We applaud the Pine Bluff City Council members who support the Urban Renewal Agency in its efforts to bring housing to the downtown area.
Some members of the council have acted surprised recently when the subject came up, as if the whole idea is news to them. It should not be news to anyone.
This just in … the city is revitalizing downtown.
That bulletin could have gone out years ago.
The city, through urban renewal, is also developing buildings on Main Street in hopes of getting them to a place that a business would want to occupy them.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
And then what else is needed? Yes, customers. Hence, the housing.
The problem with Pine Bluff’s downtown is that it just mostly went to seed, and the city is now pulling a new downtown identity right up out of the ground in some cases.
One need only look at the vibrant downtown life that Little Rock is experiencing. It too put a grand library right in the middle of the area. And then there is the Clinton Library. And lots of restaurants and shops and businesses galore.
But there are also people living down there. Some live in turn-of-the-century — the other century — houses that have been superbly maintained. Others, wanting to catch that downtown vibe, live in apartments.
The combination of people and places for them to go makes for something that is uniquely Little Rock.
But this resurgence is happening all over the country. One website devoted to the lakes region of Iowa — yes, Iowa — touted the phenomenon:
“That benefit is a serious draw to many young people, both singles and couples. They are perfect for people moving to a new town because they offer chances to meet others. Small towns are starting to love their downtowns again, meaning events and other social gatherings are often focused on these areas.”
And when there are people living downtown, others see the possibilities of living there as well. Soon, there’s growth, and where there was one or two restaurants, now there are four, etc.
It just takes a little vision and patience — and support from city leaders. Progress is being made. The downtown didn’t collapse overnight. Making it an attractive destination will take time as well.