Just wanted to jump in here and say that the revitalization project going on doesn't just focus on the arts as a means for revitalizing the downtown.  The arts are getting a lot of press right now because they are there and they are doing some great work getting people downtown for activities and such.

 

I'm chair for the Economic Restructing Sub Committee for the Revitalization project.  We are just getting started (our first meeting this week) and I can assure you everyone on the committee knows that a good diversity of businesses downtown is key to having a successful downtown.   If you venture downtown now, you'd begin to see that there are a number of businesses down here that aren't arts related.  We actually have a great start at making something happen downtown.  We have just had or about to have some ribbon cuttings for new businesses downtown.  It's slowly starting to come around.  And it won't happen overnight.  Got a long way to go. 

 

It's hard work opening small businesses in today's economy.  I'm thankful to everyone who tries and who are continuing to take stock in the downtown.  

 

Thanks for your question/concern.  Hope it helps to know that there is a group who will be working in this area.