This study was done by the Planning and Development Department in May of 1997.
It was from this study that the zoning overlay was developed but also the auction in the late 90s and the city's push with facade grants came about.
It makes an interesting read as well.
Here's the cover:
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Springfield%20Action%20Plan/2011-08-18-1948-07.jpg)
Neighborhood "Commons" suggested by the planning department:
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Springfield%20Action%20Plan/2011-08-19-1652-17.jpg)
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Springfield%20Action%20Plan/2011-08-19-1652-48.jpg)
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Springfield%20Action%20Plan/2011-08-19-1653-13.jpg)
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Springfield%20Action%20Plan/2011-08-19-1653-39.jpg)
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Springfield%20Action%20Plan/2011-08-19-1654-32.jpg)
This Action Plan, done by the planning department back in 1997, is interesting b/c several significant changes came from it. First of all, the idea of the auction and the impact that it made on restorations was huge, secondly, the city began pumping a lot of money in by the way of facade grants, SHARP grants and other HUD money which really energized Springfield.
When I was rereading this Action Plan I wondered why the city didn't go ahead with the parks. Obviously there was a plan to model Springfield after Savannah -- it is intriguing to imagine how that would have been.
Now, we could also use one of these as an urban farm. How very cool would that be!
I think I have my own personal pocket park on Ionia. Literally.
"......Rails to Trails program with monies now available....". Did that happen??