The recent approval of the sales tax extension was such a vote of confidence, despite the apprehension of some about the details of its implementation. Watertower is a good example of a tough issue where city government and the community came together. Three times in the last four years city officials and the council have authorized a development project, only to have it thwarted by some external factor-usually one of timing. Some would see Watertower as a failure. Instead, it represented extraordinary effort and teamwork, and more than anything, a belief in the future of this city.
Redevelopment is hard work and it requires vision and persistence.
That particular project is over, but the need to continue efforts to revitalize that area is ongoing. As a side note, making a downtown work is not easy, even under the best of circumstances. The constantly changing face of retailing makes it even more difficult. Retailers have faced competition from malls, discounters and national chains, catalog sales, and now, they are impacted by internet sales. DTI's focus on dining and entertainment is certainly right on target with these trends, and also with what the community wants to see happen-something to do, someplace to go for entertainment and dinner out.