COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—City Council unanimously adopted today the Mill Street Neighborhood Plan that will activate several community-driven projects and initiatives that will further develop and support the vision of the historic Mill Street neighborhood, located immediately south of downtown Colorado Springs.
The neighborhood plan offers 60 different strategies to help achieve several goals developed in the planning process. Among the top recommendations that will be implemented immediately include safety and accessibility improvements along public land and rights of way, housing rehabilitation initiatives, creek cleanups, and establishing development review guidelines. Other multi-year initiatives, such as small business assistance and an affordable accessory dwelling unit (ADU) pilot program* will kick off shortly after the plan’s adoption.
“Through an inclusive and consensus building process, the neighborhood plan sets the stage for the future of the historic Mill Street community to be a thriving, dynamic place that celebrates its diversity and historic past,” said Catherine Duarte, senior analyst from the City’s Community Development Division. “In alignment with the City’s recently adopted comprehensive plan, PlanCOS, the plan seeks to increase the quality of life for residents while preserving historic features and affordability and planning for more businesses, services, and housing types.”
Derived from a series of surveys, interviews, polls, and neighborhood association meetings, the plan’s main goals seek to:
- Cultivate Mill Street character
- Enhance quality of life for residents
- Re-connect Mill Street people and places
- Create a resilient future
Background
The City of Colorado Springs Community Development Division engaged area residents, property and business owners over the last 18 months to identify goals, priorities and interests in the future of this historic neighborhood. The effort is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
For more information about the plan, visit: www.coloradosprings.gov/MillStreetPlan.
*Pending adoption of the proposed City ordinance that expands the use of Accessory Dwelling Units to single-family zone districts.