From Terry Faith

Monroe

Letter to the Editor: 

I would like to compliment Baumgartner’s on their beautiful addition to our square. It is investment and entrepreneurship like this that brings people downtown to enjoy our square area which has so much to offer including great food and drinks, amazing local art, and wonderful local businesses and shops. 

I for one would love to see more outdoor seating during the summer months. The loss of a few parking spots during late spring to early fall months is minimal and there are ample handicapped spots that are available for those that need them. The stroll from the center row on the square, the side streets or the 4 parking lots within 1 block of the square is minimal and probably comparable to parking lots in larger cities. 

It also brings opportunities for those strolling by side street and square businesses to stop in and see the wonderful offerings in our downtown area. The uniqueness of the outdoor seating is likely to be a draw for customers from all over which can only benefit the downtown. 

I would also like to give a shout out to the Monroe Main Street organization which has brought such charming art, activities and entertainment to the town. 

Additionally, we are so fortunate to have the Monroe Theater guild, MAAC center, Cars on the Square, Concerts on the Square, Farmer’s Market, National Historic Cheese Center, Green County Fair and Cheese Days. 

The community should be so proud of the efforts the volunteers and businesses that put forth the effort to provide the wonderful opportunities we have in Monroe. There will always be those that criticize changes, but the reality is that if Monroe’s downtown is to thrive is needs to become a draw for socializing and entertainment. We are in a society that allows us to purchase anything online and have it delivered to our doorstep or to go to huge box stores. What we cannot purchase is a stroll around the downtown neighborhood, a cold drink and great food outside while running into people you know, the pleasant conversation and ideas from the local vendors and the community feeling these opportunities bring.