[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Columbia Vision Commission invites public to remaining RE-Vision sessions

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Maurice Harris
Chair, Columbia Vision Commission
(573) 823-5245

Toni Messina
Civic Relations Officer
(573) 874-7660


Columbia Vision Commission invites public to remaining ‘RE-Vision’ sessions

COLUMBIA, MO (April 15, 2015) - The next opportunity for citizens to advise the Columbia Vision Commission is set for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, in the public conference room at Missouri Employers Mutual, 101 N. Keene Street.

This is the second in a series of four monthly sessions to look at progress made with “Imagine Columbia’s Future,” the community vision prepared by citizens and accepted by the City Council. 

Commission Chair Maurice Harris said, “This is an opportunity to look at progress made and see where we need to go from here. We’re inviting citizens to talk about education, community facilities and services, parks and transportation.”

On March 18, commissioners heard public comments relating to the future of downtown, economic development and community character. 


*Downtown – There is a need for more accessible parking spots and more affordable rental housing for people other than students. 

*Economic Development – People would appreciate free broadband service. The area needs “next generation” lab space to retain startup companies that now go to cities that have those resources in place. Expanding the Columbia Regional Airport terminal should also address getting air industry-related companies to move here from St. Louis or Kansas City. 

*Community Character – Community should acknowledge the economic benefits of student housing while also assessing its effects on other neighborhoods and older housing stock. There may be more economic opportunities at Discovery Ridge. There should be support for Columbia Housing Authority’s interest in using minority contractors for housing renovations and for identifying more minority contractors as viable businesses. As is the case in other cities, Columbia needs a not-for-profit group that can help non-elderly and non-disabled people with housing repairs.


Public comments will be taken at two more meetings in May and June. All meetings are scheduled from 6-8 p.m. (see schedule below). The Vision Commission also is collecting comments online at http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/visioning/. 

Wednesday, May 20
Meeting Rooms A, B and C
ARC – Activity and Recreation Center
1701 W. Ash

RE-Vision Topics
Health, Social Services and Affordable Housing; Community Pride; Arts and Culture 

Monday, June 22
Rock Bridge High School
4303 S. Providence Road

RE-Vision Topics
Environment; Development; Governance 

“Ultimately,” Harris said, “The goal of the RE-Visioning process is to present the City Council an updated Vision created from the input from the public hearings and comments. All voices should be heard, and we hope for wide interest and participation.”

In 2006, Columbia and Boone County citizens started working on a shared community vision for the future. Two years later, and with the participation of more than 1,000 people, the citizen-led Visioning Committee presented “Imagine Columbia’s Future” to the City Council, with the intent that the whole community work on making Columbia “a connected, informed and engaged community.”

The City Council created the Columbia Vision Commission in 2008. Its purpose is to track, monitor and otherwise assist with implementing the Vision.

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See full record of the March 18, 2015, meeting at this link. Look at meeting schedule, in the meeting date column, under the meeting date.

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/visioning/



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