By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

The town meeting for the Vision Plan of Lewisburg went on Tuesday night despite an air conditioning malfunction. The meeting began around 6:30 p.m. in the banquet room of the Lewisburg Recreation Center.

Richie Jones of Hodgson and Douglas, LLC opened the meeting by giving a PowerPoint presentation explaining the purpose of the meeting and what his company's role is in the vision plan. Hodgson and Douglas was established in 1985 to provide comprehensive planning as well as landscape, architectural, and urban design services. The company has over 40 years of collective experience working on design and planning in the Nashville and surrounding areas, ranging from large-scale land planning to site specific implementation.

According to Jones, after extensive meetings with city leaders, stakeholders, and people of Lewisburg they plan to establish a matrix (a timetable and a list of goals) to aid city leaders in implementing the Vision Plan they come up with together. During the presentation, Jones showed those who attended the meeting that Lewisburg is above average compared to the national standard in every parks and recreation category with the exception of mini parks and community/city parks.

On each table were two large maps -- one of downtown Lewisburg, the other of Lewisburg as a whole as far as Exit 32 on I-65 -- and a pack of markers. Each group was asked to draw what they would like to see throughout Lewisburg and to "think outside the box."

The meeting was divided into sections: green space, corridors, downtown, and the rest of Lewisburg. During each section the groups were asked to focus on what they'd like to see in those areas throughout Lewisburg. At the end, each group selected a member to explain the changes they made and show them to the entire group. The groups had many suggestions in common.

* Beginning with parks and recreation, many of the groups agreed Lewisburg should have mini parks and playgrounds throughout residential neighborhoods for children to use. Dog parks were suggested by a few groups. Overall enhancement of many of the existing parks was suggested, and Jones Park was mentioned specifically. Finding a way to connect several of the parks was also an idea, relating specifically to existing parks that are already within close proximity to each other. Almost every group agreed they would like to see a pathway, sidewalk, or even ramp (depending on where) creating an easy access to the square from the Lewisburg Greenway at Rock Creek. Biking trails and lanes were a priority for some. Many agreed they would like to see a splash park in Lewisburg. This would provide entertainment for children and adults without needing the supervision of many lifeguards.

Others suggested making the school playgrounds open to all children when school is not in session. This would make use of many playgrounds that are already established. To further that idea it was suggested that the city add more picnic tables and pavilions to the existing ballparks. Residents also felt that better sidewalks around the schools and throughout the community should be a top priority.

* The second category each group had to consider was the corridor category. The corridors are the main entryways into the town of Lewisburg for example Mooresville Highway, Highway 50, and Fayetteville Highway. Each team drew where they would like to see areas developed and gave examples of the kind of development they would like to have. Almost everyone felt that better (sit-down) restaurants, more shopping options, a higher-end hotel, better lighting, a gas station, and a welcome kiosk would be development they would like to see at Exit 32. Some groups would like to have better lighting along the roads with either underground wiring, solar lighting, or prettier light posts. Others urged finding a way to hide the sewer systems and water towers because they are unsightly.

* The downtown square was the third category. This is where each group got really creative. Almost everyone agreed the facades of the buildings on the square needing to match, not be identical, but have the same historic look and feel to them. Preserving and enhancing the historic buildings throughout downtown and around Lewisburg was a common goal among teams. Many want to see better parking near the square, hoping this will encourage more people to visit the square, and walk around it. Ideally there would be plenty of interesting shops to walk in and out of. Others suggested moving the annex to another location and many of the offices to create more space for shops, cafes, and restaurants. People would like to see public restrooms somewhere on or near the square for those who are shopping. They would like to see mixed uses for buildings around the square. Many feel that apartments should be made available on the upper floors of some buildings, and town homes could be built nearby. It was felt this would encourage more people to spend time on the square. Many would like to see old movies played at the Dixie Theater when plays aren't being performed.

Coding and regulations may need to be passed to protect the buildings on the square and how they look. This could include signage and overall maintenance regulations. Several groups suggested changing the way traffic flows through the square making it easier for those living in Lewisburg as well as those visiting. The neighborhoods and areas around the square need to be beautified. One item unanimously agreed upon was that greenery, flowers, and trees need to be present all over Lewisburg.

Another idea that came up several times is a retirement community. Many like the idea of having a retirement community near the square with a grocery store within walking distance. Residents could walk through Rock Creek Park, walk along the square, shop and eat on the square, and even walk to church. Everyone would like to see more festivals downtown; different festivals for everyone to enjoy.

One group suggested having a science museum for children to explore and have fun learning.

There were many ideas proposed as the meeting came to a close. The creative juices were flowing and those attending the meeting were very excited. Many of these ideas can't take place right away and some of them may not ever, but many of them will if everyone does their part.

Personnel from Hodgson and Douglas, along with our city leaders, plan to take what they have learned from all of these meetings and put together a short-term and long-term plan with goals for one year, five years, 10 years, and 20 years. This should be presented sometime in September.