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Yukon EDA directs staff to pursue downtown strategic plan after review of roughly 21 vacant Main Street spaces
Summary
The Yukon Economic Development Authority asked staff to begin developing a downtown strategic plan and work with Main Street leaders after an overview showed about 21 vacant spaces on the Main Street block and roughly 150 current businesses and organizations.
YUKON, Okla. — The Yukon Economic Development Authority on Aug. 13 instructed city staff to begin work on a strategic plan for downtown Yukon after Main Street staff presented an inventory showing about 21 vacant commercial spaces on the block and discussed barriers to occupancy.
Vicky (Main Street program staff) told the board that not all vacant spaces are market-ready: some are used for storage or left by owners intentionally, others require significant code work to be occupiable, and only “1, 2, 3, maybe 4” spaces were close to turnkey. “Not all vacant properties are available properties,” she said, urging more education for property owners and potential tenants.
Why it matters: Board members said a strategic downtown plan and coordinated outreach could help match suitable tenants to spaces, address building-code approaches for older or historic structures and create incentives to fill storefronts. The board passed a motion directing Mister Deckard to get with staff and stakeholders and return with where the city currently stands on a downtown strategic plan.
Key details and discussion - Vacancy inventory: Vicky reported a list of roughly 21 spaces of concern on the Main Street block; she said the downtown area otherwise houses about 150 businesses and organizations on the same block and adjacent downtown district. - Types of vacancy: Vicky and Main Street representatives explained three categories: spaces intentionally left vacant (for parking or storage), properties that require substantial code remediation, and spaces priced beyond what small downtown businesses could support. - Historic buildings and code: Main Street urged a discussion with development services about applying existing building-code flexibility for historic buildings rather than requiring full new-construction code compliance, which can deter tenants. - Alcohol service and proximity to churches: Danielle (development staff) said state ABLE Commission rules allow, since a 2018 update, alcohol sales within 300 feet of a church if the church grants permission — a state-level rule that affects downtown restaurant planning. - Education and support: Board members and Main Street leaders proposed more workshops, business packets, and closer coordination with the Small Business Administration and local bankers to help entrepreneurs understand business licensing, permitting and finance.
Discussion vs. action - Discussion: Main Street staff reviewed vacancy types, barriers and recruitment strategies; multiple board members and residents offered local suggestions. - Direction/assignment: The board directed Deckard to work with staff and partners to kick-start a downtown strategic planning process and report progress at the next meeting. - Formal action: Motion to have Deckard coordinate a strategic plan for downtown passed by roll-call vote with all members recorded yes.
What to watch next: Staff will present an initial scope or status update at the next meeting and may recommend workshop schedules, incentive programs or code adjustments to support historic downtown occupancy.
