Many of these issues are not new. Attendees agreed fairly unanimously that Jackson lacks a town identity and that parking downtown is inadequate and even dangerous for those that use the Busi parking lot. Most agreed that Downtown needs a facelift, cleaned up streets and an improved storefront image with a common theme. The majority agreed on keeping the Historical theme of Main Street. Many also wanted a greener, friendlier look for Jackson which would extend beyond the downtown boundaries to the whole 88/49 corridor from Clinton Road to Kennedy Mine, and up to the old court house. Several unattractive areas along that corridor include the old Prospect Motors and Safeway properties. Curb appeal was very high on the list with the suggestion that ordinances may be needed to improve the look of downtown storefronts and possibly define the types of businesses allowed on Main Street. This would also include improving the look of the backside of downtown businesses that face the 2 highways to be more inviting to passing drivers. Another issue of major concern is the lack of quality restaurants and other night life venues that would attract locals as well as tourists. Many attendees felt that loitering around downtown bars, and the associated litter problem, was impeding the ability to bring in potential businesses -- along with the lack of adequate and safe parking.

Another issue affecting Jackson’s economic welfare included the expansion of activities at the casino, including the new gas station. Kam Merzlak, of Merzlak Signs suggested partnering with the casino. He suggested if the casino assists with the revitalization of Jackson, they could quite possibly get nationwide recognition. Although there was near unanimous agreement to maintain the historic mining image, a young couple attending stated that if we want to attract and keep younger generations in Jackson, we need to consider a newer, more updated look. Toni Fancher, president of the HJBA, suggested the style for Jackson might be “Mining Chic.” All of the ideas were energizing, but without a strategy, there is fear that this attempt to revitalize Jackson will fail, as has been the case in previous attempts. The final step of the workshop was to come up with a strategic plan. The strategic plan will include having the Economic Redevelopment of Jackson on every City Council meeting agenda—this proposal was voted on and passed by the attending council members.

Next, a committee of 9 interested citizens was formed including 2 council members. Council member Connie Gonsalves will serve on the committee, and one other who will be decided at the next council meeting. City Manager Mike Daly will act as staff liaison. The citizen members of the new committee are: Shelley Scott, Robert Mees, Kathy Yoheim, Wayne Garibaldi, Toni Fancher, Kam Merzlak, Sally Bligh and Marilyn Lewis. Research by two of the attendees produced information about an upcoming event in Sacramento  “recreating the wheel.”  If you wish to give constructive ideas towards Jackson’s economic redevelopment, you can do so by contacting Mike Daly at 223-1646 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (end) pm directed at this very subject, the Annual Main Street Conference to be held February 25-27. The second day of the conference is specifically geared towards Aspiring Communities. Plans are being made for attendance at this conference to held avoid