Minden citizens group meets Tuesday

MINDEN - A newly created Citizens Action Committee will meet for the first time Tuesday to begin work on an economic development plan for Minden's downtown core.

"This is a very exciting time for Minden," said urban planner Bruce Race of Berkeley, Calif., who will facilitate the 6- to 9-month planning process. "This is very important to the future of Minden. Folks should be lining up to participate in something like this."

Members of the citizens' committee include Don Frensdorf, Ron Lange, Karen Dorf, Helen Brownfield, Chris Nenzel, Don Hellwinkel, Bob Cooke, Tom Deck, Michele Gabler, Tim Jacobsen, Bill Henderson and Ray Case. The group represents Minden residents and businesses.

Representatives of the town, county and planning commission also are expected to attend the session which begins at 6 p.m. at the CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., Minden.

"Two things will shape the effort," Race said. "The committee will discuss what marketing opportunities are going to be available for Minden - planning is all about shaping change and shaping opportunity. The second part is what the community wants to accomplish. This is a community-based effort. Members of the Citizens Action Committee are going to be the sponsors. They'll be the folks getting the community input."

The process is being funded with $50,000 from Douglas County which contracted for Race to direct the process through the Sierra Business Council.

"We'll talk about how to include everyone in the discussion. It's a very important agenda. We want to start brainstorming as to what people think Minden's assets are. There's a lot of economic opportunity probably headed to Minden as western Nevada grows. It's up to the community to decide how to capture that opportunity," Race said.

Race is an architect and urban planner who specializes in community-based planning.

He said the town of Minden, founded in the early 20th century, has a simple plan which has stood the test of time.

"The little historic downtown area is really a gem," Race said. "The town has a physical memory. You can feel the history in the community."

For information about the meeting, call the town office at 782-5976.

BRKOUT

What: Minden Citizens Action Committee

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday

Where: CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., Minden.