The original item was published from September 23, 2021 9:33 AM to October 13, 2021 6:22 PM
For nearly a year, the City of Monticello has been developing a plan for a new project encompassing approximately 100 acres of largely vacant land in the center of our community.
Throughout the planning stages, the name “Chelsea Commons” has been used as a working project title. However, as we prepare to adopt the plan and begin bringing it to life, we need a new name for the area. Your feedback will be a part of how City Council makes their decision.
What is Chelsea Commons?
Chelsea Commons is envisioned as an exceptional neighborhood in which to live, work and play. It combines a mix of commercial services, residential living opportunities, and public open space amenities. Chelsea Commons is centered on a significant recreational water feature and surrounded by a series of interconnected public spaces for discovery. It is also a public-private partnership. It relies on private development, as well as a significant investment in the public infrastructure to create an exceptional amenity that serves both its immediate neighborhood and the community. It is, in short, a central component of Monticello’s vision, and how it sees itself into the future. But it is not the only one. Chelsea Commons fits into the fabric of the City’s significant investments in its downtown, and in the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Each of these “Big Three” elements of the City’s present and future share the role in creation of a new place for the community to come together.
Where Did the Idea Come From?
The “Chelsea Commons” idea is a response to the many changes shaping the world around us. The Plan for the area is influenced by the long-term shifts from 2008 economic recession, the so-called “Amazon effect” on retailing and commerce, and the evolving trends in the ways people choose to spend their time and money. It also arrived at a time when Monticello was preparing the Monticello 2040 Vision Plan. We needed to reimagine how development in this space could best fit into the Monticello community.
Project Planning
The City Council is ultimately responsible for the decisions that will flow from the plan, and they have debated its pros and cons in several forums. Most of those forums have included one or all the City’s commissions, including Planning Commission; Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission; and the Economic Development Authority.
The landowners within the district were also a critical voice in the conceptual planning from the very beginning – before Council had even authorized proceeding with the Small Area Plan. It was imperative to city staff that Council understood landowner impressions of the project, as they’re vital partners in accomplishing the project vision.
Next Steps
The Planning Commission is holding a public hearing at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 27 to discuss the Chelsea Commons Small Area Plan. Then, at the 6:30 p.m. City Council meeting, Council will consider formally adopting the Small Area Plan. Help City Council name the 'Chelsea Commons' project by selecting your favorite name here!