Comments on: Steele Returns With Draft Tower Streetscape

By: Gary Grubb

Gary Grubb — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:00:19 +0000

Roundabouts are time and trouble savers if two things are certain to take place; drivers know the proper roundabout etiquette and there is not major traffic in or around the roundabout itself.

Recently, CSU, Fresno has implemented roundabouts on Chestnut Ave which borders the east side of the Fresno State campus. They help alleviate the aggravation of sitting at a stop sign, and the tendency to do the “California Roll” right through one. Though you may think a large CSU campus would attract much traffic, that area is hardly if ever congested.

Incorporating stop signs in the Tower District of Fresno will similarly help lighten driver hassle. I have visited the Tower District on one account and could say from experience that the streets are very compact and the buildings small and tight (despite its deceptive name, “TOWER” District). It isn’t a really crowded area, in fact it is rather small and somewhat peculiar. It may seem more crammed than it truly is because it is so petite.

What I would like to know more information about is how much this plan would cost and where the money would derive from. It seems that in the present economic situation, a historic landmark that has been the same way for decades and still attracts a diverse crowd would need so much rebuilding. If it is for safety and convenience I do see the need…but why here? Why now?

By: Maria A

Maria A — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:24:10 +0000

This idea will increase the tourism around the Fresno area. I agree with Chirag in that steeles idea will make the town much better and will help to increase the activities around the Fresno area. There are things to do there but with this new thing, there will be much more activity.

By: Brendyn Koerper

Brendyn Koerper — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:20:37 +0000

One of the first things that should be considered when doing a brain storming activity or information gathering seminar is the people who will be affected by the decisions and actions taken. In the situation of the Tower District design charette it does not seem as though this was the main concern. To say that peoples input will be taken seriously and considered is one thing but to actually do it requires people to retain an open mind throughout a long and demanding process. Which can become harder and harder to do by the day, especially when it is your project, your name will be on it, and you have your own plans and ideas. It is very easy to get in a mind set and do a project without fully considering what is best for the people who will be affected. It seems that this might be what was happening. The company had ideas in mind and wanted them to pass on to the next stage. It is understandable especially with short deadlines but many people with different needs and wants will go unheard in the process. One of the best parts of the Tower District is its abundance of diversity. Many of the people that go to Tower and youths who go to hangout. The youth would have different wants and needs then the middle aged people going out to dinner. Meeting the needs of everyone who goes to tower would be impossible, but is somewhat obtainable only with the full consideration of unbiased input of the people who would be affected. A job like that would take an immense amount of time and resources which might not have been offered when the project was decided.

By: Cary Reents

Cary Reents — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:26:50 +0000

Tower district provides a unique service to its inhabitants. Riverpark is an area in which I think that most shopping centers should be modeled after. It provides all different types of services, shopping, and eating in various types of markets. Although tower district does provide a more lively night time atmosphere. The downside is, that when more and more districts like these are developed, the less amount of business that can be found in each. I believe that Fresno has room for improvement in the amount of districts it has, but they should be located more closely to the age group they are trying to attract.

By: Ricardo N.

Ricardo N. — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 04:22:49 +0000

I agree with many of the previous comments regarding the modifications that are needed at the Tower District in Fresno. However the civilians who live in this area should be the main ones to have a vote in what happens to the area in which they live in. The Tower District is a nice place to go for a day out or a night out, there is a variety of small shops and restaurants to choose from as well as numerous night clubs and bars to enjoy from. Although the Tower District offers many things to choose from it wouldn’t hurt to beautify the area some more or make it a little safer for pedestrians. Maybe all the changes they are proposing aren’t too necessary but one thing I would have to agree with would be on making a parking garage. I think this would help the area out greatly rather than visitors having to struggle for parking and what not.

By: Joe C.

