GUEST COMMENTARY

Editor’s note: Richard Winger is a member of the Vero Beach City Council.

RICHARD WINGER

Envision a place that is different from any other place in Florida! A place dedicated to living and enjoying the Arts. Envision an old Florida village, within one of Florida’s traditional small Cities, where the best of “old Florida” is still nurtured. Envision cottages where artists live and work, and where visitors are welcome, perhaps to watch creation or enjoy a fine cottage prepared meal, or perhaps stay in a small old time inn. Imagine a place where buildings are not large, but rather attractive and functional — a place where there is outdoor statutory and perhaps a monument or two amongst the flowers and live oaks?

The Culture Council of Indian River County recently held a very successful Charrette September 12-18 and has exactly that kind of plan to foster revitalization and restoration of a historical, but needy neighborhood, called Edgewood. Many historic cottages still exist in this area, just west of the existing art shops and restaurants blooming on 14^th Avenue. The Arts Village will extend this happening westward to 20^th Avenue, bordered on the North by Highway 60, and the South by 18^th Street.

Envision a central promenade boulevard of a walkable and bike-friendly neighborhood, focused on the east/west running 19^th Street, which will become a shady, pleasant, and quaintly-lighted promenade. Envision streets returned to their historical names, featuring historic Osceola, Indiana and Florida Boulevard, in place of the current boring numbers.

Understand that an Arts Village is different than an Arts District, because in an Arts Village, artists may chose to create and reside in their studio. A Village is typically an older residential neighborhood, characterized by interesting historic architecture, which accommodates gatherings and creation, but remains a neighborhood, but a special kind of neighborhood.

The Village will be the creation of the current residents enriched by those that chose to live and work in an area expected to draw visitors of all kinds from a broad region. There will be a role for the public and private sectors. For example, a new street tree planting program that needs to be approved and facilitated by the City and the Cultural Council. But the trees and labor will be donated by the private sector. The City also has a part, beyond encouragement, by creating a zoning overlay district, to include limited gallery, retail, cafe, residential and lodging.

The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council is developing a draft report, which will be submitted in the fall of 2015. And yes, there is much to consider, like parking and possible venues for outdoor celebrations. But there are projects that can begin immediately under the leadership team of the Cultural Council and its Director, Barbara Hoffman. How about the creation of an Edgewood Neighborhood Association? Would it be possible to take the big blank wall of AT&T along eastbound 60 to allow for a professional mural program? What about finding a way to make the 20^th Avenue lateral drainage canal a pleasant public place, instead of an eye-sore? And what about the Freshman Learning Center? Is there a way to work with the Indian River School Board to make the façade attractive and to better utilize the building? All of these things and more can begin now to make our City that much better. It is time to go to work!

Yes, it is time to envision a place that swarms with tree canopies, gardens and murals. Envision a community that exists beyond trends, with an image and purpose of its own – Creation!

Go to www.verobeachculturalartsvillage.com to learn more.