By Susan Motander
In the face of lower revenues and loss of its redevelopment agency, Monrovia has embarked on a process of prioritizing its goals. To this end, a public meeting was held at the Community Center on Tuesday, December 11, with approximately 50 citizens and business owners working to set goals and priorities.
After brainstorming in small groups, all those in attendance had an opportunity to “Vote” for their five priorities of all those proposed. All the suggestions made will be presented to the members of the City Council to aid them in setting the funding priorities for the next several years.
This is not the only opportunity for Monrovians to share their ideas. There will be another such brainstorming, prioritizing session on Saturday, January 12 from 9 -11 a.m. at Calvary Chapel. The church is located at 123 W. Pomona Avenue in Monrovia.
In addition, suggestions can be made on the city’s planning website: PlanMonrovia@ci.monrovia.ca.us, or by texting (626) 219-0845. Suggestions, ideas and questions can also be phones in to (626) 932-5555 x1402.
The session at the Community Center created a diverse list of priorities with everything from fiscal responsibility to eliminating the current contract for animal control. The top five goals of this group were economic development including retaining and attracting new businesses to Old Town and the High Tech Corridor, developing the area around the Gold Line and bring businesses to that area including the area south of the freeway, improving parks and natural areas including providing public access to those areas, maintaining public safety including no further cuts to police or fire and safety in neighborhoods, and balancing the city budget and showing fiscal responsibility.
A complete list of the suggestions made at the meeting will be available soon from the city at the city website.
Laurie Lile, Monrovia City Manager, speaks to residents last week at the community forum. -Photo by Terry Miller