The Town of Kingsville hopes Community Improvement Plans in three areas will boost business, but first town officials need to know what businesses need.
The areas that council plans to focus on first are in the core of Ruthven, the heart of Cottam, and on Main St. in Kingsville.
Mayor Nelson Santos says it's not like business isn't succeeding there. It could just do better.
"When we look at places like downtown Cottam -- there's still some vacancies, so we want to try to maybe get a handle on them," he says.
In the first stage of the plan, the town will ask businesses what they would like. That could be facade improvements or infrastructure improvements; whatever they need to expand. Santos says gathering input and researching ideas is expected to cost $50,000. After that, spending will depend on the suggestions.
"Do I envision us having put aside a quarter-million dollars a year? Possibly," says Santos.
Spending for the improvements will be considered during deliberations for the 2017 budget.
