By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Main Street Warsaw was seeking input about the future of downtown Warsaw and they certainly got a lot of it Wednesday night with a packed open house at The Vic.
Terry Sweeny, who was named the Downtown Warsaw Development Director 90 days ago, said Wednesday’s meeting was the result of a 60-day brainstorming session that came together during a retreat.
Main Street Warsaw leaders set forth a wide variety of ideas and priorities visualized on two walls filled with posters in which participants were asked to offer input with comments using color-coded stickers.
Topics were wide-ranging, including who should lead the efforts, the preferred use of real estate, marketing techniques, the focus on entertainment, the need for parking and how to better utilize underperforming properties.
Many people say they think the downtown is on an upward trajectory and that new tenants have driven down the storefront vacancy rate.
Sweeney said he believes the storefront vacancy rate is below 3 percent.
Officials also realize there are numerous key projects looming that are connected to the downtown.
A city-county parking garage has been proposed, an apartment complex is looming where the old Owens grocery store once stood and there is talk of a convention center or entertainment venue.
Sweeney talked about the objectives of Wednesday’s meeting.
“What we’re trying to do is — how do we grow, and how do we enhance the customer and attract more businesses and continue to raise the level of the experience of downtown,” Sweeney said.
The event ran from 5 to 7 p.m. as some people mingled while many focused on the posters along the walls where Main Street staffers were on standby to facilitate discussion and answer questions.
Warsaw City Council member Cindy Dobbins, herself a downtown merchant for 14 years, said she could not recall such an in-depth effort to gauge the community for a future vision.
“I am thrilled with the number of people who have shown up to support it. I was worried whether anyone would show and it has been overwhelming,” Dobbins said
All of the data will eventually be calculated and recapped at a later date.
“I’m hoping we can prioritize some things. We’re going to have to take it in steps, obviously. Maybe we can lay out a three-year plan, a five-year plan …,” Dobbins said.
