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hoods are vital. In considering downtown's revitalization, the condition of
<br /> these neighborhoods must be protected and enhanced, and undervalued proper-
<br /> ties must be upgraded to neighborhood standards. Programs for raising the .
<br /> •
<br /> standards of housing conditions are closely related to the success of down-
<br /> town; Richfield might be seen as positive example of a community that is pro-
<br /> -; `% s; gressively reinvesting in its neighborhoods. It is in these neighborhoods that a
<br /> �,,,• 1 I . + captive downtown population exists—a population that can be drawn from to
<br /> •
<br /> •' :, , ^......"--,-.•,.. -,•;,-c4 ..-.:" ; s'. i help keep downtown alive.
<br /> �..",-=•• -%tel-.:=~� �1r i
<br /> •-• — -- .— The major missed opportunity for downtown Monticello is the lack of a strong
<br /> � relationship to the Mississippi River. While Monticello is not a traditional
<br /> Highway commercial areas... "river town," the presence of such a great resource and the influence the river
<br /> • Large scale commercial uses, even if has had in shaping the Monticello landscape should be celebrated in down-
<br /> they are not a part of downtown, must town. The Mississippi River forms the north edge to downtown Monticello,
<br /> be considered in planning downtown's but it still barely touches the community.
<br /> future. They must work with a revital- _ /•. ~. ,
<br /> ized downtown, not dominate it. tda� ='
<br /> These uses should try to reflect down- .- - ,'y'' �'' C �t R 7
<br /> / � mss' h .
<br /> town's character — even in small ., �ipt.
<br /> ways — so that they feel more like e� ;4s ,;T ,:` -
<br /> ,.
<br /> Monticello and provide a fitting intro- r f 1 _ `)�J. „ 'f �ri� NTS\
<br /> duction to this"small town." iR,i'..1,7
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<br /> The Mississippi River forms one edge to the Monticello community,but It never really becomes integral to its downtown.
<br /> The downtown currently has a mix of uses which have evolved over time into •
<br /> a pattern that might seem chaotic when attempting to plan a downtown. An
<br /> •
<br /> area along Broadway is recognized as "downtown,"and is home to a variety of
<br /> t
<br /> • • small stores and businesses. This area was Monticello's heart, the location for
<br /> *f ' most of its places of businesses for most of this century. Many of the most
<br /> ii, Q 0 successful local businesses started here; some are still a part of the local econ-
<br /> :_.: " omy.
<br /> '. Broadway is near, but not on or well connected to the Mississippi River. The
<br /> Civic presence... community has grasped a foothold to this resource in two parks, one on each
<br /> • Downtown will always be a place to side of a major highway bridge. Efforts have been put into each over the
<br /> conduct business, but in a small town years, with the most significant improvements made by volunteers. The parks
<br /> it has always been the place to conduct are a great resource in themselves, and could be a great resource for a down-
<br /> the business of the town. A City Hall
<br /> and other civic buildings located in town.
<br /> downtown can be a great focal point,a
<br /> center of civic activity,a place of pride A mall was built near the interstate in the 1970s—typical of development pat-
<br /> for the community, and a symbol of
<br /> the community's commitment to its terns of the time, but nearing obsolescence in its current state. An adjacent
<br /> downtown. In downtown, the City "big box" continues that pattern to the west along Seventh Street, and a series
<br /> must have a strong presence. of highway-oriented uses stretch to the east along Seventh Street.
<br /> Between Broadway and the Mall, a variety of uses emerge: local merchants
<br /> who moved from Broadway to larger facilities when their operation saw the
<br /> opportunity to expand; several banks; a few new retailers; and a local utility.
<br /> This area is also the location of one of the community's oldest industrial facili- •
<br /> •,, .A New Bridge
<br /> 41- Revitalizing Monticello's Downtown and Rlverfmnt
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