Revitalizing downtowns is the topic of discussion at the 2015 annual Heritage Ohio Preservation and Reservation Conference in Columbus. Downtown Wadsworth Inc. executive director Jack Ollom says Main Street managers from across Ohio are meeting to talk about a slew of problems and exciting new opportunities for downtowns.
“Something exciting we’re talking about is cities having one new liquor license per five acres of downtown and those liquor licenses being available to restaurants who want to move in. Then, if they move out, the next restaurant that moves in gets to keep it,” Ollom explained.
Also on the agenda is nuisance properties and how to handle them, plus introducing changes to historic places, financing and rehab of buildings.
“We all face the same problem of revitalizing downtowns and making them vibrant,” Ollom explained. “Financing is the biggest problem. Everything takes money. They’ve come up with some really interesting financing opportunities and creative ways to get businesses and storefronts revitalized. I’m excited to bring them back to Wadsworth.”
