After the new I-580 freeway is complete in about three weeks when Fairview Drive opens, downtown will be lighter from the weight of car and truck traffic. A new age of potential for downtown civic and private investment is prompting elected officials, civic and business leaders and passionate citizens to consider the broader implications of an array of significant developments.
The Carson Nugget is looking at its land holdings to determine the highest and best use of the property in service of Carson City's downtown aspirations - to include our dream for a downtown central library.
The Carson City library is already a dynamic, healthy, interactive local and visitor resource center - quite a feat for a 30-year-old facility built for a community of 15,000 people. With the right kind of library downtown, studies indicate we may see increased library foot traffic that in turn increases public/private partnership opportunities that can foster collaboration between economic development and civic engagement.
Redeveloping downtown is essential to keep dollars in Carson City. A small business owner needs the confidence as well as the commitment that Carson wants its citizens to work, live, play, learn and spend their money here by investing and improving the quality of the downtown area.
Officials from the Nugget hosted this week planning efforts to put clearer detail to what may be included. The planning process will take a while and community input is important. The Nugget has made it clear that any development will be focused to attract and retain healthy business to the entire region and create a vibrant, engaged citizenry.
The Nugget is stepping up and listening to the community's expressed desires for the growth we want. They are in sync with the master plan and downtown vision.
For more on the master plan Envision Carson City, go to www.downtownanswers.com.