Home
>
Political
>
Image is Everything in Redevelopment Projects

Image is Everything in Redevelopment Projects

Revitalization Downtown projects are all the rage in fact the "Main Street America Project" is making significant headway as cities and towns share information. The communication of information of what worked and why as well as what did not work in a given demographic is now available to those who dare to take back their downtown areas. Urban flight and suburban sprawl has been tough on America. The people have chosen to live in the suburbs; unfortunately this hurts small businesses and jobs in the downtown areas. Americans are finding a better quality of life and higher standard of living while pursuing happiness in the less congested areas.

The key to a successful redevelopment of any downtown area is to improve the image. Cities need to clean up the street crime, panhandling, graffiti and filth. This of course is the first step, but such Spring Cleaning is only the first step. Fire hydrants, bus stops, trash receptacles and yellow, red and white zone curbing must be painted. Next comes the up lifting of small businesses, consistency of sign ordinances. The next and probably the single most important thing you can do; is start adding landscaping, curvy sidewalks, brick pedestrian crossings or simulated stone. Center medians with landscaping is also important and advised where space allows. This makes downtown look walk able and inviting. Without the image the business owners will not step up to the plate to invest or re-invest in their storefronts, patios or upgrades. Without the signs of increased sales of people coming back and additional foot traffic; it is nearly impossible to get the businesses to pony up. The businesses want to see a return on their investment and feel comfortable in their attaining future profits.

The redevelopment committees must be careful not to waste too much time or expect business owners to embrace the plan until the downtown image starts to change. When they see the street crime leave, graffiti free areas, cleaning up of trash debris, homeless panhandlers and inviting landscaping these small businesses will then join the team to help with the downtown revitalization. There will be little "buy in" until then and the image issues are problems and challenges, which involve police, planning departments, traffic flows and community volunteers. Once the effort becomes a reality instead of talk, committee members should not be concerned of small business owners not showing up to meetings.

Entrepreneurs are a completely different animal and should not be forced to sit for hours of idle chitchat. The plan will not work without their help, true enough, but without some progress they will just feel it is more of the same promises from the Blob of local bureaucracy, which impedes their businesses at every turn. Additionally, having remembered the hassles of getting building permits, treatment from code enforcement and attitudes of city officials with all their myriad of rules and ordinances, which often conflict with county, state and federal laws and regulations the last thing a small business wants to do is sit in a committee for redevelopment. And if they do show up do not be surprised to get a hostile team member on your committee.

The best bet is to treat all small businesses as if they are from Missouri and "show them!" Once they see your cleanup and new landscaping, they will be convinced that you are walking your talk and your committee is serious about redevelopment of downtown. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs

limo prices to midway Crystal Lake west of Randal .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Creating an email alias can help clean up your inbox by organizing emails based on purpose, like creating different aliases for shopping, newsletters and work.

A multipurpose robotic system promises to transform how items are stacked onto pallets, aiming to maximize space utilization and reduce shipping costs.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

The number of people affected by a UnitedHealth data breach in February 2024 was actually higher than previously reported and was the largest medical data breach in U.S. history.

A phishing campaign uses Google Calendar to schedule fake meeting invitations that appear legitimate, redirecting targets to phishing sites.

Toll road text scam: Fake messages claim unpaid fees, seek payment via fraudulent links. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says this scam is becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says these steps ensure that your friends and family get to the exact moment you want them to see. Try it out and streamline your sharing experience.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers tips on how to protect your identity: Be vigilant, monitor accounts, use smart security, know theft response.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says cybercriminals are exploiting iMessage phishing protection, tricking users to reactivate links.

It's hard to imagine life without in-flight Wi-Fi these days – but sky-high web surfing comes with its own set of privacy concerns. Here's how to protect yourself.

Over 400,000 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024 to the Federal Trade Commission. The CyberGuy explains how to protect against becoming another victim.

A nondescript metal box transforms into a fully functional electric motorcycle that blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure.

Many apps unrelated to location still ask users for tracking permission, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to end this alleged practice by Allstate.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Melody, the artificial intelligence-powered robot, is life-sized and represents a move toward creating robots that resemble people in appearance and interaction.

Here are five easy smartphone rules from the National Security Agency that you can follow to better protect your mobile device from hackers and scammers.

A U.S. robotics company has developed "Jennie," a robotic pet powered by artificial intelligence that's designed to comfort those facing mental health challenges.

Healthcare records for more than 184 million Americans were breached in 2024, but you can take steps to minimize that risk. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

The Skyrider X1 from Rictor claims to be the "first amphibious flying passenger motorcycle," and it combines land and air travel in one sleek design.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Home inventory and restoration apps help itemize and track every item in your home in the event you have to make an insurance claim after a natural disaster.

The White House launched a new cybersecurity safety label, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, intended to help consumers make informed decisions on smart device safety.

Today's tech can help make life so much easier — if you know how to use it. Here are a few tips on the quickest and best ways to make your phone, laptop and other devices work for you.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers Windows 11 restart fixes: Update drivers, run system scans and check hardware.

Sony and Honda's Afeela 1 EV launches with advanced tech and entertainment for $89,900. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives his takeaways.

Image is Everything in Redevelopment Projects

Political