As part of the Action Agenda process, the contributed ideas were compiled to guide municipalities. Municipal and community leaders used this critical feedback to identify priority action items for each of their communities, resulting in the Next Chapter Action Agenda.
Action Agenda for Bristol
DOWNTOWN
Promote and Support Small Businesses
Bristol will create a marketing program with incentives for new retail development in downtown and an extended town center. We will help support and promote small businesses which may include adding incubator spaces, a co-marketing initiative, and partnerships with existing businesses for low-interest loans.
Expand Downtown Footprint
Bristol will expand its downtown footprint and increase the number of retail establishments. We will review the database of current and vacant building spaces and will identify those which can be repurposed. In addition, we will consider enlarging the downtown business district to include adjacent streets. This new area will include mixed-use development, walkable places, wi-fi access, and the addition of quality dining, shopping, social services and other retail establishments.
INDOT SR 15 and SR 120 Project
Bristol will coordinate with INDOT on the SR 15 and SR 120 road project to help minimize the fiscal impact on downtown merchants, and to promote pedestrian safety during construction.
PARKS & TRAILS
Pedestrian Bridge
Bristol will explore the addition of a pedestrian bridge on N. Division Street which would run parallel to the existing bridge. State Roads 15 and 120 merge downtown creating a significantly high volume of truck and toll road traffic. This has prompted an increasing concern for pedestrian foot traffic in the downtown area and along the current bridge. A pedestrian bridge will give our residents a safe method of travel to and from our downtown, adjacent neighborhoods, and parks during large town events, as well as year-round access to and from the parks, post office, town hall, churches, the Elkhart Civic Theatre and other downtown amenities.
Pathway & Blueway Connections
Bristol will research and evaluate opportunities to expand our trails, greenspaces, and blueway connections to our list of outdoor recreational amenities. We are excited about exploring new ways to engage residents and encourage visitors to come to our area. We will identify potential pathways which are walkable, acceptable for bicycle use, and/or for small watercraft usage.
Pet-Friendly Community
Bristol will explore new opportunities to engage and support pet owners. By engaging pet owners in community activities, we are supporting social connections, physical activity and mental well-being. We will explore pet-friendly events, and amenities such as a dog park, dog trails, water fountains, and pet-friendly hours for appropriate businesses.
Recreational Amenities
Bristol will upgrade, enhance, install and/or expand our recreational amenities. This may include but is not limited to seating, shading, lighting, restrooms, pavilions, ball courts, outdoor gym space, shade sails, ADA playground equipment, electrical systems and other facilities. Upkeep and upgrades will be appealing and accessible for all users and support daily use as well as special events.
ARTS & CULTURE
Develop Community Experiences
Bristol will amplify the use of public amenities and develop new experiences to engage residents and visitors. We will explore events such as: food trucks, movie nights, pop-up events, youth art shows, youth camps, and musical festivals. Bristol also has a dynamic history which we would love to share with the people in and around our community. We will begin exploratory conversations on a self-guided historical walking tour experience.
Arts and Education
Bristol will explore ways to enhance and support year-round arts and education programs for school-age children. We recognize the importance of arts and education in uplifting and engaging our littlest residents and will facilitate partnerships which may build upon current or create new education programs, activities, and/or events hosted at partner venues such as the Elkhart Civic Theatre and Bristol Public Library.
NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
Socialize Community Events
Bristol will socialize the town website and Facebook page as the resident hub for all things happening in and around our community by promoting town events, festivals, parks, volunteer opportunities and other activities.
Housing and Homebuyer Programs
Bristol will explore new, affordable and diversified housing options. We will research incentives for housing developers, consider homebuyer subsidy programs, and will evaluate current housing choices to create a diversified portfolio of housing options to meet the town’s growing population and ongoing need for housing.
VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Promote a Spirit of Volunteerism
Bristol will create, share, and celebrate volunteer opportunities. We will help promote Elkhart County’s Acts of Service Volunteer hub and communicate the importance of giving back to the community.
Implementing the Plan
This Action Agenda is a community-based plan at its core. Vibrant Communities, supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc, came together to fund and facilitate the development of the agenda for the communities of Elkhart County. Vibrant Communities will continue in its role in monitoring and supporting implementation activities.
In addition to their ongoing support, successful implementation will also depend on coordinated efforts of individuals and organizations representing the public, private, and civic sectors across the communities, including:
ORGANIZATIONS
Local organizations have been tasked with a great deal of responsibility in the Action Agenda implementation plan. Through new partnerships and strategic investments of time and resources, these organizations can help implement actions and expand the reach of their network.
PRIVATE BUSINESSES
The Action Agenda reveals a lot about the preferences of Elkhart County. The business community would do well in taking advantage of these preferences through strategic investments. Entrepreneurs may find niche opportunities within the recommendations.
INSTITUTIONS
Through their leadership and resources, local and regional institutions can play a key role in implementation. Their support will help to intensify the impact of each action and forge new relationships with other leaders and organizations.
With the power to shape policy, direct community resources, and represent the public, elected officials have an important role in implementation. The action items show clear evidence of thoughtful and inclusive conversations with the community – one leaders can stand behind with confidence.
