2004 saw a wide range of revitalization approaches, and the general sense from it all is that downtowns are getting smarter.
December 20, 2004 (Press Release) --
(New York, NY, December 16, 2004) -- 2004 saw a wide range of revitalization approaches, and the general sense from it all is that downtowns are getting smarter. This was the conclusion drawn by the editors of “Downtown Idea Exchange” newsletter after reviewing the projects
they had profiled over the course of the year.
"In fact," says manging editor Paul Felt, "the downtown projects that truly stand out demonstrate critical self-evaluation and proactive initiative, a move away from formulaic and copycat approaches toward stakeholder-based visioning and planning, and partnership-oriented implementation."
"What keeps downtowns alive is not money but people who care. Downtowns are learning to expect less from government and are looking more to the private sector for innovative ideas."
They’re also expecting and getting more support from private-sector constituents. A prime example according to the article is the Kentucky city that partnered with a local bank, and was not satisfied until it had a loan incentive sufficient to attract artists to relocate as home buyers from more glamorous cities, where they were typically paying rent.
Private-sector thinking has also influenced the frugality of some cities, such as one that purchased cast-iron tree grates on eBay at a steep savings ($95 apiece versus $700 new).
The private sector also got into the transit and trolley act in 2004. While some cities have introduced expensive and highly subsidized light-rail transit systems, BID property owners contributed significantly to an extension of the Portland Streetcar. Other cities have been investigating bus rapid transit as a less costly
alternative. For smaller downtowns, a rubber-tire
trolley can do just fine. One downtown even got a
lunchtime trolley fully sponsored by Hooters.
Government programs can still help, of course, such as in the case of testing new technologies like electric buses using federal clean air grant funds. Pilot programs have also tested ways of encouraging greater transit use by the public, from the standard cash to the partnership with a downtown retailer to offer a cup of coffee or tea.
The full text of the Year Downtown article, which
includes information on trends in residential
development, parking and placemaking, is online
at the “Downtown Idea Exchange” website at http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/dixsample.php
or by phoning the publisher at 1-800-232-4317.
“Downtown Idea Exchange” newsletter reports on
downtown problems and solutions in an effort to
provide a focus for revitalizing our cities.
Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com
###
CONTACT:
Adam Reis
Downtown Idea Exchange
A publication of the Downtown Research & Development Center
28 West 25th Street – 8th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 228-0246 x105
Email: mailto:areis@DowntownDevelopment.com
Web: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com
they had profiled over the course of the year.
"In fact," says manging editor Paul Felt, "the downtown projects that truly stand out demonstrate critical self-evaluation and proactive initiative, a move away from formulaic and copycat approaches toward stakeholder-based visioning and planning, and partnership-oriented implementation."
"What keeps downtowns alive is not money but people who care. Downtowns are learning to expect less from government and are looking more to the private sector for innovative ideas."
They’re also expecting and getting more support from private-sector constituents. A prime example according to the article is the Kentucky city that partnered with a local bank, and was not satisfied until it had a loan incentive sufficient to attract artists to relocate as home buyers from more glamorous cities, where they were typically paying rent.
Private-sector thinking has also influenced the frugality of some cities, such as one that purchased cast-iron tree grates on eBay at a steep savings ($95 apiece versus $700 new).
The private sector also got into the transit and trolley act in 2004. While some cities have introduced expensive and highly subsidized light-rail transit systems, BID property owners contributed significantly to an extension of the Portland Streetcar. Other cities have been investigating bus rapid transit as a less costly
alternative. For smaller downtowns, a rubber-tire
trolley can do just fine. One downtown even got a
lunchtime trolley fully sponsored by Hooters.
Government programs can still help, of course, such as in the case of testing new technologies like electric buses using federal clean air grant funds. Pilot programs have also tested ways of encouraging greater transit use by the public, from the standard cash to the partnership with a downtown retailer to offer a cup of coffee or tea.
The full text of the Year Downtown article, which
includes information on trends in residential
development, parking and placemaking, is online
at the “Downtown Idea Exchange” website at http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/dixsample.php
or by phoning the publisher at 1-800-232-4317.
“Downtown Idea Exchange” newsletter reports on
downtown problems and solutions in an effort to
provide a focus for revitalizing our cities.
Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com
###
CONTACT:
Adam Reis
Downtown Idea Exchange
A publication of the Downtown Research & Development Center
28 West 25th Street – 8th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 228-0246 x105
Email: mailto:areis@DowntownDevelopment.com
Web: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com
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