Comments on: Sheldon Council Discusses Streetscape Financing Possibilities

By: Johnny Rotten

Johnny Rotten — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:46:07 +0000

Then let’s think of ways to pay for it with out “Forcing” the busnieses to pay for it out of there pockets!

By: Sheldon Dreamer

Sheldon Dreamer — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:11:43 +0000

Facade improvement programs have been adopted by hundreds of communities, and if you do a search online, you will find many examples of how successful these programs can be. You will see how these communities found ways of financing their facade improvement programs. Many used a combination of TIF and grant programs, while others did some thinking outside the box and came up with other creative ways to finance their facade improvement programs.

Sheldon could create a facade improvement program that could assist downtown property owners with sign renovation or replacement, wall repairs and repainting, window and door replacement or modification, planter box installation, handicap accessibility modifications, added ornamental/decorative architectural features, exterior lighting, awnings, and other improvements which will increase the attractiveness of the building. Like in many other cities, Sheldon would need adopt some design standards, or form a design review committee to prevent more bad remodel jobs.

It’s time we stop sitting back watching other towns like Sioux Center and Orange City prosper and grow while our town pretty much is going nowhere.

By: Johnny Rotten

Johnny Rotten — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:02:32 +0000

Just a quick question for you. Who would you like to pay for all this? Because I would sure think that when people find out that the business owners that operate in the uptown area will be forced to pay out of there pockets to make these improvements, there will plenty of empty buildings for the all the coffee and ice cream shops to rush into and save this community!

By: sam walton

sam walton — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 01:53:29 +0000

Well joe, sound like you really know the ins and outs of business and community development. Look at Sioux Center, Spencer and Le Mars. All have a Walmart and have a perfectly healthy “Down Town” business district. And growing population that far exceeds Sheldon’s less then 1% yearly numbers. I’m sure you all ready knew that by the profound statement that submitted.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:29:39 +0000

If Walmart comes to town you could just as well bulldoze the entire downtown area. Keep the big franchises out of Sheldon. They do more bad than good.

By: Resident

Resident — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:22:09 +0000

I agree, we need to think outside the box here and make downtown something more upbeat, maybe even urban. Time to let go of the past of keeping it closed up and small and let’s let this place grow.

I agree with the cafes, shops etc.