Story posted Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Development Committee Rolls Up Its Sleeves
By BOBBY CHILVER Journal & Topics Reporter
The Prospect Hts. Economic/Business Development Committee has only been meeting for a few months but already appears on its way to spurring local business.
Mayor Dolly Vole helped create the committee late last year in an effort to bring more business and sales tax revenue to the community. Under chairman Joe Sherman, committee members met last week to discuss a multitude of ways they're working to make doing business easier in Prospect Hts.
"This is definitely what I had hoped for," Vole told the Journal. "They're dedicated individuals trying to help everyone."
One of the main projects the committee is working on is compiling a database of available properties in the city. Members are currently working on a survey they will pass out to landlords in the spring. From that survey, they hope to create a full listing of available properties that would not only name locations, but also offer details like square footage, floor plans and necessary contacts.
Vole said that once the information is thrown together, they hope to place it on the city website. Right now the Prospect Hts. website is only capable of posting PDF documents but Vole said if the city finds the money, they may be able to upgrade the site and make the vacancy listing interactive.
The committee is also looking to make life easier for landlords. Vole said many property owners in the city aren't aware of necessary steps to bring in more tenants. The committee is working to form a set of guidelines, somewhat like a checklist, of what landlords need to get done as they bring in new businesses. Items like zoning ordinance information, the city council process and necessary permit fees would be laid out.
But the committee is also not just interested in bringing in new business, they also want to market current businesses better.
Vole mentioned the idea of forming a retail merchant group that would help publicize city companies.
She added that events like the city's annual 4th of July parade and Nature-Palooza event would be great opportunities for businesses to set up a booth and advertise their products.
Overall, the committee seems keyed on making Prospect Hts. more "business friendly."
Time will tell if the efforts lead to the results Prospect Hts. has long hoped for.
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