Downtown revitalization

[Army_of_One]

I was reading the candidates opinions today in the paper. I was wondering what "downtown revitalization" means? What exactly would they do to "revitalize" downtown? Paint? Where would that money come from and how much would it cost?

[jackknife]

I'm guessing it would be about getting stores back in the buildings and getting people down there to shop.

[Flying Dutchman]

Good luck on that jack. When they re-did it back in the day, they ruined it by not having good parking or access.

[Army_of_One]

Originally Posted by jackknife

I'm guessing it would be about getting stores back in the buildings and getting people down there to shop.

Are there a lot of vacant stores downtown? I think the big building that used to house the furniture store is vacant but not sure how many other vacant buildings there are.

[Mike B.]

IMO,

As a community grows (speaking about suburbs, housing editions, etc.), businesses follow that growth. That's why we have the mall up north. That's the direction this town has been, and is growing. As that happens people look for more convienent places to shop and do business, places closer to home and work, thus leaving behind our downtown. Our downtown district (if you want to call it that) is not conducive to growth, it's not laid out in a manner that encourages many visits to that area. We have it isolated from visitors and even local people. It's difficult to get to.

For us to see revitalization of downtown, it would take a major overhaul. Alot, and I mean alot, of money would need to be invested. It may or may not happen.

Convienence is what it's all about now. Why put up with the hassel of going downtown when I can get what I need and want close to home. (and on the internet)

Our best hope would be to draw visitors into downtown by making it the old west. Just my opinion!

[Flying Dutchman]

I agree with the old west theme. Unfortunately just how one would get the business' there to go that route.........

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

I agree with the old west theme. Unfortunately just how one would get the business' there to go that route.........

FD,

That's a great question! Maybe if someone's business were to become really successful, others would follow?

[jeezeweeze]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

IMO,Our best hope would be to draw visitors into downtown by making it the old west. Just my opinion!

That would be great.

[The Drifter]

Only thing that will bring people downtown is a casino...rip out the buildings and put it there.

[K C Muffin]

Hmmm. If a casino will bring them downtown, then why rip out the buildings - why not keep the facades to look like they did way back when, tear down a block or so to make room for more parking space and put up a casino/hotel? Then the stores left down there could be more successful. If you ask me, I don't even go downtown when I'm in Dodge. Second Ave. should never have been closed from the south. I don't know who's nightmare that was. Did they think they were keeping people downtown by making it harder to get out? What they really did was make it harder to get in. Stupid steer. Why not close off 3rd street instead.....