Chronicle Editorial

By: 
Chronicle Staff

Prioritizing downtown street renovations a must

 

     A recent in-depth study on Hampton’s downtown district revealed some interesting statistics about future economic development here in the heart of Franklin County. Customers and shop owners completed surveys that gauged their opinions on the local business climate, and the results provided a treasuretrove of invaluable data that officials can use in the future. However, one stat in particular stood out among the rest.

     Forty-six percent of customers and 65 percent of business owners felt improving downtown streets, parking and other infrastructure were high priorities for future improvement. Business owners ranked it as their No. 1 priority and customers put it at No. 2, but the results are hardly surprising. A simple drive through downtown Hampton during a busy afternoon reveals cracked roads and scarce parking spots on nearly every block.

     Parking problems wax and wane depending on the day, but it’s clear the downtown streets need attention. Crumbling pavement, bumps and cracks have become the norm on Main Street. Quite frankly, it creates an aesthetic problem and also makes a casual cruise through downtown rather rough and unpleasant. It gives off a bad impression and takes away from a vibrant business district.

     However, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. The Hampton City Council has held preliminary discussions about revamping a handful of roads in the downtown district recently. Most of the attention has focused on three deteriorating streets to the east, west and south of Band Shell Park that have shown considerable signs of wear and tear during the past few years. Officials are currently brainstorming ways to obtain funding for a future renovation project, but nothing has been set in stone by any means.

     That’s the problem with large-scale betterment projects like street replacement. Everyone knows we need it, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Funding isn’t necessarily getting thrown at our local governments either, and finding extra reserves in cash-strapped budgets isn’t always plausible. Nonetheless, officials must continue developing a defined vision for future improvements and stick to whatever plan they settle on. Hampton has some terribly deteriorated roads and we need to start addressing those problems as soon as possible.

     Improving downtown streets was just one area of concern from survey takers. Some felt creating more incentives for businesses was key, while others simply wanted more local festivals. However, officials need to keep prioritizing projects like street renovation that invest in the future viability of Main Street and its businesses. Hampton has a beautiful downtown area, but everything needs tweaks from time to time. Renovating our streets is a worthwhile project that should be at the top of the list as we look to the future.

Hampton Chronicle

9 Second Street NW
Hampton, IA 50441
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