Downtown master plan unveiled
By DAVE GOSSETT, staff writerArticle Photos
STEUBENVILLE - Details of a new master plan to bring business and development to the downtown business district were unveiled Tuesday by the Steubenville Revitalization Group and its consultant during a press conference held at Froehlich's Classic Corner.
"I believe the downtown will become a wonderful lifestyle center in the coming years with new and unique businesses as well as loft-style apartments and offices," said consultant Lou Stein of Valley Ventures. "You have here what other cities wish they had and that is a core district with beautiful historic buildings. People don't realize what is happening downtown these days as new businesses are already opening.
"This is a three-year development plan that will be done in three phases. The first phase will focus on the North Fourth and Market streets area. Phase two will look at South Fourth and Market streets, and the third phase will concentrate on North and South streets. That doesn't mean we won't attempt to fill vacancies if there is an opportunity in the later phases, but we want to create the most success in the first year that will invigorate the rest of the downtown area," explained Stein.
"I know there may be code issues in some of these buildings, and we are prepared to work with the city to address those concerns. We are also planning a facade renovation project that will include funding institutions to help the facade program. We are also looking at streetscaping and signage improvements for the business district as we move forward," said Stein.
"We want to create pedestrian traffic back downtown. We have 25 existing murals in place, and I plan to work with Beth Wood of the Convention and Visitors Bureau to fix up some of the older murals and create new murals in the target area. The Historic Fort Steuben already serves as an excellent tourist attraction on South Third Street," remarked Stein.
"We will also be looking for development partners. It is not government's job to create jobs. It is not government's job to create development. I am ready to work with potential business owners and developers who may need more traffic in their business, maybe some financial help or marketing assistance. And I am looking for entrepreneurs who are interested in locating in the downtown," declared Stein.
"I am a firm believer in positive thinking. And if you don't believe in your own town, how can you expect others to believe in it?" Stein noted.
Jerry Barilla, owner of Frank and Jerry's Appliance store on North Fourth Street, is a believer in the downtown business district. "Our business is now going on 52 years downtown. I can remember the downtown at its peak, at its pinnacle of greatness. The Hub was the mother store, and the smaller businesses were the baby stores. But then came change. The malls were built, and the chain stores came in, and The Hub withered and eventually died," recounted Barilla."But there is a new movement in the country that has seen a return to the original downtown business districts. We have seen the best of times here and the downturn of times. But I know we will continue to grow and prosper and we will keep our heritage and history alive. We are a viable community," stated Barilla.
Fourth Ward Councilman David Fortunato, who represents half of the city's downtown neighborhoods, said the city is prepared to work with the SRG to bring business and development downtown.
"There is a new energy downtown, and we are prepared to move forward," said Fortunato.
(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com.)
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Frosty
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05-30-09 6:27 AM
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If you were not at the unveiling, you only received what was said by a few. Nothing concerning the projects. The planning now is in the hands of the private sector. The projects are begun. the Market to Forth walk thru has tennents opening soon. The Newly formed Steubenville County Seat Community Center is raising funds, New businesses are coming forward to take advantage of the opportunities. It may take a little time and a lot of work, but it is being done. Every person can help by joining SRG and making their personal contribution. Once we unite for the good of our community, Businesses you never dreamed would be interested will begin operation here for one reason---Community Pride. Persons concerned about other things than just thierselves make better employees.
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ville97
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05-28-09 1:26 PM
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I hope the hard work continues and the downtown improves. I don't think anyone sees it as a waste of time. Not at all. Judging by this article, it seems like there is no real plan. Nothing tangible. Just empty quotes. A few years back, living out West, I met an urban planner who worked on Wheeling's redevelopment in the late 90s, early 2000s, and he told me the difference between the cities is that Wheeling put businesses in its downtown (brewery, movie theater), Steubenville built a jail.
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rickg202
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05-28-09 9:21 AM
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They're only about 20 years too late!
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Frosty
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05-27-09 8:42 PM
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I and others have worked hard and many hours to assist and pay for this plan privately. Many laugh and have the veiw it's a waste of time, yet we continue. So sit there in your homes and make your comments. We will see it through! We will try. We will not give up and we will succeed! We are using our personnal moneys but you will say its your tax dollars. But soon downtown Steubenville will shine, the people doing it will be forgotten and those who have shown derespect of their efforts will claim the rewards. But I feel that respecting the home town where you were raised and history that you helped to save from the wrecking ball has meaning. I pray I'm never one of those that disrepect anyone's heartfelt efforts for the good of many.
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HeadedSouth
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05-27-09 6:25 PM
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I left the area 7 years ago. I return atleast once a year to visit family and become increasing depressed with each trip. These so called plans are the same empty visions that we hear about every 3 years. The names attached to the plans are the same. Maybe the names should change to increase the prospects. People need to face the facts that the Steubenville area has been, and still is in a tail spin. As evidence, look at the obituary listings compared to the birth announcements over the last 10 years. Citizens are going faster than they are being replaced. It is my opinion that for change to even be an option, the plans would require emphasis on attracting younger tax payers to rebuild the infrastructure. I don't expect the city to return to its original glory...but that doesn't mean a 'new city' couldn't be just as good..if not better.
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ville97
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05-27-09 4:36 PM
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murals? you've got to be kidding me. i was home recently for the first time in years and almost cried. just clean the place up, tear down the decrepit buildings and try to get some actual businesses that people would actually shop at, like say, a bookstore, or a coffee shop. while i enjoy small-town businesses, i think a chain here or there wouldn't hurt. i know it would be tough to draw any chain, because of the economy and small population size, but heck, let's see something go in besides murals. i don't read any actual plans in this story and most of the quotes are just space-fillers. where is the analysis of the so-called plan? lou stein is dreaming with his loft-style apartments, what's the foundation for his "beliefs?"
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Tingett
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05-27-09 11:14 AM
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I must have missed the memo to shave my head.
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