A sweeping revitalization of the New York Avenue corridor could feature a retro 1950s theme mixed with international flair, tree-lined sidewalks and a walkable, urban design.

These were among the ideas laid out by consultants and city leaders during a public meeting Saturday addressing the future of the east Arlington corridor.

"This is the vision of the people of East Arlington," Planning Project Manager Douglas McDonald said. "These are their ideas for what they want their neighborhood to be."

The New York Avenue corridor - bounded by East Abram on the north and East Arkansas Lane on the south - serves as a key connector between the Entertainment District, General Motors Assembly Plant and Interstate 20.

City leaders say the area, which was developed in the late 1950s and '60s after the opening of the nearby GM plant in 1954, is now primed for redevelopment.

City officials and consultants from Jacobs Engineering and Ricker Cunningham began meeting with residents, business owners and other stakeholders last October to develop this plan.

In surveys and meetings, residents said they wanted a plan that celebrates the area's cultural diversity and flourishing Hispanic and Vietnamese neighborhoods, while also capturing the spirit of the area from its heyday in the 1950s and '60s.

"This was the place to be. It was a very good place to live back then," said Ray Mulligan, who moved to this neighborhood 43 years ago and attended Saturday's meeting. "We would just like to see the area come back."

His wife, Stacy, added, "This is awesome. We are so excited. It is long overdue."

The strategy now calls for a new neighborhood grocer, loft apartments with retail and office space, cottage housing for seniors, and improved landscaping and sidewalks. City leaders will work to lure private development and investment to the area.

Denise Saldivar, who has lived off of New York Avenue for 23 years, said she hopes to see parks or other amenities for young people.

"There are a lot of teenagers around here, and we have nothing for them to do," Saldivar said. "We need to find ways to keep them busy and out of trouble."

The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the redevelopment strategy June 5 and consider for approval Aug. 7. City Council is scheduled to review it June 18 and consider for approval Aug. 20.

McDonald urged the more than 100 participants on Saturday to attend the meetings,

"We can only do so much to tell your story. You can tell your story so much better."