Changes on Main Street

At tonight's Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting Willis Johnson, owner of Classic Cinemas, presented his enlarged plan for improvements to his movie theater on Main Street.

And enlarged they are. He has purchased additional property, and his plans will create a whole new look as one enters Main Street from the north.

I like the Willises and their architects. They are "real" people. They have a chain of movie theaters in buildings that respect their communities.

This new plan will change the whole look of the west side of Main Street. Some old-timers won't like it. But looking ahead 20-30-50 years, this is a great improvement and sets the stage for other improvements in the historic downtown district.

The Willises are sensitive to our Square. Sure, they are going to make money with their investment. That's okay. (Let's hope they don't raise ticket prices to $8.00.) The increase in number of theaters and number of movies shown will create a huge increase in downtown business. Let's hope the downtown merchants pull together and make downtown Woodstock a thriving business community.

Parking? Okay, so movie-goers and others can walk a block or two. So what?

Other shopping, dining? Movie-goers will flock to adjacent restaurants and stores. They'd better get ready for increased customer traffic. If they don't adjust, they can then just stand by and watch customer shop elsewhere.

Woodstock Downtown Business Association is working hard on its Main Street Program. Got an idea or opinion? Let it be known.

One of the HPC questions tonight about availability of window space in the new addition to Classic Cinemas for promotion of downtown events reminded me of Boulder Mall. In Boulder, Colorado, several downtown blocks were shut off to vehicular traffic. Trees were planted and park benches were placed. Downtown is BOOMING! And where are posters about events?

Nailed to trees and slapped on sides of kiosks scattered up and down the Mall. If you want to put up a poster, you just nail it up. No fancy approvals, no Code, no "requirements". Free speech, don't you know? Would that work here?

3rd WDBA Open House - Wed. 7PM

The third open house of the Woodstock Downtown Business Association will be this Wednesday at 7:00PM. That's September 24. This is an opportunity to learn what the WDBA is doing and what it wants to do.

The public is invited. In fact, for there to be a strong partnership between the Association, the downtown business community, and the People of Woodstock, the WDBA wants the People - that's you and me - to be there. Ask questions about the application for the Illinois Main Street program.

Individuals and families can join the WDBA, not just businesses. And the fees are low. So, come on down...

The WDBA offices are located on Main Street, just north of the parking lot from the movie theater.

The sidewalks ought to be safer for pedestrians, now that Woodstock has a new ordinance that prohibits bicycle riding and skateboards on the sidewalks of the streets around the Square and leading to the Square. If the signs aren't up yet, they should be up soon.

WDBA - What Is It?

The Woodstock Downtown Business Association hosted the first of three informational meetings at its Main Street office last evening. If you care about Woodstock and its future, care enough to show up at one or both of the next meetings. They will be September 10 and September 24 at 7:00PM. The office is located at 223 Main Street (you can find that; right?).

Derik Morefield, Woodstock's Deputy City Manager for Community and Economic Development, told the audience of the changes in Woodstock since 1969. His remarks, coupled with the presentation by Nancy Baker at a recent City Council meeting, prompted me to think that a wonderful project would be development of a DVD with the history of Woodstock. With digital video cameras and computers, this could be a knock-down project for a group of interested high school or college students in partnership with the WDBA and the City.

One member of the audience raised the question of recent security on the Square. Apparently, there is a new "beat" in the police department assignments - on the Square. The increased presence of police officers is welcome on the Square, and it has also raised questions in the minds of some about the reasons for their presence.

If you'd like more information, be sure to attend the September Coffee with the Chief. Details can be found on the City's website http://www.woodstockil.gov/ or by telephoning the Woodstock Police Department.

The Main Street program has required considerable time of the WDBA Interim Executive Director Lucia Matlock and members of the WDBA. For general information about the Main Street program, visit http://www.illinoismainstreet.org/ Illinois Main Street is a program of the Office of the Illinois Lieutenant Governor.

OK, for ten points, who is the Illinois Lieutenant Governor? (No fair using Google.)

Find out why Downtown is important in the community. Pick up a brochure from the WDBA. Community involvement and partnership is important and wanted. You (this means you) can join the WDBA for as little as $35.00/year (for a family membership).

Visit the online Visitor Center at http://www.awaketowoodstock.com/, go by the WDBA office with your $35.00 check for your family's membership, or telephone the WDBA at 815.353.5090

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT