Downtown assessment visit planned for Dec. 1-2-3
By Shelia Tomkins
A three-day visit by a team from the Iowa Downtown Resource Center is scheduled for Dec. 1-2-3 in Guttenberg.
The team will complete an on-site study of Guttenberg's downtown district, including a public presentation. A written report will follow that will assist in future planning efforts.
The visiting group will consist of Jim Engle, Executive Director for Iowa Main Street, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority; Joe Lawniczak, a design specialist for Wisconsin Main Street, and Lisa Oetken, Main Street executive director for Mt. Pleasant Main Street.
The visitors will tour the downtown and the community, visit with local businesses, interview downtown leaders, and interview residents and groups. Interviews will take place in the council chambers at the municipal building. The final day will feature a public presentation and media conference at 12 noon on the third floor of the municipal building.
Potential areas of assessment include business analysis, development, physical appearances, organizational capacity, downtown promotion, volunteer development and downtown image.
The Guttenberg city council approved the assessment at its September meeting. The visit is being coordinated by Emily Moser of Guttenberg Development & Tourism and City Manager Mary Willett.