Duluth denizens have the opportunity to shape the future of their city as the former site of Central High School awaits a fresh lease on life. According to a public announcement by the City of Duluth, locals are invited to voice their thoughts on the Draft Alternative Urban Areawide Review (Draft AUAR) for the Central High School Redevelopment Project until March 21, 2024. This AUAR is a vital step in understanding potential environmental impacts before any development kicks off on the sprawling 80-acre tract.
The investigation area, near Central Entrance and H. Courtney Drive, encompasses the Incline Village project in addition to the former school grounds. Two paths have been laid out for consideration: Scenario A, which envisions a business park dotted with light industrial and warehousing, and Scenario B, a blend of commercial and residential spaces that promise a mixed-use milieu. The city's approach, breaking down the assessment into a Scoping EAW, and Draft AUAR phases, has ensured that only informed scenarios make it to the drawing board – with the Final AUAR to follow post-discussion.
Public commentary is not merely a formality; it is a call to civic responsibility. Each submission on the Draft AUAR's thoroughness or potential hidden environmental consequences can prove influential. Citizens can also highlight additional information needs or suggest essential mitigation strategies to ensure that any forthcoming developments are in harmony with Duluth's environmental ethos. For those who prefer the analog approach, a physical copy of the Draft AUAR is neatly tucked away in the Reference Department at the downtown Duluth Public Library.
As the city braces for feedback, Kyle Deming, Senior Planner, stands ready at the Department of Planning and Economic Development to receive written comments via email or the ever-reliable US Mail. It's democracy at work, with comments slated to become part of the AUAR's official ledger. After the community has its say, the Planning Commission will deliberate on responses and recommended adjustments at a meeting expected to occur in April 2024. The anticipated culmination of this process – the Final AUAR adoption – is earmarked for May 2024, concluding a journey that begins with the collective insight of Duluth's inhabitants.
In true democratic spirit, the planning process comes with a public hearing, open to all, at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in the Council Chambers at Duluth City Hall.
