and process or
renaming the streets in the Old Town Area. Seconded by Ms. Anker. Mr. Worrell
suggested including a defined strategy in choosing street names such as “alphabetical
order.” The motion was unanimously approved.
There was a break at 9:35 a.m.
Meeting reconvened at 9:52 a.m.
Marketing Presentation
Tom Hirons, Hirons & Company, gave an overall marketing presentation for the Arts &
Design District. He explained that all recommendations are based on the “Best
Practices” study and “10-10-10” Philosophy. He presented ideas such as specialized
categorization for area businesses, established hours, defining and marketing to target
audiences and defining a marketing expression or keywords for the area. Mr. Hirons
outlined steps of actions, personal selling, consumer communications and events.
CRC Retreat Meeting, October 17, 2008
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Mr. Carter noted that as a governing agency, it is not the role of the CRC to promote any
one business in defined redevelopment areas. As the CRC has a significant financial
investment in redevelopment areas and their success, it is the role of the CRC to promote
the Arts & Design District and City of Carmel.
Mr. Hammer moved to provide marketing services for the good of the district, and
although the Commission appreciates the input of merchants and businesses, the
marketing/communications decisions will be left up to the CRC as the marketing
communications firm works for the CRC for the greater benefit of the entire community
and not for the influence of individual businesses. Seconded by Mr. Worrell and
unanimously approved.
Break at 11:42 a.m.
Reconvened at 11:50 a.m.
Overview of the Regional Performing Arts Center
Dan Moriarity gave a presentation on the Performing Arts Center. Commissioners
discussed various enhancements to the PAC, alternates, upgrades and additions. The
back-of-house layout is very important for the food service operation which will greatly
impact the success of the project.
Ms. Anker moved to authorize Dan Moriarity to find the feasibility, timing and cost
estimates enhancing placement of catering opportunities in the Performing Arts Center.
Seconded by Mr. Hammer and unanimously approved.
Commissioners discussed the need for an Executive Director for the Performing Arts
Center and decided to take a more active role in the affairs of directing the management
and operations of the Performing Arts Center.
12:26 p.m. – Meeting adjourned