Editorial
Proposed Neighborhood Ideas
Comments by Bradley Warren of the Chamber at a recent citizen forum about economic development are uplifting. He feels the Chamber’s Q 5 Program can keep residences and entice businesses to re-invest in and near historic Downtown Springfield.
Coordinated efforts create more opportunities; here are some ideas for public discussion.
Business Incentives:
Provide financial incentives like the current Downtown TIF District for exterior facades improvements and rental subsidy program. Initiate a Central City Sales Tax rebate will have a dramatic impact increasing art shops and gift boutiques, reverse vacancies and bringing more tourists into food service establishments.
Development Incentives:
Link the Capitol Complex to community parks, like Douglas and Washington. Reduce surface parking lots by offering special zoning variances for setbacks and density encouraging infill development. Discount Streetscape & ornamental lighting extending safety and beautification into the adjacent neighborhoods. Target downtown arteries and gateways eliminating eye sores and vacant lots.
Historic Incentives:
Create an “Old Town” landmark for streets platted as Calhoun where our town began. Distinguish the Medical District comparing Medical Pioneers with our early settlers. Celebrate those remaining existing brick streets and add some neighborhood recognition.
Inter-Governmental Cooperation
Strategically locate green spaces for a better sense of neighborhood, promoting residential infill, pride in home ownership and security. Develop projects around these small parks and the responsible for further maintenance. An outdoor sports stadium east of the SHS Campus could not only add aesthetics to a major gateway but be utilized by residents and tourists alike.