MONROE - Monroe's downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors is considering some practical ways of making downtown more inviting for customers, visitors and residents.
One issue discussed at the board's past two meetings is the visibility and number of dumpsters.
"Our basic goal is to reduce the number of dumpsters, because they are so unsightly, especially in the alleys that butt up against Spring Square," BID President Sherrill Kelly said.
Kelly said the board has options to deal with the issue, but they need more study.
Another issue that has been recognized with this winter's heavy snowfall is the need to coordinate snow removal from sidewalks and streets.
"The city does an amazing job getting rid of the snow down here," Kelly said. "But we need to create a way to clear sidewalks with the snow removal."
Kelly said business owners shovel snow from sidewalks into gutters, which force people to step through snow up to 2 feet deep at times to get to the curb. And once cars are parked on the Square during the day, city plows can no longer clear the gutters.
Kelly said she and the board are talking about the possibility of either buying snow removal equipment or contracting a maintenance company to clear sidewalks on the Square and in the BID while the city is plowing streets.
The board also continues to identify people who have a connection with the local Hispanic population.
"The sentiment of BID is to incorporate them (Hispanics) into our community, where they have a role," Kelly said. The board is looking at various ways to communicate that intent, she said.
The board decided to increase the frequency of its meetings to once a month April through September, in order to stay abreast of the many changes expected to come in light of the city's upcoming sesquicentennial and Cheese Days celebrations. They will then return to meeting every other month in November and January.
One issue discussed at the board's past two meetings is the visibility and number of dumpsters.
"Our basic goal is to reduce the number of dumpsters, because they are so unsightly, especially in the alleys that butt up against Spring Square," BID President Sherrill Kelly said.
Kelly said the board has options to deal with the issue, but they need more study.
Another issue that has been recognized with this winter's heavy snowfall is the need to coordinate snow removal from sidewalks and streets.
"The city does an amazing job getting rid of the snow down here," Kelly said. "But we need to create a way to clear sidewalks with the snow removal."
Kelly said business owners shovel snow from sidewalks into gutters, which force people to step through snow up to 2 feet deep at times to get to the curb. And once cars are parked on the Square during the day, city plows can no longer clear the gutters.
Kelly said she and the board are talking about the possibility of either buying snow removal equipment or contracting a maintenance company to clear sidewalks on the Square and in the BID while the city is plowing streets.
The board also continues to identify people who have a connection with the local Hispanic population.
"The sentiment of BID is to incorporate them (Hispanics) into our community, where they have a role," Kelly said. The board is looking at various ways to communicate that intent, she said.
The board decided to increase the frequency of its meetings to once a month April through September, in order to stay abreast of the many changes expected to come in light of the city's upcoming sesquicentennial and Cheese Days celebrations. They will then return to meeting every other month in November and January.