Is there a future for "retail" in Downtown?

Craig Ustler had some pretty strong views about the future of retail uses in downtown areas. His comments, which can be accessed by clicking on the link below, generated a lot of discussion for those who use, visit and work downtown. Agree, disagree with his view?

mms://lakeland.ecstreams.com/lakelandOD/retail.wmv

Renters or Owners?

Our society often views homeowners more favorably than renters. However, a visiting speaker and developer of Thornton Park out of Orlando had some interesting observations about renter behavior which would make them better targets for local "economic stimulus" than their home or condo-owning counterparts.
Click on the link below to hear Craig Ustler's comments about renter behavior and let us know what you think and whether or not this may be true for Downtown Lakeland.

mms://lakeland.ecstreams.com/lakelandOD/renterbehavior.wmv

The Downtown Experience

What are your favorite experiences from other downtowns that you would like to see put into place in Downtown Lakeland?

Living in Downtown

Having residents in Downtown is an obivous characterics of many successful downtowns and is need in Lakeland.

With that in mind, what would cause you to want to live in Downtown Lakeland.

• What type of housing do you want (Condo, loft, rental apt, townhome, etc)?
• What type of amenties do you want (parks, retail, restaurants, personal services. etc)?
• What type of architecture?
• Where in the downtown area, specifically, would you like to live (see plandowntownlakeland.com plan page for maps)?

The Urban Village

The term "Urban Village" has been used recently to describe the vision of Downtown Lakeland in the future. Is the term appropriate to describe a successful model for Downtown and, if so, why? What in your opinion are the characteristics of this Urban Village? Does the term apply to the entire Downtown study area or only to certain parts of Downtown? If "Urban Village" doesn't work, can you suggest an alternative name?
[Click here to see a map of the Downtown study area.]

A more youthful downtown?

We had a great event last night. Many good ideas were presented by attendees and we are looking forward to engaging you in the same way. In the meantime, there has been a hot issue in all our meetings that we would love for you to weigh in on.

Downtown Lakeland is known for its family friendly environment that attracts Lakelanders to many events (i.e: First Fridays, Christmas Parade, Spring Garden Festival, etc.) but more and more the feedback is that Downtown has very little to attract young professionals. What would make Downtown more attractive, accessible, and relative to the next generation of Lakelanders while at the same time maintaining its Family Friendly character? What specific uses (residential, retail, restaurants, business, or recreation) would bring a younger and more diverse crowd to Downtown to live, work, and play?

Let us know your thoughts and ideas.