Mayor Jeff Cheney said at a Sept. 16 meeting that City Manager Wes Pierson would be going to the Community Development Corporation to ask for $500,000 to support these businesses.
This comes as some business owners and residents express concerns about how construction downtown is impacting establishments.
What they’re saying
“In the coming weeks, city staff will meet with business owners in the Rail District to talk about their ideas to use and leverage $500,000 to bring visitors downtown,” an emailed statement from the city reads. “Staff intends to present a plan to city council in early October.”
The council’s next meeting is Oct. 7.
The details
The construction downtown is part of a redevelopment project in the area that is set to cost more than $80 million.
The project includes:
- Reconstruction of Elm and Main streets
- A new plaza
- New parking lots and garage
- Grant program to improve area businesses
