Downtown Revitalization Survey
Neligh is now one of four communities in Nebraska designated as a Leadership Community by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (CDBG). The Leadership Designation gains Neligh bonus points on several Community Development Block Grants. I am currently applying for one such grant, the Downtown Revitalization Grant. This grant is a two phase grant, the first phase is a predevelopment or planning phase in which Neligh will receive $30,000 to hire a consultant to gain input from business owners and patrons about the needs of downtown Neligh. This process will be similar to the Comprehensive Plan we just completed but specific to Downtown Neligh and in a much shorter timeframe.
The consultant will develop a plan and submit it to the Department of Economic Development. Once the plan has been approved, the Department will authorize the release of $350,000 to begin phase two of the grant, implementation. Eligible projects range from façade or infrastructure improvements, to beautification, to bringing buildings up to code.
The next step is filling out an online survey. Anyone with a stake in downtown Neligh is encouraged to fill out the survey, whether you are a patron, business owner, or employee.
You can find the survey Here or you can pick up a paper copy at the City Office during normal business hours.
Please take the ten minutes needed to fill out the survey as this will make Neligh’s Downtown Revitalization application stronger. The surveys will also be incredibly valuable to the consultant and the future planning of Downtown Neligh.