VISIONING THE FUTURE OF THE EMPIRE AREA At this week's joint work session, the City Council and Planning Commission met to review a preliminary draft of the Empire Blueprint. In conjunction with David Evans & Associates and Echo NW, staff have been working on a community collaboration visioning the future of the Empire area. This draft was a robust visual presentation of what the Newmark Avenue core and the Empire Waterfront might be transformed to look and feel like in the coming years, all with a goal to increase excitement and development in Empire (See, Figure 1. Study Area). Discussion centered around transportation options, curb appeal with addition of trees and wayfinding signs, pedestrian safety, and finding ways to embrace the areas rich cultural history. From the ideas shared and input on the current draft presented, the Blueprint team will make some revisions and continue to engage with the community to refine the overall vision. The draft document includes initial estimates and phasing, helping establish ways in which elements of the plan might be implemented over time (See, 'Figure 2. Concept Diagram). With some investment towards elements included in the Blueprint, along with private investment already underway, the Empire area will continue to transform, expanding the significant cultural and historical base of our overall community. A focus on both the Newmark Avenue core and waterfront area will further develop the destination, increasing activities, interest, and hopefully more foot traffic for the many businesses who call Empire home. Check out the draft version of the Empire Blueprint that was presented at Tuesday’s work session here: https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/2571079/Task_5_Memo_5_Preferred_Alt_Empire_2024-04-18_revised.pdf -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post