percentage of owner-occupied units increased. While it appears that household incomes rose between 1990 and 2000, during the same period the percentage of the population below poverty level also rose. Downtown is home to the largest concentration of small businesses in the Central Main Area.
CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE The previously described catalysts for change are expected to have the greatest impact on the Downtown Neighborhood. This Downtown Neighborhood has the greatest mix of land uses and provides the best location for high-intensity uses. Specific issues and opportunities affecting this Neighborhood that are further catalysts for change include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Creating a strong and unique identity. Making Downtown an urban center. Business retention, expansion, and attraction. Provision of a wide range of housing choices. Underutilized land and non-residential vacancies. Enhancing connectivity from residential neighborhoods to Main Street and between Downtown attractions and entertainment venues.
7. 8.
Preservation of historic neighborhoods and maintenance/enhancement of stable neighborhoods that are experiencing negative pressure. Creating limited formal park and open space amenities for residents.
DOWNTOWN VISION FOR CHANGE The goal for the Downtown Neighborhood is to take advantage of the public investment in light rail to create an urban environment that becomes Mesa’s City Center. As the City Center, Downtown will contain the mix of professional, commercial, entertainment, governmental, and residential uses that will make it an everexpanding economic engine. Emphasis will be placed on the retention, expansion, and attraction of business and high-quality jobs and adding residential density to support existing and new businesses. Building upon the enhanced environment that already exists within Downtown, improving pedestrian connections to surrounding residential neighborhoods, and creating or improving connections between Downtown attractions will support Downtown’s cultural assets and entertainment venues. Care will be taken to ensure the maintenance and preservation of the character of stable residential neighborhoods and historic assets. Distressed residential neighborhoods and suburban corridors will evolve over time into integrated neighborhoods that provide appropriate transitions and connections to the Main Street corridor. Organizing Element The key to continued growth and success in the Downtown area is an interesting and inviting public realm. The goals of the Plan in general, and specifically for this neighborhood area revolve around attracting people (employers, workers, customers, and residents) to an attractive and active urban environment in our downtown core. Therefore, the organizing element for this neighborhood is the improvements to the key streets – 1st Street, Main Street, 1st Avenue, Center Street, Macdonald, and Robson – such that they will be filled with people. Map 10 illustrates the need to make, or strengthen connections between existing and planned activity centers and the “heart” of Mesa. Such connections will support the success of each activity center, as well as strengthen the urban built environment.
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