Memorandum 06-132

To:                   Mayor & Council

From:   Anne Marie Holen, Special Projects Coordinator
                        Staff to Economic Development Commission
Through:            Walt Wrede, City Manager

Date:    July 18, 2006   

Re:                   Further Discussion on Mariner Park Development

At its last meeting (July 11), the Economic Development Commission (EDC) continued the discussion originally sparked by Memorandum 06-87 from Councilmember Shadle requesting EDC input on the concept of a second fishing lagoon located in the Mariner Park area. This time, commission members had the benefit of a briefing paper that I prepared on the topic of Mariner Park history and various issues relating to development. (See attached.)

 

While no motion was made or adopted, the EDC did reach consensus on the need to solicit input from other community members to help reach a conclusion on the “highest and best use” for Mariner Park. Clearly the Parks and Recreation Commission should weigh in. EDC Chair Bob Howard suggested soliciting input from other commissions as well. I am currently working with Chair Howard to draft a letter for this purpose. It was agreed that input would be welcome from all interested community members and that a “public hearing” in the fall might also be beneficial.

 

The EDC has spent considerable time on the Mariner Park issue. At the next meeting (August 8), commissioners will also be discussing the Capital Improvement Plan. I expect that soon there­after they will begin the important task of creating a new Comprehensive Economic Develop­ment Strategy for Homer.