Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Candidate Update

Henry plan targets city industrial zones
Link

"Democratic mayoral nominee Tom Henry on Monday unveiled his plan to strengthen the city’s older commercial corridors.

Dubbed “Strengthen the Heart,” the plan calls for providing grants to older commercial buildings, enacting improvement plans for the corridors and changing city rules regulating the areas."

"The grants would range between $25,000 and $125,000, and would focus on structural and mechanical improvements. Henry said the money for the program would come initially from federal grants and possibly from local economic development income taxes, if needed."

"The grant program is similar one started by Mayor Graham Richard last year in the southeast part of the city. Henry said he would like to see the grant program expanded citywide.

With commercial growth in the suburbs, Henry said it is important to find ways to help people reinvest in older parts of town."

"Henry said some of the commercial corridors he plans to target are Wells Street, State Boulevard, Broadway, Anthony Boulevard, Calhoun Street and Pontiac Street."

Henry wants to beef up urban core
Link

"Democratic mayoral candidate Tom Henry announced a plan Monday morning to strengthen the city’s urban core by revitalizing its key corridors.

Joined by business owners on Wells Street, Henry discussed his three-pronged plan. “These investments just make sense,” he said."

"Henry said he would look at thriving older neighborhoods in other cities and establish a special zoning status for the corridors.

Judi Wire, owner of Great Panes Glass Co., 1307 N. Wells St., and the president of the city’s plan commission, said business owners and other stakeholders are working with the city staff to do just that. She expects a proposal to go before the plan commission in November and City Council in December."

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