Councilwoman to host discussion on downtown

Posted Sunday, February 16, 2020 5:03 pm

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG
PCC EDITOR

FORT MADISON - A downtown business owner and a Fort Madison councilwoman are hosting an informational meeting to discuss the future of Fort Madison's downtown.

According to a flyer emailed to the Pen City Current Sunday afternoon by Dave Taylor, owner and operator of 10th Street Station, the meeting has been set for Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at 827 Avenue H.

The flyer indicates 1st Ward Councilwoman Rebecca Bowker will be hosting the event.

The flyer has a picture of the Cattermole Library and is titled "Formerly: Riverfront Business District" and has a section titled "Out With The Old - In With The New".

That section says, "The Riverfront Business District, DBA Main Street - is dissolved. What can we do as employees, business owners, residents and property owners to ensure that our downtown community has new growth, preservation and/or reconstruction and re-adaptive use for the sustainability of our community."

Fort Madison Main Street and with it Riverfront Business District was dissolved about nine months ago. After conversations with the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber picked up the events and programming of the group to keep those running.

On the flyer, Taylor calls the initiative volunteer driven and invites anyone with a vested interest in the success of the downtown to participate in any capacity.

"My goal is to create a transparent plan that elevates the downtown in the eyes of the community and the region, as a place to shop, dine, live and be entertained, through the arts in all their varied forms," Taylor wrote on the flyer.

The meeting is planned as an open house and discussion on how to move forward with programs and strategies that could increase business traffic downtown.

Taylor is looking RSVPs as light refreshments and a soup bar will be provided. You can RSVP by calling Taylor at 469-667-5405, the 10th Street Station at 319-372-6985 or via email at tenthstreetstation@outlook.com.

The complete flyers is attached below.