Focus Group Summary: Economic Development / Incentives
Encourage business expansion and corridor redevelopment.
Provide regulatory incentives to attract appropriate businesses and improve deteriorating and abandoned buildings.
Create a well-connected community with a mix of office, retail and residential uses to enhance and compliment the existing character.
Explore parking alternatives for commercial development.
Reduce perception of crime by removing graffiti.
Promote community diversity.
Maximize opportunities for entertainment and attractions.
Promote neighborhood centers, riverfront, parks and recreation, and schools.
Look to the railroad as an asset and not a detriment.
Preserve historic, environmental and cultural elements.
Consider business improvement district models as an economic development driver.
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Offer economic incentives to reduce barriers to the redevelopment of vacant properties and other infill locations, particularly those in walkable areas already served by public infrastructure. Strategies might include rehabilitation codes, tax abatements, or special assessment districts. Use financial or development incentives to target new growth in strategic areas near existing infrastructure or in areas designated for redevelopment. Build partnerships to leverage spending on projects such as beautification, trails, and small transportation improvements. Identify available funding for active living initiatives from federal, state, regional and local sources, such as transportation fair-share enhancement and mitigation funds.