Downtown association defines boundaries

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

By SYDNEY STONNER/Staff writer

Downtown Marshall Association is still working to define itself and its purpose. At a meeting Monday evening, Nov. 2, a small group of DMA members reviewed proposed bylaws discussed at the October meeting.

The group approved changing the stated boundaries of downtown to be Eastwood Street to the north, Redman Avenue to the east, Jackson Street to the south and Banquet Avenue to the west. The bylaws will be voted on at DMA's December meeting.

Also at that meeting, DMA members will discuss the results of the downtown questionnaire and the development of a DMA logo.

DMA Chairperson Amy Crump expressed hope that the organization could be ready to move forward by the beginning of the new year.

DMA will meet again Monday, Dec. 7, at 5:45 p.m. in the Marshall Public Library conference room.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net

Comments

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Thank you!

-- Posted by Night Sky on Sat, Nov 14, 2009, at 12:08 PM

Never got an answer to this. Anyone else know?

-- Posted by Night Sky on Sat, Nov 14, 2009, at 10:54 AM

Response by Eric Crump/Editor:

This is an organizational group made up of volunteers -- basically anyone interested in forming an organization to promote and support the downtown area. The effort began at State of Saline County in Arrow Rock earlier this year. The discussion group members there formed the core of the exploratory committee. Josh King served as the facilitator. Amy Crump and Tracey Hartley have played leadership roles, as have Shelly Arth and Pete Hollobaugh. Other participants include owners of downtown area businesses. I don't have a list of those who have been most actively involved, but I'll see if such a list exists. The group is currently developing bylaws. Those may address membership issues. I'll find out.

www.marshallnews.com/story/1550661.html

www.marshallnews.com/story/1565172.html

www.marshallnews.com/story/1570782.html

www.marshallnews.com/story/1576405.html

Hey Eric, I have a few questions. You said, "Business owners from the downtown area are part of the founding group."

Can we get the names of the members of the DMA group?

I went through some of the past articles and see only two names mentioned, Tracy Hartley and Amy Crump. I believe Tracy Hartley is the owner of Serendipity, correct? If so, her business is now included in the new area.

What is the requirement for becoming a member of this interesting group? Is membership open?

-- Posted by Night Sky on Thu, Nov 5, 2009, at 6:46 PM

There is no way that a residential area should be included in the "downtown business district", especially east of Odell Ave.These are all private residences! What is the reason behind this? Could it have something to do with taxes and generating funds? Extending the downtown area and designating a "historical residential neighborhood" are two completly different things. There is a huge difference between the two concepts and how they are promoted. Even if there were to be a historical area designation, this group has not done their homework! Has any one discussed this with business, property owners and residents involved within this area? There are not enough of the "right" people involved in this idea or concept. In this case "right" should be defined as business owners, property owners or residents within the defined areas. After all, I don't live in Town and Country Estates, Stone Hedge or Swinger Estates. From what I understand these areas have homeowners organizations or associations with certain guidelines for residents. I have no say in their decisions. I should not desire to. An outside association or committee should not delegate authority to persons who actually do live or work within the perimeters of this area, nor place requirements or restrictions upon them.

-- Posted by farmer'sgranddaughter on Thu, Nov 5, 2009, at 2:58 PM

Response by Eric Crump/Editor:

The downtown association is not a taxing agency. No one has proposed designating it a historic district. Business owners from the downtown area are part of the founding group. Its purpose is to advocate for and support the downtown area. Where are you getting all these assumptions?

I dont know when but Warrensburg implemented a "downtown" council, they made so many changes to make what was relatively scorn into a nice stetch of land, the blind boone celebration is bigger than it ever was and it is because of those changes. and most importantly, all you penny huggers, they did it with nothing but private donations and sign permit money

-- Posted by thisguy on Wed, Nov 4, 2009, at 9:04 AM

Thanks for answering. We live within the new boundary and are concerned about a zoning change.

We wouldn't like that to happen.

Otherwise, bring on the festivals, food and music!

-- Posted by Night Sky on Tue, Nov 3, 2009, at 7:48 PM

What does this mean to the homeowners who live within the new boundaries?

Is the group going to seek a zoning change?

-- Posted by Night Sky on Tue, Nov 3, 2009, at 6:07 PM

Response by Eric Crump/Editor:

DMA is still defining itself, but I don't think there's any impact on homeowners in the area. If the group is successful, you might see more activity downtown -- music, food, festivals, etc. I haven't heard any discussion of zoning changes. The boundaries under discussion represent the area the group will focus on promoting and supporting, as I understand it.

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