LAKEPORT >> The Lakeport City Council awarded a bid to Design Workshop for aid in developing the Lakefront Revitalization Plan.
According to Community Development Director Kevin Ingram, the Tahoe-based firm was selected for methods in its proposal for designing a project that will enhance the shoreline between C Street and Clearlake Avenue. Specific plans, such as one-on-one meetings with stakeholders and community input in the final adoption process, impressed the selection committee.
The committee is composed of the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Council, city staff, Councilwoman Mireya Turner and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.
“It had some great stuff,” Councilman Martin Scheel said. “There were things that I didn’t think of in there that could potentially work with what we have without over-dreaming. “
Scheel’s fellow council members shared his attitude, especially Councilwoman Stacey Mattina.
“This is one of the most exciting things we’ve gotten to do in the city,” she said.
However, local resident and business owner Jill Ruzicka wasn’t too thrilled with the idea because she thought the city needed to put its focus and money elsewhere — like Main Street businesses. Additionally, she expressed uncertainty that this project would ever be completed as she noted that there have been prior plans developed for this.
“LEDAC should be getting the storefronts filled on Main Street,” Ruzicka said. “In our city we have had too many studies, too many plans, and they never get built.”
In response, the council noted that the contract is mainly funded by a California Department of Housing grant, worth approximately $95,000. The money was awarded by the state to be used for this specific purpose.
Ingram further posited that Design Workshop will take the best of those plans to influence the final plan that is expected to be completed by October.
“The development of the Lakefront Revitilization Plan is a key component to the city’s overall economic development strategy,” he said.
The contract is worth approximately $98,000. Meetings with stakeholders will begin in the summer, he said.
