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This zoning proposal already has the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Over the next 20 years downtown will resemble many of the changes that transformed the North Overton neighborhood.
Council's action on this master plan is step one in the revitalization process. The master zoning plan divides downtown into sectors, defining how future businesses and residential areas can grow.
Along with re-zoning new commercial enterprises will have to adhere to building design standards, so the downtown environment will have a personality. All current structures and businesses will be grandfathered into the new plans. But Mayor Tom Martin hopes over the years they'll be updated to the new look.
"The current zoning that's in place and has been for many years kind of allows everything in the downtown area," says Martin. "So as we look to improve the area we need to limit some of the more noxious uses."
If the zoning plan is approved construction could start in the Broadway and Avenue Q sector as soon as next year. In January, contractors will begin the process of burying power lines and removing those hanging from poles.
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