DOWNTOWN JOBS INITIATIVE

RESORT STREET AREA IMPROVEMENTS

Project Update: 2/28/06

The Resort Street Area Improvements project represent three areas of work described in the “Plan of Historic Baker City 2001” as initiated by Historic Baker City.  Since August of 2004, with the culmination of the Downtown Jobs Initiative, City staff has been aggressively seeking specialized grants and other funding opportunities to make this plan a reality. 

On August 23 of 2005, the City Council adopted a prioritized list of projects from the Downtown Jobs Initiative as extracted from the “Plan of Historic Baker City 2001” for City staff to pursue.  The list is as follows:

1.         Leo Adler Memorial Parkway/Central Park/Parking
2.         Resort Street Streetscape Improvements
3.         Court Street Park

Since August of 2004, we have steadily been making progress, working on each funding opportunity as they became available.  Our main focus since August 23, 2005 has been completing the requirements of a Transportation Enhancement Grant, which we received from ODOT last year.  The purposes of these grant funds are: 1) to complete a portion of the Parkway next to the river between Washington and Geiser-Pollman Park; and 2) to establish a connecting path to the downtown historic district at Court Street (as per agreement #22,505).

After signing the agreement with ODOT, the next step in the process was to develop a “prospectus” for the project.  The prospectus looks at all facets and outlines necessary steps and budget implications.  This was completed by a consultant – OBEC Consulting Engineers – hired by ODOT.  No City grant funds were utilized for this process.  The consultants visited Baker City in late September of 2005, reviewing the site and outlining the project’s budget and issues.  A draft was completed in late October, reviewed by ODOT and staff, and then submitted to the Federal Highway Administration for approval as required.

Concurrently, we are preparing to begin the preliminary engineering for the Parkway and Central Park.  To do this, the City Council will be asked if they prefer staff to release a Request for Proposal or contract with an engineering firm already working with and approved by ODOT.  We expect this to be on the City Council agenda sometime in March.

This preliminary engineering will identify a number of items, including the optimal location of the Parkway, which properties should be considered for inclusion, how the park and parking are laid out and more.  The Council will, at that time, be deciding how this process should move forward. 

Meanwhile, we are continuing to seek other grant funds.  The City has raised the match needed to access the Transportation Enhancement Grant.  Other applications have been or will soon be submitted to finish the Parkway and Central Park projects as approved by City Council.  We also continue to seek even other potential funding opportunities (foundations etc.) for the Streetscape Improvements as depicted in the “Plan of Historic Baker City 2001.”