For those of us who live and work in and around downtown, we have become acquainted with the street names and numbers and one way streets. We also know where to find city hall and county services. We direct people to art and entertainment venues, restaurants and retail services.
Visitors, however, find the experience a bit more daunting. In order to make a visit to our downtown easier, the Special Improvement District and the Canton Engineer’s office are developing a way-finding/signage concept. This SID Master Plan initiative will create a consistent look for traffic and pedestrian wayfinding. Visitors will be able to rely on consistent looking signs to direct them to notable locations such as the Canton Memorial Civic Center and the Cultural Center for the Arts, Canton City Hall, the county office building, First Ladies’ Library and Museum, and the Classic Car Museum. Signs will also identify our arts district. Our goal is to create a user friendly system of signs that make it easier to navigate our central business district and to create more activity downtown. Look for the signage in the coming months!
Another important task to be accomplished in 2009 will be the renewal of the Downtown Canton Special Imp rovement District. Throughout the year, staff of the SID will be working closely with the City of Canton to prepare all of the necessary legislation and to address the administrative procedures toensure another successful SID renewal. The present SID expires at the end of 2009 and the proposed renewal will be in effect from 2010 through 2013. This renewal will represent our fourth consecutive SID plan. Over the years, property owners have voted af firmatively to operate the SID downtown. Their constant support has allowed the SID to do great things. Through a partnership with the City of Canton and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, the SID has been successful in revitalizing our downtown by devoting itself to downtown aesthetics, creating activity and supporting economic development. The work of the SID has led to a climate that has attracted significant development and activity dow ntown. As we petition property owners to again support the SID, we look forward to even more development and revitalization in downtown Canton.
Finally, as we enter into uncertain economic times, it becomes even more important to support our local downtown retailers, restaurants, artists and entertainment venues. Thanks for your continued support of downtown Canton.
