Becker offers blueprint for S.L. neighborhoods

Mayoral candidate Ralph Becker, in the latest in his series of so-called "blueprint" plans for Salt Lake City, has announced his policy proposals for the city's neighborhoods.

"Our historic neighborhoods — from Poplar Grove to Sugar House, from St. Mary's to Rose Park, from downtown to Glendale, from Capitol Hill to the Avenues — retain the character of Salt Lake's colorful history," he wrote in his announcement. "At the same time, these areas are constantly evolving along with their residents and local businesses."

• Promoting commercial centers in neighborhoods. "Neighborhoods are defined by streets and homes that foster interaction by residents, and by neighborhood centers where people gather," he wrote.
  He says he would update all the city's neighborhoods' guiding plans within six years. He would also promote renovation of existing buildings, and revise building and zoning codes with an eye to sustainability.

• Enhancing the safety of neighborhoods throughout the city. Becker says he would tackle panhandling, enforce a zero-tolerance policy for drugs in parks and ensure that all graffiti in the city is removed within 36 hours of being reported.

• Establishing downtown as a residential neighborhood as well as a regional gathering place. He says he would push for expanded housing options downtown, noting that 10 percent of the city's population already lives there.

  The plan calls for boosting the arts downtown. Becker says he would work with state and county officials to locate major cultural and government facilities downtown, with the philosophy, "If there's only one, it belongs downtown."

  He says he would also boost downtown's nightlife by working with the City Council to change ordinances that restrict the location of restaurants, bars and similar businesses.

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