It’s finally over — Visioning 2014 and Beyond

It’s show-and-tell time for the 15-member steering committee; appointed a year and a half ago to complete the city’s visioning initiative — and Historic City News reporters are still asking, “Where’s the beef?”

The brainchild of Vice-Mayor Roxanne Horvath, we have witnessed the resignation of some appointees, some of which were replaced, some citing frustration with the cost, methods, and involvement by a Gainesville facilitator; hired to provide direction during nearly two dozen arguably unproductive and needless meetings.

But on Monday, June 8th, Horvath and her minions will face the mayor, city commissioners, and taxpayers; during a public meeting when they will present their vision for our community’s future.

The committee has received input at three town hall meetings, from a survey with over 500 respondents, and from hundreds of conversations with friends, neighbors, co-workers and clients, all to determine the best way to state the community’s own vision for St. Augustine’s future.

So, after all of that effort, time, and money, what have they come up with for our investment?  The committee agreed upon this vision statement:

St. Augustine will be livable, authentic, waterfront city that builds upon its rich history and environment to create a distinctive community character founded on a healthy and vibrant economy, a diverse mix of people and experiences and a valuing of its natural assets.

The committee also identified four strategic goals that they believe are critical to the city’s future — goals that have to be considered a priority. Those four goals are:

Livability, Character, Authenticity and Vitality.

The June 8 meeting is set for 1:00 p.m. in The Alcazar Room, City Hall, 75 King Street. The meeting is open to the public and available for live and on-demand viewing at www.CoSATV.com.

The Visioning 2014 and Beyond steering committee members are: