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<br /> Monticello (Minn.) Times,Thursday, Dec. 18, 1997—Page 15
<br /> ." . * MCP Wavelengths
<br /> ........
<br /> It takes time the alleys nd landscape the parking lots—it them qualify for the progrm as well as end up
<br /> won't do anygood if we can't build an econo- with a improvements theycan afford and be
<br /> my to support those changes in the long run. proud of.
<br /> by Rita Ulrich, MCP Manager Fixing the way things look and improving —*look to the future
<br /> Monticello Community Partners has big the economy go hand in hand.Granted, it's pos-
<br /> clans for downtown. Too big, by some people's sible to have a booming economy and let the New buildings are just as important to
<br /> iccount; by other people's thinking, it's not town's appearance deteriorate, at least for a Monticello's future as its historic structures.
<br /> imbitious enough—or at least not happening while. But it won't inspire much pride or that Not every building is constructed to stand
<br /> ;oon enough. sense that Monticello is your kind of place. the test of time; not every building can continue
<br /> I'm hearing both ends of the discussion corn- And what would we be left with in 20 years? to serve a useful purpose. MCP is not trying to
<br /> ng out of the coffee shop crowd,and its time to A big part of the reason MCP was formed was save properties with little or no historical signif
<br /> ;et the record straight on a few points. because people didn't want downtown to fall icance or those that have become economically
<br /> apart. People understand, almost intuitively, unviable. The revitalization plan calls for rede-
<br /> A 20-year plan that downtown is the heart of the community. velopment. In some cases this means putting up
<br /> The downtown and riverfront revitalizationAnd to save downtown is to save Monticello's a building where none exists; in other cases it
<br /> . lan is a 20-year plan. identify. will mean tearing down existing buildings to
<br /> It has a vision of Monticello in the future: It How do we do it? We begin by learning to make way for new ones.
<br /> describes downtown as the center of activity—arespect our heritage. Now, before any rumors get started, MCP is
<br /> )lace where people come to work,shop,eat and not about to tear anything down. For one thing,
<br /> enjoy themselves. Respect the past... that's not what we do. Property owners decide
<br /> It will offer a variety of entertainment and It's time to dispel the notion that MCP is try- what to do with their property. MCP doesn't
<br /> recreational activities. ing to make downtown look like it did 50 or 80 make that decision, nor do we go around telling
<br /> It will stay open and alive in the evenings. or 100 years ago.True, some things looked bet- people whether they can or can't redevelop
<br /> It will be a viable place to run a business and ter years ago than they do now. If you stopped their property. When and where redevelopment
<br /> rnak ving, by our booth at Expo, you saw how several of is needed and feasible, MCP's role will depend
<br /> our downtown buildings looked in their original on the need.
<br /> It� look better—a lot better—than it does condition. We have some wonderful buildings We may work with developers to ensure that
<br /> now. that are worth preserving and restoring. They proposals are consistent with the revitalization
<br /> Instead of long blank walls and empty are valuable not only for their architectural sig- plan. We may put property owners in touch
<br /> spaces, pedestrians will be greeted by windows nificance, but also because they are part of with potential developers. We may put develop-
<br /> filled with goods, busy shops and restaurants, Monticello's cultural and social heritage. Each ers in touch with potential tenants. We will help
<br /> well-maintained sidewalks and attractive and building's history is a story—many stories, real- people find the resources they need—materials,
<br /> accessible places to sit and enjoy it all. Even the ly—because over time the owners and businesses information, expertise. And we will work to
<br /> parking lots should be friendly—landscaped, changed and each change brought new stories. encourage building designs that are in keeping
<br /> shaded,safe. Collectively, the buildings show the evolution with the best of Monticello's architecture her-
<br /> Two kinds of transformation need to take of Monticello. We respect the heritage that itage.
<br /> place to realize this vision: visual transforma- those buildings represent; and we believe that And for the record, that doesn't mean that
<br /> lion and economic transformation. they are an important part of our future. new buildings have to look a certain way, be
<br /> Neither can he done overnight, or even in a There are several ways that this is being put replicas of old buildings or follow a certain
<br /> year or two. And changes aren't meant to hap- into practice. For example, MCP is working theme. They do have to follow some pretty
<br /> pen that fast. It requires a long-term view and a with the Economic Development Authority on basic principles, primarily so that the new
<br /> commitment to investing in the future of down- its incentive program for building rehabilita- building doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. It
<br /> town. Careless and poorly planned quick fixes tion. Under the program, building owners can should look like it belongs. It should be invit-
<br /> won't work and won't do us any good. Some apply for matching grants to restore the front, ing and friendly—characteristics that represent
<br /> building owners are already making the neces- sides or back entrances of their buildings.They the best of Monticello. That's not too much to
<br /> sary investments and long-term commitments. can also apply for low-interest loans for interior ask.
<br /> Downtown looks and feels much better than work. The EDA provides the money and MCP Learn more on Jan. 14
<br /> it did just a year ago. I remember my first works with the applicants, providing informa- Call MCP at 295 0999 if you want to know
<br /> impressions at that time and things are definite- tion, advice and other resources that will help
<br /> ly looking better. If you see it everyday, you more about the revitalization plan. And put the
<br /> may not notice the transformation; but it is hap- evening of Jan. 14 on your calendar. We will be
<br /> pening, brick by brick,building by building. having our annual members meeting, along
<br /> Boom or bust? with entertainment and information about what
<br /> MCP is doing and planning.
<br /> Even if we had all the money we wanted to •
<br /> fix things up—restore historic buildings, redevel-
<br /> op the empty or under-utilized areas, clean up
<br /> al
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