Downtown facelift may attract, keep businesses
Staff reporter
Like frosting on a cake or curtains on a window, aesthetic appearances are important for a city.
A group of residents and business owners have formed a committee to propose a downtown improvement project.
At the July 17 Marion City Council meeting, the council approved funds for an engineer to draw plans and provide cost estimates for decorative street lights, underground electrical lines, and new benches, planters, and trash receptacles.
First impressions by visitors of a community often are made through the downtown area.
According to Eloise Mueller, spokesman for the group, plans have been discussed for quite a few years.
"It started for me when the city formed the vision groups and improving the downtown area was one of the goals that came from the group," said Mueller.
In her research, she discovered that city officials have been talking about downtown revitalization for more than 30 years with few results.
Many small cities in the state have beautified their downtown districts and Mueller and the group want to do the same.
Examples of Hillsboro, Council Grove, Cottonwood Falls, Wamego, Arkansas City, Lyons, and Sterling were used.
Mueller also pointed out that Augusta recently received money for a project through a Kansas Department of Transportation grant.
Bill Keefer, city administrator of City of Augusta, said the city had received a grant in May for up to $1.5 million. The grant is an 80-20 percent match which means the city could have to provide up to $300,000.
"We've been setting back money for the past couple of years," Keefer said.
The scope of the project is similar to Marion's — replace sidewalks, curbs and gutters; bury underground electrical lines; and install pedestrian lights, benches, etc.
Funds for the repairing of brick streets, curbs and gutters will come from the city's street funds, said Keefer.
"This was our second attempt for applying for the grant," Keefer said.
When they were turned down the previous year, Keefer said community and city leaders met with KDOT.
"We had a good conversation with the state and asked about our shortcomings in the application," he said. The group worked on the application and submitted again for this past award.
Augusta's downtown is part of the National Main Street Program. The city also has Downtown Augusta, Inc. The two entities with city personnel and community members designed the improvements and applied for the grant, Keefer said.
Mueller said a quote of $1,707 per decorative light fixture was obtained a few years ago from Stanion Electric of Emporia but those prices probably have increased.
"An attractive downtown area is more inviting to new businesses," Mueller said.
The historical aspect of the downtown area will not be compromised with the improvements, she added.
An engineer will be hired by the city to determine design, placement of fixtures, and a cost estimate.
Mueller also is hopeful the engineering firm will be able to provide a grant writer to apply for grant funds.
Other members of the committee are Marlin and Debbie Buchholz, Roger and Sally Hannaford, Nick and Norma Nickelson, Mary Olson, and Margo Yates.
