Consultants, with the trendiest of vocabulary, recently met with “stakeholders” to “map out” a “vision” for revitalizing Downtown St. Joseph.
I sat in on a bit of the planning session. It included a survey of Downtown’s strengths and weaknesses. I didn’t turn my survey in for the consultants, so I’ll share my responses here.
What are your favorite aspects of St. Joseph’s Downtown?
Downtown has a distinct sense of place. It’s been said many times, but the rich architecture creates a unique environment that is entirely St. Joe.
What are your least favorite aspects of St. Joseph’s Downtown?
Downtown is like a remote island — isolated and hard to get to. Frederick Avenue is a direct route, but it is congested. Once you get there, one-way streets and parking problems make you wonder if it was worth the effort.
Why is Downtown important (or not)? What is the purpose of Downtown?
First of all, I appreciate this question being asked. We could abandon the whole thing, walk away and do business on the Belt. Never mind that’s what 95 percent of St. Joseph has already done. But Downtown is already there. It’s got all the buildings, all the streets, all the infrastructure. In this economy, it makes sense to take care of what we have.
What should be retained in Downtown?
Government offices are essential to maintaining the vitality of Downtown. Losing the license bureau was a blow to the state office building. Retaining the state building, with its employees and visitors, must be a priority.
The farmers market was a great asset and I’m sorry it won’t be back this year. Perhaps some other entrepreneur will see the opportunity. While they’re at it, it would be great if they could develop a mini City Market with all sorts of local products.
What should be added to Downtown?
Fast food. I know, I know, Downtown is supposed to be home for one-of-a-kind, local restaurants. We’ve got a great start on that.
But any thriving business district offers both options. Look at downtown Kansas City — national burger and sandwich joints are tucked into historic buildings without causing a distraction. The growing Downtown population would probably appreciate a cheaper alternative within walking distance.
What should go away Downtown?
Stoplights! At least half of them could disappear without any consequences, except better traffic flow and lower stress.
The disabled parking garage at Ninth and Felix, the gateway into Downtown, is a concrete monument to ineptitude. Tear it down or plant flowers on top to open up Downtown to the light of day.
There’s my vision. I’ll leave it to consultants to put it to work.
