Survey Shows Interest In Downtown

As a study continues on Glasgow’s downtown revitalization plan, the public has been able to give their input and observations. A survey that went out to residents in Glasgow and Valley County asked questions about how often downtown was used for entertainment, shopping and recreation.

Land Solutions is working on the Downtown Master Plan and has been working with the city, Two Rivers Economic Growth, the Chamber of Commerce, TBID (Tourism Business Improvement District), CTAP and other organizations. Community Planner Matt Rohrbach of Land Solutions explained that they are trying to identify what’s important to not only the community but to businesses and organization in the downtown area.

A public open house will take place on Tuesday, April 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Soma Dis Deli, 501 2nd Ave. S. The public will be able to give feedback and see all the survey results that have come in. Some of the issues that will be looked at are ways to improve the economics of downtown, business retention and developments and branding ideas to help with the physical improvements.

As of last week there were 72 responses – 70 percent lived in town, the rest lived outside of Glasgow. Over half of those surveyed visit downtown everyday, and 31 percent visit downtown two to three times per week. While just over half of respondents visited the downtown area for work, 79 percent visit for shopping, 75 percent visit for entertainment, 44 percent visit for professional services and 34 visited for recreational activities.

Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed preferred to shop in the downtown area. Preferences were due to walking distances to many businesses, historical character, pleasant pedestrian environment and a sense of community. Those who preferred shopping on the highway cited parking and convenience of not having to cross the train tracks as reasons.

Those surveyed stated that the most important areas for the downtown revitalization were to attract new businesses, followed by growing existing business and then street beautification. Areas highlighted in comments were to identify a brand for Glasgow, address parking issues, upkeep of vacant buildings and land and sidewalk maintenance.