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Waynesville merchants urge council to act on sidewalks, streetlights and rebranding
Summary
Members of the Waynesville Merchants Association told the Village Council the downtown is struggling with empty storefronts and damaged brick pavers, and asked about plans for repairs, funding and a rebrand; staff said grant work is underway and a capital fund awaits State Auditor approval.
Kim Gaffey, speaking for the Waynesville Merchants Association, told the Village Council on July 7 that many downtown merchants are struggling and that empty buildings and damaged brick pavers are driving away customers. Gaffey said merchants want action from the council to improve curb appeal and asked what plans exist for downtown revitalization.
Gary Copeland, the Village Manager and Director of Public Safety, said the village must be cautious with taxpayer dollars and that "technically, sidewalk maintenance is the property owners' responsibility." He said staff is researching grants and has received bids to replace the pavers.
Jamie Morley, finance director and clerk of council, said the council has established a separate capital improvement fund to revitalize downtown but that a transfer into that fund is awaiting approval from the State Auditor. Morley said the council has saved roughly $60,000 over four years for replacing Main Street streetlights and about $80,000 over two years for sidewalk replacements and related electrical work.
Councilmember Chris Colvin thanked merchants for their initiative and emphasized that revitalization should be a collaborative effort among merchants, the village and the Chamber of Commerce. Jona Powell presented draft brochures to promote merchants and supported changing the village slogan; Powell and Gaffey said the existing slogan, "Antique Capital of the Midwest," no longer reflects the downtown and may narrow visitor interest.
Copeland said he is coordinating with the fire chief and code enforcer on landlord compliance after merchants raised concerns about the Hammel House property; he said the property owner was cited and will be in court. The council agreed to post the new brochure on the village website so visitors can be directed to merchant information.
The discussion did not result in a formal directive at the meeting; councilmembers said projects such as sidewalk replacement and streetlight upgrades will proceed as funding and approvals allow.
