Posted by MH on February 18, 2002 at 13:37:37:
In Reply to: More ideas ... posted by Jim Miller on February 18, 2002 at 13:06:52:
> .. but we don't
> want to have a huge lug between attracting jobs and/orworkers to the area
> and providing them with things to do AFTER work.
By capturing a 'niche' market and becoming a more 'tourist-friendly' area using shops/events/etc, you also create jobs for the locals. The more jobs are available, the better the economy becomes, which leads to a more prosperous area, etc, etc...
To capture that niche market, though, you must make a total coordinated effort. For example, going with the 50s theme, you don't want to have downtown Kitt be half 50s-style establishments and half 80s/90s/00s establishments. It wouldn't work. Even in my infinite wisdom, I have no idea how the community could implement any actions unless supported 100% by the downtown tenants - many of whom are already on council.
Creating a BETTER Kittanning is a daunting task. It can be done but much work will be involved (not only in the physical sense but political as well).
This thread is definitely a step in the right direction. The only thing I despair about this discussion is that there are only 1 or 2 locals who seem interested. The rest of us are transplants who don't even live there anymore. Hey, locals, are you listening?