May ended with a "small dig" for around 50 Monroe citizens on the 28th on the inner lane of 10th Street and 17th Avenue that will prove to be a giant leap for the future development of our downtown as a whole. This would not have occurred without the unanimous vote of the Monroe City Council on May 19 that gave the go-ahead for this $4.1 million project to move forward. Thank you!
This might be a good place to pause to clarify that the E & N Hughes bid of $2.1 million that was awarded the general contract for the street, sidewalk and utility work has not ballooned. Rather, the $4.1 million state loan sought, which will be paid back totally by TID 7 funds, is inclusive of the entire downtown makeover. The work constructing barrier walls in the open coal bins that has been completed, the new water line that has been installed, the major street work and the post-street construction work of installing street lights, trees, landscaping, benches, trash bins and directional signage that lies ahead all are included in the $4.1 million total. Fehr-Graham took the long, conservative view on this project to do its best for no adjustments in financing by planning for any surprises that may be uncovered in venturing under our downtown sidewalks and streets. Depending on surprises, we may be well under the $4.1 million drawn on this state loan.
Now, back to the giant leap I mentioned. I want to state clearly that colored concrete, new streetlights, benches, street trees or even the absence of parking meters are not going to transform the downtown into a super commerce center. I have to confess this, as I have been informed by some individuals that we don't need any of this street stuff. And, they are right. The downtown culture is the key.
These voices are right in the sense that what we have is "good enough." Street and sidewalk conditions are good enough to meet the current needs - with yearly patching, of course. Downtown conditions are good enough for what people have come to expect - those who have lived or shopped here long enough to expect nothing more. And the physical conditions should be good enough for those who may be looking at living or doing business here, as we are a strong, solid community - and they can accept how things are and adapt or go somewhere else. The reason for Main Street revitalization comes down to a fundamental question: Is "good enough" our best future?
The Streetscape investment project is very important as it provides a new future.
It is as significant in risk as a farmer investing his banked assets in new farm equipment with the hope of increasing productivity, or a home owner investing in a physical improvement with the expectation of greater market value. The availability of The Facade Grant Improvement matching grant fund from TID funds has resulted in more than $75,000 reinvested into downtown improvements by private investment! The current downtown streetscape reinvestment project addresses infrastructure needs, as well as cosmetic amenities and will create a more pedestrian-friendly and ascetically-pleasing aspect to our historic Square. But, it is just one piece in the puzzle in downtown revitalization.
A remaining piece lies totally in the hands of the businesses that recognize they have the power to organize and attract local customers when they are ready to shop and do business. Main Street is very ready to be a partner in this endeavor. The best building is built from the ground up. The true giant leap will be made by the businesses ready to ride the wave of change.
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She writes a monthly update on the organization for the Monroe Times. She can be reached at 328-4023.
This might be a good place to pause to clarify that the E & N Hughes bid of $2.1 million that was awarded the general contract for the street, sidewalk and utility work has not ballooned. Rather, the $4.1 million state loan sought, which will be paid back totally by TID 7 funds, is inclusive of the entire downtown makeover. The work constructing barrier walls in the open coal bins that has been completed, the new water line that has been installed, the major street work and the post-street construction work of installing street lights, trees, landscaping, benches, trash bins and directional signage that lies ahead all are included in the $4.1 million total. Fehr-Graham took the long, conservative view on this project to do its best for no adjustments in financing by planning for any surprises that may be uncovered in venturing under our downtown sidewalks and streets. Depending on surprises, we may be well under the $4.1 million drawn on this state loan.
Now, back to the giant leap I mentioned. I want to state clearly that colored concrete, new streetlights, benches, street trees or even the absence of parking meters are not going to transform the downtown into a super commerce center. I have to confess this, as I have been informed by some individuals that we don't need any of this street stuff. And, they are right. The downtown culture is the key.
These voices are right in the sense that what we have is "good enough." Street and sidewalk conditions are good enough to meet the current needs - with yearly patching, of course. Downtown conditions are good enough for what people have come to expect - those who have lived or shopped here long enough to expect nothing more. And the physical conditions should be good enough for those who may be looking at living or doing business here, as we are a strong, solid community - and they can accept how things are and adapt or go somewhere else. The reason for Main Street revitalization comes down to a fundamental question: Is "good enough" our best future?
The Streetscape investment project is very important as it provides a new future.
It is as significant in risk as a farmer investing his banked assets in new farm equipment with the hope of increasing productivity, or a home owner investing in a physical improvement with the expectation of greater market value. The availability of The Facade Grant Improvement matching grant fund from TID funds has resulted in more than $75,000 reinvested into downtown improvements by private investment! The current downtown streetscape reinvestment project addresses infrastructure needs, as well as cosmetic amenities and will create a more pedestrian-friendly and ascetically-pleasing aspect to our historic Square. But, it is just one piece in the puzzle in downtown revitalization.
A remaining piece lies totally in the hands of the businesses that recognize they have the power to organize and attract local customers when they are ready to shop and do business. Main Street is very ready to be a partner in this endeavor. The best building is built from the ground up. The true giant leap will be made by the businesses ready to ride the wave of change.
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She writes a monthly update on the organization for the Monroe Times. She can be reached at 328-4023.
