Posted by: jawjaw
Small Town Revisited - 04/22/04 07:28 AM
I wasn't sure where to post this, but I wanted to get it while I could.
In reading my hometown paper today, it seems a group of concerned citizens are meeting to try and revitalize the downtown area. They have received 40K in grant monies (whoop-de-do) and they really believe they can do something with that money...I have my doubts here. Anyhoo... Here's the scene: beautiful old buildings, all abandoned with very old owners who refuse to take care of them, OR sell them, no parking meters on the streets (this is a plus), nothing but a library, a dinner theater (which is VERY active) and florist occupies the area. It breaks my heart to see this city die and would love to be a part of the effort to reclaim it. However, I think they need to focus on things that would attract families to shop in the area. Not just put plants along the streets (which was one suggestion for the 40k).
The town is part of a triangle-type area with two other towns bordering it. These are growing by leaps and bounds, while this one just dies a little each day. I wish they would offer tax incentives for the area, fix up some buildings, clean up the town, host some festivals, get on the map...etc..etc..
I thought I would post this in here and see if anyone has had experience in the area of revitalization???? If so, I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions. If you prefer to email me, that's okay to. You know...if the city would offer a good enough tax break, I'd quit my job, buy one of the old buildings, fix it up, have a biz downstairs, and live upstairs. Hmm...
In reading my hometown paper today, it seems a group of concerned citizens are meeting to try and revitalize the downtown area. They have received 40K in grant monies (whoop-de-do) and they really believe they can do something with that money...I have my doubts here. Anyhoo... Here's the scene: beautiful old buildings, all abandoned with very old owners who refuse to take care of them, OR sell them, no parking meters on the streets (this is a plus), nothing but a library, a dinner theater (which is VERY active) and florist occupies the area. It breaks my heart to see this city die and would love to be a part of the effort to reclaim it. However, I think they need to focus on things that would attract families to shop in the area. Not just put plants along the streets (which was one suggestion for the 40k).
The town is part of a triangle-type area with two other towns bordering it. These are growing by leaps and bounds, while this one just dies a little each day. I wish they would offer tax incentives for the area, fix up some buildings, clean up the town, host some festivals, get on the map...etc..etc..
I thought I would post this in here and see if anyone has had experience in the area of revitalization???? If so, I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions. If you prefer to email me, that's okay to. You know...if the city would offer a good enough tax break, I'd quit my job, buy one of the old buildings, fix it up, have a biz downstairs, and live upstairs. Hmm...