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Falls City Downtown Revitalization Project Meeting Held

By John Nixon

12/18/2014

(KLZA)-- A crowd estimated at 25-30 people attended a meeting Tuesday evening in Falls City to discuss the next steps for the Downtown Revitalization Project.

Lisa Beethe, Community Development Specialist with Southeast Nebraska Development District presented information concerning a $350,000 Grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, that has been earmarked for Falls City to continue with Phase II of the Downtown Revitalization Project.

Beethe urged those in attendance and those interested that could not attend to fill out one of the surveys concerning the project. The City has already received one grant to help cover the costs of updating the plan in place. The plan done in 2010 must be updated to receive a second $350,000 implementation grant.

The update needs to be submitted to the Department of Economic Development by March 1

Beethe says whatever project or projects selected, a 25-percent match is required. The money can come from a number of sources including business owners. The grant funds can be used for a wide variety of projects ranging from curbs, gutters and sidewalks to flood control, architectural barriers, access for the elderly and handicapped, façade improvements, code enforcement and public works projects such as fire and rescue buildings and senior centers.

Mary Whitehouse who owns several buildings in downtown Falls City asked about using money to reduce the size of the bumpouts on Stone Street constructed with Phase I of the Downtown Improvements. Beethe said they can be changed, but grant funds could not be used for that.

Beethe said it is important now to get input from the public before a meeting in January during which those in attendance will be voting to prioritize the projects the grant monies will be used for.

If you were unable to attend the meeting Tuesday and would like to fill out one of the survey’s you can pick one up from the Falls City Chamber of Commerce / Main Street office in the 1700 block of Stone Street.

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