Downtown Redevelopment

Plans for the big downtown redevelopment were recently hatched, and curiously enough they seem to omit many of the major issues with downtown Torrington. In my opinion.

While many of the proposed changes seem like a step in the right direction, I can't help but wonder why there isn't more attention directed towards the core of the downtown area. The downtown area of a city is essential for it's overall identity and character, and though what we find in Torrington is largely a mix of positive landmarks like Artwell, Chiane's, Barking Dog Guitar Traders, the Cambridge Brew House and the Warner, to name a few standouts - there exist still too many abandoned/vacant and unkept buildings directly in the highly-visible downtown area. Howard's Building, anyone?

From what I understand, many of these vacant buildings are held onto by their present owners, who are unwilling to sell the buildings for anything below the unrealistic price they're holding out for. Am I wrong? Is it just that no one is interested? I don't think so.

Many complaints exist regarding landlord practices in downtown Torrington, and it's these kind of practices that will ensure that the downtown area retains it's tired facade. Landlords in the downtown area should have some sort of strong incentive to nurture their tenant's businesses, or at least a reason to make their list prices more approachable for new businesses. It really doesn't need to be this way, these vacant buildings have great potential, and with the right businesses in place, could help to bring in some much needed economic activity.



A friend of mine who is a very successful downtown planner for Traverse City, Michigan passed an idea my way that illustrated their success in their own downtown area: build up. UP. Build downtown, and build up. Concentrate your attention downtown, increase foot traffic and make as many businesses available in as small an area as possible. Granted, Traverse City is a tourist destination, and can afford big plans like that, but I believe the same approach would yield positive results for Torrington.

As much as I'm for any redevelopment in Torrington, don't forget about downtown. This is what needs the most work, and this is what has the most potential for growth.