Why Downtown Is Important

Most of this information was found at www.mainstreet.org National Trust for Historic Preservation.

1. Even a small commercial district employs 100s of people. (New Albany's downtown daily working population is around 4,000 people)

2. Dowtown is a reflection of the community image, pride, prosperity, and investment. All critical factors to business recruitment and retention.

3. When property values downtown drop the tax burden shifts to other parts of town.

4. A traditional commercial district is an ideal location for independent businesses, which:

• Keep profits in town
• Support other local businesses and services
• Support local families with family-owned businesses
• Support local community projects
• Provide a stable economic foundation

5. Downtown is the historic core of the community. It gives the community a visual identity and helps reinforce an intangible sense of community.

6. A historic commercial district is often a tourist attraction. When people travel or shop they want to see unique places.

7. A vital downtown reduces sprawl. Community resources such as infrastructure, tax dollars, and land are used wisely.

8. A healthy downtown protects property values in surrounding residential neighborhooods.

9. A downtown commercial district offers convenience to nearby residential areas and reduces reliance on auto-dependent shopping.

10. Downtown represents a hughe public and private investment. Imagine how much it would cost to recreate all of the buildings and public infrastructure downtown.

Remember:

1. There is no magic bullet.

2. Change will be needed. Traditional commercial districts will not be able to offer the kinds of goods and services they offered decades ago. A new business mix is needed.

3. It can't be done alone. Downtown is not entirely the city's responsibility, but independent business owners can't do it alone, and neither can citizen activists. A cooperative effort that brings together a variety of skills and views is essential.

4. Revitalization won't happen overnight. It is a slow process that begins with small steps.

5. The process is never finished.