The Cultural Council, under the leadership of Barbara Hoffman, and with the help of a large committee of strong supporters, the Arts Village has blossomed from an interesting idea to a solid plan to develop a partially run-down area of the city into a vibrant community that would initiate mixed-use zoning for artists with studios, as other cities around the country have done. The area is between 14th and 20 Avenue, between 18th and 19th streets, which is close to downtown, and adjacent to several galleries, and has been welcomed by business owners, and residents alike.
The organizers have gone through a structured charrette, several public meetings and many appearances before the City Council, as well as trips to other successful examples in other parts of the state. The organization, thoroughness, and planning that has gone into the project is exemplary. The people guiding this are experienced, committed and talented, and there have been no city or federal funds involved, all private funding, which shows how committed the committee members are to the project. A very good example of Vero Beach at its best.