Thank you for your interest in developing on Highway 20 in Galena! While our history is our key asset, additional growth and economic development in our community are essential to maintaining our vitality into the future. Accordingly, we welcome your consideration of Highway 20 and Galena for new or expanded business and housing opportunities.
However, we all agreed that Galena is unique with an exceptional community image. That image is what drew most of here, and what will continue to draw new visitors, businesses and residents in the future. As a result, there is a strong community consensus that we take proactive steps to define and articulate that image as we work to attract needed, additional development.
No doubt, your interest in locating in Galena results from our renowned historic district and exceptional quality of life. Businesses and residents feel very fortunate to be a part of this outstanding community, and we welcome the opportunity to share what we have with others. We have a long-established reputation of providing outstanding hospitality to visitors and are working hard every day to extend that hospitality to new businesses and residents as well. We believe that this Design Manual and the corresponding revisions to other provisions of our Zoning Ordinance are a big step forward in achieving that goal.
Through this Design Manual we hope to clearly communicate our expectations for new development and redevelopment, while at the same time simplify the development review process. Reasonable minds can and will disagree about what constitutes"good design". As a community, we had many spirited debates about the qualities that defined our community and those we wished to enhance and add in the future.
While not everyone will agree with every aspect of the design concepts and standards contained in this Manual, please be assured that each was carefully considered and debated by a diverse group of citizens and reviewed by the community at large. When considered together, we truly believe the concepts and standards put forth in this Manual will result in development that adds to Galena's unique image. Further, it also should result in development that strikes a fair balance between our community goals and objectives and those of individual property owners.
Again, we appreciate your interest in our community. The information in this Manual is intended to be an invaluable resource to you as you design your project that when followed, should result in a predictable, fair and timely review and approval. As you work your way through the contents, please do not hesitate to contact the city zoning staff with questions or to discuss your specific development concepts and designs.