A Joint Work Session between WRS, Inc., the Mayor and City Council, and Planning Commission has been scheduled for Monday, July 8, 2024 at 7:30pm for the redevelopment of Lakeforest. The Joint Work Session will be held in the City Council Chambers at 16 South Summit Avenue. WRS has shared some information regarding questions they’ll be addressing at the work session next week (additional renderings below):
“The redevelopment of the Lakeforest Mall site will create a modern, social place, one that gestures outwards to reconnect surrounding neighborhoods, knits together living, working, and play into vibrant and diverse community, interconnected through ponds, canopies, parks and plazas.
We envision a future for Lakeforest…. with a collection of individual neighborhoods that share a network of open spaces dispersed throughout linked with an enjoyable, human-scale walkable environment with equitable options for residents to grow.
Sense of Place is an attribute that is generated by; a) the built environment of buildings and the spaces between them and, (b) the people that live in, work from, and visit these. Very successful places mix uses both horizontally and vertically within blocks and in buildings that foster activity on the sidewalks and in the open spaces that surround them.
Housing variety is a key component of mix. Housing should provide opportunities for a broad range of residents, both families and individuals; and age groups, both young and old. Properly integrated with other uses, housing can address lifestyle needs to create a community that fosters civic awareness, eyes on the street, and social interaction. The ease and security embedded in the design of such places are what make them better than good.
Housing variety is a key component of mix. Housing should provide opportunities for a broad range of residents, both families and individuals; and age groups, both young and old. Properly integrated with other uses, housing can address lifestyle needs to create a community that fosters civic awareness, eyes on the street, and social interaction. The ease and security embedded in the design of such places are what make them better than good.”
The Planning Commission will hold their record open until 5 P.M. on July 26, 2024 with anticipated recommendation to the Mayor and City Council on August 7, 2024. The Mayor and City Council will hold their record open until 5 P.M. on August 14, 2024 with anticipated policy discussion and final action on August 26, 2024. The Mayor and City Council and Planning Commission conducted a Joint Public Hearing on June 17, 2024. Video of the meeting can be found here.
