Medina wants scope of power, mission statement from group of visionaries

MEDINA – A group is proposing to help Medina establish goals and projects to move the community forward.

The Village Board likes the idea of a group of “visionaries” that would brainstorm ways – big and small – to better Medina, but the board wants to see the group’s mission statement and if they envision acting in an official village capacity.

Kathy Blackburn discussed forming the “Waterfront and Community Development Committee” with the Village Board last week. Blackburn would be one of the members. She said the new committee would expand the scope from a group that worked to develop the Medina Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. That LWRP was funded by the state and tasked Medina with identifying projects to better utilize land near the canal, Oak Orchard Creek and Glenwood Lake. That plan picked about 20 projects to boost economic development, tourism, recreation and residential opportunities. The plan is complete and is awaiting final state approval.

With that group’s work done, Blackburn said there is need for a committee to help the village push along the projects and identify other initiatives away from the waterfront to boost Medina.

“We would make suggestions and strategies to the Medina Village Board,” Blackburn said. “We’re just strategizing what younger people are looking for in a village.”

The group would look at ways to improve and attract more investment in the downtown, neighborhoods, housing, the historic district and other zoning overlays.

Proposed members, besides Blackburn, would include Chris Busch, Andrew Meier, Mark Zambito, Chris Goyette, Gloria Brent, Jake Hebdon and Scott Robinson.

“These are movers and shakers,” said Tim Elliott, a village trustee. “These are people who can get things done.”

Owen Toale, the village’s deputy mayor, said there needs to be a clear defined role for the committee.

“These are all great people,” said Village Trustee Jess Marciano. “How will they overlap, how will they function with the other village committees? I love the idea, but is a formal committee needed?”

Trustee Elliott said the group would function as “think tank” and help identify projects and policies to benefit Medina.

Blackburn said she would work on a mission statement. She said the committee would tap into leaders from business, the Medina Area Partnership and some of the other village committees.

“Our goal would just be visioning,” she said.