EMAIL FROM READER - DOWNTOWN QUESTIONS

Mayor:
I read in the paper that the city is looking at spending some money downtown on improving its appearance? Do you have any specifics? What lighting are you looking at?

First of all, thanks for writing. We have been discussing plans to spend up to $200,000, which will be financed through the downtown Tax Increment District and not the general tax levy, on a number of streetscape improvments. While we have not come up with a final plan yet for discussion and approval, here are some of the ideas
* New downtown lighting - The current poles are becoming more and more vulnerable to breaking down due to their age. Some of the ideas we have discussed is LED lighting, new poles, lights that are similar to the college's new lighting so there is a seamless transition, and more downward-directed lighting
* Trees - Planting between 25 and 50 new trees, and some new species, to create a warmer look to the downtown
* Flower planters - More of them to add color to the downtown
* Park Benches - And not the $12,500 variety. 10-15 benches around the downtown for people to just sit down and relax for a bit.

We are also aiming to improve the Blackburn Street parking lot this year, if we can resolve some property issues.