Plan Would Restore Lincoln’s Luster
When Mayor Walter K. Bowman looks at Lincoln Avenue, he sees blight but envisions a bustling shopping and entertainment district with cinemas and restaurants.
That dramatic turnaround might happen, he says, if the city and the private sector pull together.
“Lincoln Avenue used to be a major shopping area, and I think it can be returned to that,†Bowman said.
The impetus for change, Bowman said, could come from the Lincoln Avenue Citizens Advisory Committee, which has submitted a list of suggestions to the City Council for a renovation that would be a joint effort of the city and local businesses.
Bowman cites one particular property--the former Nissan dealership at 5800 Lincoln Ave.--as a good prospect for renewal.
“The committee suggested that this site could be part of a new entertainment complex,†Bowman said. “I’d like to see some new movie theaters in this area and some restaurants for people to go to afterward.â€
Among other recommendations by the citizens committee are:
* Making Lincoln Avenue more “pedestrian friendly†by slowing down traffic and adding parking space.
* Drawing up a marketing program to promote Lincoln Avenue development.
* Strictly enforcing city codes at motels in the area.
* Allowing more residential uses of the area.
* Promoting themed development.
City Council members have responded enthusiastically to the committee’s work.
“One idea I really liked was having more of a buffer zone between business and residential, possibly by putting in more parking space,†Councilwoman Mary Ann Jones said.
Added Councilwoman Cecilia L. Age: “I like the recommendation for themed areas. I’d really like to see a theater complex as part of the redevelopment.â€
The next step, Bowman said, is to study the proposal, then appoint a permanent Lincoln Avenue advisory commission.
The main idea is to make the area so attractive that people will be drawn there, Bowman said. “We already have groups of people living nearby, including many senior citizens near Grindlay and Lincoln,†Bowman said. “I also want to get the property owners involved.â€
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