Auburn City Council to hear proposals for renovated Central Square
The Auburn City Council will weigh in on plans for Downtown’s Central Square during a meeting today. Meeting as the Auburn Urban Development Authority, which governs redevelopment areas in the city, the council will hear a proposal to officially name the intersection of Lincoln and High streets as “Historic Central Square.” They will also be presented with a plan drafted by the Endurance Capital Committee to honor endurance athletes and events with an “Endurance Walk of Fame.” Both are at the center of the first phase of the city’s Streetscape renovations. Crews are currently ripping apart the Lincoln Way/High Street intersection with plans to install public artwork, planter boxes, benches, commemorative pavers, a fire pit, living Christmas tree and more. Members of the public have been concerned inclusion of the walk of fame in an “Endurance Plaza” would supersede the Central Square name. But a resolution to be considered Monday would implement signage to designate the location officially as “Historic Central Square.” The proposal would also direct the Auburn Arts Commission to recommend pieces for three public art pedestals in Central Square, each representing a facet of Auburn. Those three pedestals would reflect Auburn’s Gold Rush history, the importance of railroads in shaping the city and the American River confluence, according to the resolution. A volunteer committee would also be formed to advise the council on future historical displays. Auburn Councilman Kevin Hanley (who also sits on the urban development board) authored the resolution after hearing comments from the public. “(This resolution) is making sure we recognize the history and other different elements in this first phase and put the misinformation to rest that this is just taken over by a small committee made up of endurance folks running the show, which is not true at all,” Hanley said. “I thought I’d put forward a consensus to unite a lot of residents, who we want to support. We want their good ideas and they’ve submitted good ideas, and this reflects that.” In another agenda item, the council will hear recommendations for the “Endurance Walk of Fame.” It would consist of three elements: an interpretive sign, including an elevation view of the Western States Trail; a listing of all Tevis Cup and Western States Run winners; and a series of 2-foot-by-2-foot granite tiles commemorating the founders of these and other similar events. There would be 39 tiles laid honoring people such as the late Tevis Cup founder Wendell T. Robie and signature events including the Auburn Triathlon. The proposal also includes draft wording for the selection of future walk of fame inductees. That process would include a public call for nominations, a public presentation of candidates and final approval by the city council. These items will be discussed during the Auburn Urban Development Authority meeting, which will be held immediately following the Auburn City Council meeting. The city council meets at 6 p.m. at city hall, 1225 Lincoln Way in Auburn. Michelle Miller-Carl can be reached at michellem@goldcountrymedia.com.
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There are 39 “Endurance Walk of Fame” tiles being proposed to the City Council. The people/events/ entities inscribed on those tiles would be: • Auburn Endurance Capital of the World • Lincoln “Nick” Mansfield/Bill Patrick/Pat Sewell/Richard Highfill • Drucilla M. Barner • Wendell T. Robie • Gordy Ainsleigh • Jack Veal • Charles Barieau • Robert Montgomery Watson • Betty Veal, R.N. • Richard Barsaleau, D.V.M. • Jim Larimer • Auburn State Recreation Area • U.S. Forest Service • Mo Livermore/Shannon Weil/Phil Gardner/Curt Sproul • Robert Lind, M.D. • Auburn Century • Auburn Triathlon • Way Too Cool 50K • American River Classic • Western States Endurance Run Foundation • Western States Trail Foundation • American Endurance Ride Conference • American River 50-Mile Run • Cool Mountain Bike Race • Coolest 24-Hour Race Against Cancer
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I encourage everyone interested to come to the meeting and express your concerns/comments.
Dr Bill Kirby
Auburn City Council
I think this should have been on page 1, much more relevant to Journal readers than ap Clunkers story. The Endurance Walk of Fame sounds like a great idea, just NOT in Central Square - the pedestal idea is fine but sounds like an 11th hour attempt to allow the Endurance plan to get its way. I just hope the Council will create a Central Square Committee to determine the best way to utilize the square to provide recognition for whatever & whoever, then solicitiations for suggestions be made, from various groups including the Endurance Committe, DBA, OTAP....... BTW the list presented is troubling and to me highlights and emphasizes the concerns many are making.
It is a little unclear, should people be attending the Council Meeting to have their voices heard? Is the Resolution going to be at the Council Meeting then if that passes on to the AUDA meeting, which would be pointless as it seems if the resolution passes it would a done deal, as a committee would be formed to consider "future" displays, not Central Square. Form the committee now for this project.
PS it is duly noted the term "Endurance Plaza" has conveniently been transformed into the Endurance Walk of Fame. Why does it seem this is run by a slick marketing campaign, give more credit to your constintuency, smoke mirrors and name changes will not work.
Auburn Journal please take note,
It,s interesting that comments can be poste without a name to identify the poster
mfgcontroversy duh?
Potato Richardson
Three possible history pedestals and 39 endurance tile. History 3 endurance 39. Sounds like endurance plaza is in full swing to me. Why not put this walk of fame somewhere where people will be walking and not in central square.
AH another unkown name who has something to say except his/her ID
From what I am gathering this is a hot topic among many locals. How come this is buried on a Monday. Potato, I think you will find in a small town, that by allowing some level of anonymity you often find out what people really think. When you have a small but influential group of community leaders, public officials, media leaders, and business leaders who are pushing or supportive of this, some are not comfortable speaking out, they may not want to make it personal or hurt relationships.
Me thinks Potato is more concerned with who is challenging his plan thay why it is being challenged. Pass the butter would you Gordy
Potato-The lack of an identity of a poster is comparable to someone commenting on the City of Auburn when they don't even live close to the area.
AUDA Regular business meeting agenda is scheduled for tonight (Monday 08/24/09) immediately following the regular city council meeting.
1. Public Comment
2. Resolution establishing the name Historic Central Square and Providing direction for public art selection in the Central Square
3. Endurance Walk of Fame Proposal
Hey, Potato. I'm using my name and initial. But that's really not your point. You're trying to marginalize people and it's painfully obvious that you have nothing to add.
Potato, either pay taxes by living in the city or pay the cost of your name on a tile. The tiles should be open for those that want to contribute to the "art" work being the tiles. The only tiles designated so far are for endurance individuals, so far this consumes (25) 24" X 24" pavers right in the middle of the main area. The taxpayers are footing the bill.
1'x6" pavers. co$t less so that the individuals can afford them. Potato you are but a sidebar. Kick down!