Joe C. — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:18:34 +0000

I have lived in the tower district for three years now and I enjoy it quite a bit. There are many different restaurants and night club/bars, but the shopping is a little more limited, but then again if you want to shop there is always the overpriced fig garden or the completely artificial overpriced riverpark. A few more shops would be kinda nice. I don’t feel that there is a traffic problem and thus no reason to justify traffic circles and “zippered” streets. There are always plenty of law enforcement to discourage excessive speeding, but oddly enough does nothing for the beggar/bum problem. If there is a problem with the street crossings and traffic the blame could be placed with the pedestrians. I cant even begin to count how many times I have had people walk out in front of my truck as I travel down the strip. They are always oblivious of passing cars. The money would be better used in fixing sidewalks and promoting local businesses. There should also be some sort of beautification project underway. In my home town of Lodi our downtown was revamped to include many more trees and more appealing store fronts which made it far more appealing. The store fronts in the tower district have far too many inconsistencies which help add a kind of uniqueness, but as one travels west down the tower strip the quality of establishments quickly deteriorates into a less hospitable area. I agree parking is an issue with and something should be done. Perhaps a parking garage because a large parking lot would not be practical, there is just not enough free space for a large parking lot and there are a few locations that would nicely accommodate one, such as the north east corner of palm and Olive or the South West corner of Van Ness and Olive. These are empty lots and would not displace any businesses. The tower district has many different events planned throughout the year, which help to promote the area, maybe we should promote them a little more. Also I must agree with others who have commented here in that I had no idea that this meeting was underway and as such I believe that there should be some kind if posting in the tower to notify those that frequent the area.

By: Tyler Riddick

Tyler Riddick — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:01:56 +0000

I think that Steele’s ideas will be great for the tower district. I’ve lived in Fresno for two years now and I have noticed that Fresno lacks a downtown area where people can hang out, shop, and eat. I think these additions to the Tower District is exactly what Fresno needs to help bring more recreation to the city. The traffic circles, the sidewalk pop-outs, and extra parking all seem like a good idea. I agree with some of the other students on the topic of crime in the Tower District. I feel that in order for this part of town to become a successful marketplace law enforcement will have to clean up the streets. I know a lot of people who refuse to go to the Tower District because they feel that it is an unsafe part of town.

By: ANA D.

ANA D. — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:32:53 +0000

I did not know that there were plans on redesigning the Tower District. I is great that Steele is trying to redesign it. It is also good to hear that Steel likes to have input from the community. It would be also very important to have more security in this area. Many people I know do not visit the Tower District because they do not feel secure. If we could reduce crime and reduce graffiti, I think that the Tower District would have more visitors visiting the great businesses there. This would also increase the economy in central Fresno. Families would have another great place to shop and socialize. It can become a place like River Park. Personally I really enjoy going to River Park and if the Tower would offer the same feeling of security I would, with no doubt, visit it as much as I visit River Park. I do agree the River Park has become a place where many high school teens hang out. This can be a little unpleasant for older people. If the Tower is redesign, I believe that older people would go and have a nice time. It we all put in a little part the Tower District can become a great place to visit, shop, eat and meet new people in our community and from other places.

By: Andrew S

Andrew S — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:54:53 +0000

I am all for the notion of reworking the tower district into a better place. I grew up in Stockton, where we really don’t have anything like the tower district, and our downtown area is pretty pathetic looking only until recently. I must say the overhauling that section of town would be a great idea. It already is one of the most popular places in town to go visit and have a good time. I think that with the correct remodeling, that it can be an even more popular place for people to congregate. I must say, the few times I have been over there, it is a pain to get to certain places because of the traffic situation. Maybe these circles will help the flow of traffic and give us easier access to specific locations. Either way, the fact that community input is important to him is a big deal. I also like the idea of fixing the pedestrian situation. I don’t always feel very safe while I’m there. Whether it is due to bums, or unsafe sidewalks, it could definitely use some work.

By: michelleva

michelleva — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:40:09 +0000

I too enjoy Tower’s atmosphere and charm. I agree that it is lacking some people friendly walking areas and parking areas. I hope that Steele’s ideas work in promoting Tower as a new place to congregate. I have noticed that River Park has become a place for high school age kids to hang, making it unappealing for those who have careers or in college. River Park lacks the historical buildings and uniqueness, making Tower a more important interesting hang out. As for the traffic circles I am unsure if they will work well downtown. If there is heavy traffic, circles could cause accidents for cars and pedestrians. I’m glad to hear that Steele is really trying to gather input from the community first. This way everyone will be happy with the results.