That's the subject of an online survey posted on Downtown Inc.'s Web site.
The survey results are going to be given to Roger Brooks, a tourism consultant, before he visits in August.
Brooks first visited the city in May of 2008 to see what the city could do to better attract people downtown.
The survey results are going to be given to Roger Brooks, a tourism consultant, before he visits in August.
Brooks first visited the city in May of 2008 to see what the city could do to better attract people downtown.
According to the story the newspaper ran last May, these were some of Brooks' suggestions:
• North Beaver Street, between West Market and West Philadelphia streets, could become a pedestrian mall that is closed to traffic in the future, complete with dining and retail.
• Take advantage of the wide sidewalks on West Market Street between Beaver and George streets with more alfresco dining and year-round curb appeal.
• Widen sidewalk sections of North George Street for better pedestrian traffic, though that could mean cutting traffic to just two lanes.
• Install more descriptive and bigger signs to attractions and parking
• Define districts
• Install maps and information kiosks throughout downtown
• Publish a "best of" brochure
• Add public restrooms
• Add cheaper parking
I think an interesting thing that the newspaper could do would be to an article on life in the downtown from 5pm Friday to Sunday evening to show just how much occurs outside of "business hours." I think it would show that on any given weekend you can head downtown at almost any time to get something to eat, shop or be entertained. Possibly have a few of the city reporters document their weekend or use residents to keep a journal of their experiences over the course of a 48 hour period. I think it would show that life downtown doesn't come to a stand still when all the main businesses close on Friday and remain so until they open up Monday morning.