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Officials explore downtown coalition, storefront program and parking solutions
Summary
Council members discussed forming a Main Street–style downtown coalition to coordinate merchants, possible grant support and shared maintenance; Mayor Gluss cited outreach to local restaurants and flagged a storefront/signage appeal by BP after an ABR denial.
Chairman Garry Thompson and Mayor Gluss discussed forming a downtown coalition or a Main Street USA‑style group to coordinate merchants from the bridge to Bagley Road, pursue grants, and identify shared solutions for maintenance and parking.
Thompson said he has previously participated in a Main Street initiative and suggested seeking programs used in nearby cities. Mayor Gluss said he plans to begin quarterly in‑person meetings with local businesses and has reached out to several downtown restaurants. He reported visiting BP about a storefront/signage program and said the owner plans to return to the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) and, if denied again, to appeal to Council. Anita Greller said BP had been denied previously and did not return to ABR; council members noted Speedway's digital signage is outside the historic district.
Councilmembers discussed merchant concerns—including the cost of building upkeep—and potential cooperative approaches such as coordinated maintenance days or shared vendor services. Staff and council agreed to reach out to downtown property and business owners to gauge interest and secure letters of support where helpful.
