Downtown Makeover

I borrowed this title from the article's headline. I wish this article had given more specifics. None of the quotes used by the reporter give any indication to why the Special Business District committee thinks downtown Columbia needs improvement. Will it attract tourists? If so, will they spend enough money to cover the money lost in making the changes? There are other flaws in the story as well. There are inconsistencies, or at least there is missing information, regarding who will pay for all the improvements. It does say specifically that business owners will pay for the removal of the concrete canopies that are there now, but who will pay for the other improvements mentioned, the "lush trees" and street lamps? Business owners shouldn't be responsible for that, nor should the public have to pay for aesthetic improvements that won't benefit them. Although I would like to see changes made to the District, I think business owners are right to be hesitant to launch in without a specific plan. The amount of money necessary for the suggested improvements was not mentioned at all in the article, which is definitely a cause for concern. Bottom line, I want to see the District beautiful as much as anyone. But my support of this makeover can come only after the committee (and reporters) gets much more specific.