Norfolk surveying residents about downtown
A northeast Nebraska community wants to know what residents think of its downtown.
By News Channel Nebraska
NORFOLK, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska community wants to know what residents think of its downtown.
The City of Norfolk is requesting public input through an online survey to identify community priorities for the River Point District. City officials said results of the survey will provide them with regional perspectives surrounding the dynamics of downtown Norfolk’s economy, environment, and experience.
“Our downtown has seen such tremendous growth and revitalization in the last ten to fifteen years," said business owner and Vehicle Parking District chairperson Connie Geary. "It has been and continues to be an exciting experience with many of our younger entrepreneurs bringing fun, new businesses, energy, ideas, and growth to the downtown. With this past and continued growth, the Vehicle Parking District sees a potential for the area to do and be so much more."
Progressive Urban Management Associates has been hired to assist the City with this endeavor. PUMA will assist in gathering information and implementing the plan.
"As a local business owner for over 25 years, never before have I seen such tremendous growth and opportunity for Norfolk's Downtown. The Downtown Norfolk Association has begun the expansion of our area by adapting the term River Point District instead of simply referring to the area as Downtown,” said Amy Renter, Owner of Magnolias and president of the Downtown Norfolk Association. “We are ready to embrace and support new businesses in the expanded borders. Openness to new methods and ideas for supporting expansion, both geographically and financially, will facilitate this growth as well as strengthen our sense of community. I'm excited to support the next steps to begin these changes and believe the community's input will help guide them.”
In addition to a survey, the downtown study includes stakeholder outreach, the creation of a downtown property owner database, and a management plan to outline objectives, boundaries, budget and a potential governance structure.