Tuesday, October 05, 1999
Mason reopens downtown debate
Does quaint count in quest for growth?
BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON — One of the charms of Warren County's largest city is the small-town feel of its downtown, with its 1950s architecture and pizza parlor, antique shops, framing gallery and drugstore.
For some longtime locals, it's a look and feel that's an integral part of Mason. But other residents think it's part of a past that doesn't fit the bustling city that is Ohio's second-fastest growing. Two-lane streets and limited parking and business choices don't lure motorists from the heavily developed areas around Interstates 71 and 75.
To many who live in Mason, it has become clear that at some point during the growth explosion, the downtown got left behind. Now longtime downtown business owners, residents and city officials are trying to help it find a new niche.
City Council has retained the services of Loveland-based LSR Consultants to aid community discussions about downtown revitalization. The firm formed a steering committee from a cross-section of the community in August and plans a public hearing to assess the strengths and weaknesses of downtown.
“The first two meetings our steering committee has held have been really upbeat,” said Linda Fitzgerald, owner of LSR Consultants. “The one thing that was clear is that we were all coming to the table with open minds about what the future of downtown Mason holds.”
Downtown Ohio Inc., a nonprofit that provides technical assistance to communities assessing their downtowns, will send a team of experts to Mason next month. DOI's Technical Assistance Resource Team will host a session for public discussion about downtown issues 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Manor House on Mason-Montgomery Road.
“So far, I've liked what I've seen from this new committee,” said John Harris, president of the Mason-Landen-Kings Chamber of Commerce. “Emotions tend to run so high among stakeholders when it comes to downtown issues, it sometimes muddles progress. Hopefully this time, people will stand back and let the process run its course.”
Past revitalization efforts have been met with hostility from downtown property owners and businesses. The most recent attempt by a group known as Citizens for Downtown Mason fell apart in February amid allegations the group was harboring a “hidden agenda.”
“What hurt that effort was the fact that it was run by local (people) who fell under suspicion that they stood to make some personal gain through their involvement,” Mr. Harris said. “By going with an independent firm outside the city, I think that objectivity will allow this effort to move forward.”
Signs to drivers: Don't block
Rapist got into house easily
Giovanni delights store full of fans
Flood-prone homes may be bought in East End
Growth like a 'runaway train'
Meetings explain plan for riverfront
P&G gift to expand health meet for women
Some girls start puberty at 6 or 7, study finds
Grandparents take a chance on heartbreak
Baby stingrays born Sunday
British predator gets maximum
Donations, civic pride built Wayne High's new stadium
Fighting ovarian cancer
Minister gave, now will receive
Mom gets 17 years for beating 7-year-old daughter to death
Pupils to create original music
Warren wins utilities dispute
County looks before it leaps into new system
Eager duffers ignore drizzle
Kids, families practice escapes
Mason reopens downtown debate
Prosecutor: Fingerprints point toward the killer
School developer was convicted
Sentinels recommend improvements for officers
Wife, clerk can be sued over warrant
Woman's death murder, not suicide, court told
GET TO IT
TRISTATE DIGEST
