That describes any one of several trendy downtowns in newly revitalized towns across the United States. And it's what the commercial corridor of U.S. 441 in Plantation could become if a new master plan for the area to beunveiled at tonight's City Council meeting is adopted.
Carr, Smith, Corradino, a Miami-based consulting and engineering firm, is proposing an extensive redesign for the north-south highway on the eastern edge of the city.
``Very aggressive,'' said Councilman Ron Jacobs of the plan.
In addition to the standard sidewalk and landscaping improvements, the proposal includes: buying 29 homes bordering the northeast section and converting them into park space; acquiring several used-car dealerships to add to the medical district; creating an office-tower complex with a public/private partnership; and replacing commercial land with single-family homes in the southwest section.
The plan is bold, controversial and ultimately expensive. The three-month study did not include a formal price tag, but with all the improvements, council members are looking at a multimillion-dollar cost.
While many said they are pleased with the plan, it has already drawn critics. Country Club Estates residents filed protest petitions with the city during the preliminary design phase. And residents in the surrounding unincorporated neighborhoods have not weighed in yet.
The city would have to cross into the unincorporated neighborhood to buy homes bordering the northeast section. Over the past decade, relations between the two areas have been strained.
``They are going to scream and holler,'' said local businessman Richard Allison, predicting reaction from the unincorporated eastern neighborhoods. Plantation has had no discussions on this proposal with residents in those areas.
Just 10 years ago, the city faced a similar situation. The council had commissioned the Newman Plan, another study that called for an aggressive revamping of the highway corridor. The Newman Plan design called for buffer walls on both sides of the street and aviary parks and monkey cages in front of the shopping plazas.
But the plan faltered, say politicians, because of a combination of political dissension, lack of funding and strong opposition from the unincorporated neighbors. Residents there fought the plan to build a wall between the businesses and their homes, saying the city was trying to wall them out.
The question remains: So what has changed in 10 years?
``I see this as just another lovely report, and I don't know whether it's going to go anywhere in the future,'' said local business owner Art Rosen.
Council members are promising a different ending. It's a new political climate, they say, more unified behind revitalization and more willing to take on the cost.
``We will find the money, I have no doubt,'' Jacobs said.
Herald staff writer Deirdre Davidson can be reached by e-mail at ddavidson@herald.com
IF YOU GO
The Plantation City Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. today at in City Hall, 400 NW 73rd Ave