What do Galva citizens want? Housing, more jobs, a more attractive downtown and a better way to get information about city services. That’s according to a survey taken last fall.
At a well-attended Community and Economic Development meeting held on May 1, at Allenia Space, Cole McDaniel, president of Hometown Consulting, opened the program with a recap of the city’s comprehensive plan, which included the key pillars of housing, economic development, placemaking and communication.
According to McDaniel, the survey will play a key role in plan development.
“We heard what you had to say,” said McDaniel, who has been working with city officials to create a new comprehensive city plan. “There has been updates since the original plan from 1960, but we now have the needed data and the tools to address the changes that occurred since then and make and keep Galva successful.”
McDaniel, whose firm is based in Havana, understands the unique problems of small towns. He also noted that rural communities have many strengths.
“The survey showed that citizens had many of the same ideas, and Galva’s Economic Development Committee can bring these ideas together and put us all on the same page,” he said. “Such things as assistance with grant applications, marketing ideas and boosting communications will help current businesses and assist those wanting to open new ones in the city.”
An audience survey, in real time, was conducted by Amanda Sampson, Design and Operations director of Hometown Consulting.
Those attending could respond anonymously, via their cell phones, to certain key questions shown on the room’s large screen. Responses about the types of housing needed, the desired age ranges for population growth, the kinds of employers and jobs desired, and how a one-stop live-work-play concept were among the suggested ways to keep people spending money in town.
Sampson shared data that in Henry, Mercer, and Stark counties, a combination of single-family dwellings, rentals, duplexes and manufactured and mobile homes were all listed as desirable.
A need for senior citizen and handicapped housing was also voiced.
“Barriers to accessible housing are cost, interest rates, available homes and apartments,” said Samson. “A housing development that includes all these structures, as well as green space, areas for recreation in a convenient location, close to town, could be one solution.”
Galva will soon be launching a new city website. According to Sampson, the website will allow users to find city services more easily, pay bills and learn about community events.
“We want to make the site user-friendly so that information is readily accessible and up to date,” said Sampson. “Residents will also be able to pay bills online, check out ordinances, and get the applications for and costs of such things as building permits.”
Allenia Space owner, Astrid Haryati, completed the evening’s program by sharing a housing development concept on the city-owned property in the southeast section of town. She spoke on the importance of green space, walkability and infrastructure, all with a mix of housing types.
Haryati suggested that small town businesses that coordinate with a specific color palette and insert trees along the sidewalk can enhance the city’s appearance.
“Walkways with appealing designs, as well as artwork and green space, can encourage more shopping and increase visitors who spend money,” said Haryati.
The winner of the city’s SPARK contest, Haryati has transformed the large room east of Crescent City into a welcoming space for wedding showers, birthday parties and other events. She also has a large array of household items, as well as gift items and greeting cards.
An artist as well as an architect, Haryati created a large “storyboard” that depicts her ideas of how Galva could enhance the downtown, as well as the suggested housing concept. The public is welcome to stop into Allenia Space to view the information.
“Galva is a very welcoming town,” said Haryati. “City officials and the community are ready to build on the strengths we have – and Hometown Consulting is leading us.”
More community programs are planned as the city’s comprehensive plan continues to grow.
