Laserfiche WebLink
PRIORITY GOAL #3 <br /> Take Downtown Decatur to the Next Level, <br /> because a Healthy Downtown Benefits the <br /> Whole City; and select other commercial <br /> districts for revitalization <br /> OVERVIEW: The City of Decatur has made significant investments in its Downtown.The <br /> improved infrastructure has induced private investment in new restaurants, specialty shops <br /> and office buildings. Several building owners have opted to upgrade their properties by <br /> improving facades and investing in building rehabilitation.The City Council acknowledges, <br /> however,that the central business district has not yet reached its full potential to attract more <br /> commercial activity, urban residential living,entertainment and destination venues,etc.—all <br /> of which helps Downtown gain strength and grow outward into adjacent distressed areas to <br /> create a more well-rounded `live-woriz-play-learn'environment in the city's center. <br /> The City Council will continue efforts to maize Downtown Decatur stronger and more vibrant, <br /> and to also apply the same redevelopment mantra to other unique commercial districts line <br /> the Oahwood District, because a healthy urban core, and healthy neighborhood shopping <br /> areas, are important indicators of local economic health. The following are specific objectives <br /> the City Council plans to pursue: <br /> 1. Provide financial incentives for development of Downtown residential projects. <br /> 2. Use a structured development strategy incorporating marizet analysis, new policies, <br /> public art,fresh designs, &tourism promotion to drive additional economic vitality <br /> and create"buzz." <br /> 3. Collaborate with and support the owners of the Lincoln Theater project and the <br /> Barnes-Citizen Buildings, and other anchor redevelopment sites Downtown. <br /> 4. Determine the best long-term uses for existing civic center and public open spaces <br /> downtown; select others to run events in these spaces. <br /> 5. Assist others in attracting professional and/or retail and housing uses into <br /> unoccupied spaces to attract and cater to a broad cross-section of the community. <br /> 6. Revise the downtown parking scheme to meet new downtown parking needs. <br /> 7. Connect new and existing development partners to grants, site information, new <br /> financing options, modern signage and uniform facade ideas, and provide other <br /> technical assistance to move projects forward. <br /> 8. Based on changing needs and land uses, update the Downtown area's boundaries <br /> and the incentives available in this area,and then decide which options can be <br /> implemented in other Decatur commercial districts. <br /> Page 5 <br />