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IMAGE AND IDENTITY ISSUES

Regional Image

The regional image of the City of North Liberty was a major concern addressed by the community representatives in the 1992 Comprehensive Plan. The positive changes that have occurred within the City seem to have made its image within the region less of an issue. There still is an overriding desire by the City staff, officials and the public to value the City’s “small town” character and community oriented beliefs. This was expressed continually in the community meetings and the community survey. This should be considered a fundamental and central guiding principal in the update of the Comprehensive Plan. Acknowledged is the fact that the actual size of the City will increase with time. The features and amenities of a small city were stated, however, as primary attributes which should be maintained due to the positive image they express to the region. The Comprehensive Plan should address this desire, and identify ways in which the small city character can be preserved, while accommodating additional development.

In the past, North Liberty’s reputation within the region has been one of modest development. With the City’s growth, differing opinions have surfaced that may present difficulties. While many citizens have identified the desire for the City to continue with its priorities towards modest development and the continued development of affordable housing, many have also identified the desire for the benefits that are associated with a growing community and a larger city. There is concern that existing conditions within some portions of the community may not reflect a high quality image that is also desired.


Community Identity

Factors such as rapid development, physical barriers, and North Liberty’s bedroom community function all serve to detract from the sense of community and cohesiveness. As a result, community identity is lacking within the City. A very strong opinion is found to exist that North Liberty needs to re-establish a physical community focus and related identity. Accomplishing such an objective is seen as benefitting the community’s self image as well as the image perceived at a metropolitan and regional scale. Improving this community identity is seen as an essential element of the Comprehensive Plan Update.


Historic Preservation

As North Liberty continues to grow and expand, the City’s ties to the past are feared by many community representatives as being lost. The City’s “original town” area contains a number of physical features which symbolize North Liberty’s earlier days. These elements also provide a focus and identity for the community. Preservation of such features is an important consideration of the Comprehensive Plan development.
 

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