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Last updated on Monday, February 6, 2012
(ORLEANS) - The Orleans Chamber of Commerce leaders, town officials and business owners and the Orange County and the Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau representatives attended a meeting to discuss ideas for downtown Orleans.
The meeting was part of the Orleans Chamber community action plan and an effort to revitalize the historic downtown area.
Scott Truex, associate professor of urban planning with Ball State University provided an overview of Ball State's program, resources and recent projects with other communities.
A discussion was held to see what would like to be accomplished with the historic business district to make it more viable and an attractive place and focused on the need to develop an overall long term plan.
Many business owners say the challenge is being able to afford the upkeep and renovations to older buildings.
One suggestion was to approach local banks about a façade improvement loan program. Other topics included the importance of historic preservation, restoration of the period storefronts and business facades, maintenance of the small town feel and the enhancement of Congress Square and the importance of downtown railroad and keeping that in tact.
Truex will submit a formal proposal to the chamber at a future date.
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