Some have remarked:
Q. "Aren't we getting the "cart before the horse"? What happened to the "Streetscape Project?"
A. It is in harmony with the Streetscape plan. However, the "Streetscape plan" which buries utilities, installs a storm water system, curbing, lighting and sidewalks, is an expensive plan (utilities burying and the storm water system is estimated at $8,000,000).
It cannot just be the Mayor's and/or the Steering Committee 's "Streetscape Plan." It will need broad support from many within the City. We have submitted the preliminary plan to the Master Plan Commission and have encouraged their support. They will review and determine the merit and either include or not include in the "Master Plan" for the City of Aurora. The Master Plan will be in place by the end of 2007.
Q. It is in a poor location-the elevation is wrong -how do we access, why is there a patio base opening, why the sandstone benches?
A. The Town Center Point patio and clock tower is a "work of art." It was never intended to be as gathering place. It is placed in a location that brings real focus to the Town Center of City of Aurora. The elevation change brings depth to the area and provides character, the same for the patio opening gives dimension and attractiveness to the limestone cap pieces. The sandstone benches enhance the appearance much like the three limestone benches at The Church of Aurora.
Q. The Town Center Point Area is too small for the project.
A. The triangle area is 5,865 square feet and the entire patio and clock tower requires 804 square feet. The area will be cleared of all brush and debris and properly cleared as it is quite a large area.
Other opinions:
- The Ohio Historical Society in a letter dated February 27, 2007 offered this prospective:
William Palmer, History/Architecture Development Reviews Manager, Resource Protection and Review, "It is my opinion that the introduction of the clock tower structure to the historic district in general and specifically to the immediate area at N. Aurora Road and S. Chillicothe Road should not negatively affect any historic property or the Historic District."
Planning, Zoning & Building Division Director - Richard Wehrenberg
The proposed clock tower could provide a much needed focal point and unifying element to what could come to be called the Town Center of Aurora. Currently to the west of the clock tower site is a municipal area, with Town Hall, the Police Station, Service Center, Walker Building and others; to the east is the area with the gazebo and library; and to the north, south and east is the Historic District. The unique position of the clock tower is where these three areas coincide.
The clock tower could take on a role as an identifying symbol of the City. As such, care should be taken to ensure that the tower design effectively represents the architectural style of Aurora.
The tower will also bring beautification to what is now at best a bland, undeveloped piece of land at one of the most heavily traveled intersections in the City. A well designed tower, which should tie in stylistically with improvements already in place at Town Hall and the cemetery, can improve the City’s image by dressing up that area. If other streetscaping improvements are added at a later time around the site, the tower could become a focal point of an improvement theme that identifies Aurora.
In summary, the clock tower can provide a unifying, beautifying improvement to a bland area and provide a focal point for a new Town Center District.
Aurora Chamber of Commerce - Dr. Anthony Badalamenti, President
On behalf of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, we would like to support the Town Center Point Project. We feel that this will be a welcome addition to the City of Aurora.
The mission of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate the growth of Aurora businesses and tourism as well as invest in programs that enhance and enrich the community. Town Center Point will be funded by private donations from organizations and individuals and we support this endeavor that will indeed enhance and enrich the Aurora community.
Thousands of visitors come to Aurora each year and Aurora needs a focal point that will invite and promote further economic growth to our City.
We thank you in advance and hope the Landmark Commission will move forward with this vital project for our great city.
Mr. Leonard Miller -108 S. Chillicothe Road
Mr. Leonard Miller owns the home and property adjacent to the Town Center Point. He is in support of the project and will work with the City to enhance the area.