Downtown Camas Vision and Action Plan Update
Extended Core Initiative

Community Questionnaire
December 2007

Introduction

In 2001, the City of Camas approved the Downtown Vision and Action Plan, a citizen-based road map for ensuring downtown remains economically and socially vibrant into the future.  Since implementation of the plan began in 2002, nearly 90% of proposed programs and initiatives have been launched or completed. Now, five years later, the Downtown Vision Coalition (DVC) is seeking to “re-stock” the action plan and, with community input and feedback, take downtown to the next level.

Over the past several months, the DVC and its consulting team have met with various property owners, talked to merchants and heard from many in the community through surveys and other exchanges.  Equally important, we have revisited the original action plan to see what public priorities have not yet been brought to life.  The resulting “expanded core” concept, captured in a series of renditions, attempts to integrate these various community priorities, while also showing what it might look like if these downtown goals were implemented.

In brief, key messages received from community members include:

1. Keep the historic charm and extend the 4th Ave streetscape
2. Create space for medium sized “anchor” stores to create more foot traffic
3. Ensure adequate and convenient parking
4. Establish a central gathering place / civic plaza
5. Pursue mixed use development options that include street-level retail, upper level housing
6. Attract more family-oriented entertainment venues / destinations

Prior to completing the community questionnaire, please review the conceptual renditions on-line by clicking HERE or by visiting Stewart Title at 339 NE Cedar Street (4th and Cedar) between Monday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 7, where large-scale versions of the renditions will be posted in the storefront.

I’m ready, TAKE ME TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE.