Why is downtown Lincoln's business district important?

To the editor:

Citizens For Justice, Inc. believes our downtown is everybody in Lincoln and Logan County's business to help retain, or to help lose.

If we lose our downtown or board it up, we would lose a sense of our identity and who we are as a community. It may no longer be the only option in the community, but downtown Lincoln is much more than a shopping center.

PLEASE CONSIDER SHOPPING IN LINCOLN AND LOGAN COUNTY FIRST BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT DOLLARS SPENT IN A COMMUNITY PASS THROUGH FIVE OR MORE OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES BEFORE LEAVING TOWN. WE DESPERATELY NEED TO HELP OURSELVES NOW, MORE THAN EVER.

Here are 10 important reasons we believe Lincoln's downtown business district is still important.

1. Downtown Lincoln's business district serves as a prominent employment center.

2. Downtown Lincoln's business district more than any other area reflects who we are as a community. It pictures community pride, our image, local prosperity and the level of local investment.

3. Downtown Lincoln's business district represents an important portion of our community's tax base. We believe if the downtown district declines, other property values will drop, placing more of a tax burden on other parts of town.

4. Downtown Lincoln's business district is an ideal location for independent businesses. They in turn keep profits in town, support other local businesses and services, who in turn support local families with family-owned businesses, and support local community projects.

5. Downtown Lincoln’s business district is the historic core of this community. Its buildings embody the community's past and its visual identity. This area can and does attract visitors who want to experience our town’s unique businesses and their buildings.

6. Downtown Lincoln's business district represents a huge public and private investment through the years. Imagine how much it would cost to re-create all of the buildings and public infrastructure in our downtown Lincoln's business district.

7. A healthy downtown Lincoln business district protects property values for residential properties too.

8. Downtown Lincoln's business district offers convenience to those living in apartments located above local downtown businesses, it is within easy walking distance of residential areas, and it reduces the reliance on auto-dependent shopping.

9. Downtown Lincoln's business district serves as our local government center. This is where city hall, the courthouse and post office are located.

It is also an important service center for finding financial institutions, insurance offices and local attorneys.

10. Downtown Lincoln's business district provides a place where members of our community can congregate. Local parades, special events and celebrations held here reinforce our sense of community pride.

We believe the value of Lincoln's downtown business district is... Priceless!!!

Citizens For Justice, Inc.
Lester C. Van Bibber III
President

[Posted December 21, 2009]