That being said, my biggest problem with Downtown, and I do mean BIGGEST, is the fact that only three blocks of Downtown Clinton is actually renovated. As a lifetime resident of the city, I find that a major bash on the rest of downtown. I think overall appeal in Downtown Clinton would greatly improve just by completing the renovations.

I completely agree with a Farmer’s Market. Although, take into consideration the fact that Clinton has the opportunity to have, essentially, TWO downtowns. The Lyon’s Shopping District can be, and really should be, the “small town downtown.” Gear the (lol) L.S.D. to compete with cities such as Le Claire, Galena, Marquette/McGregor, etc… That leaves Downtown Clinton to be competitive with larger cities. Clinton, being geographically nestled, quite nicely by the way, between Rockford, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, the Quad Cities and, to some regard, even Peoria, can quite easily become a regional center to Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Of Course, once we start talking regionally we stand to argue with the likes of Chicago, but that’s a whole different ballgame. Downtown Clinton should look to the likes of Dubuque, Iowa City and other cities of about 50,000 to 75,000 simply because that is where Clinton’s next couple of steps are after we turn the tide on our own recession. I’d also like to add that when looking into places like Iowa City, Ames, Champaign, etc… do not look at the fact that they are just a downtown full of bars, but a downtown that caters to a city with one particular age group, and then incorporates other ideas for the other age groups to level the field in entertainment and in retail, food, recreation, health, AND socialization.

Long story short, Clinton has immeasurable amounts of potential that, if realized, could bring it to the pinnacle of Iowa’s cities like it was once ago. And personally I don’t think I need a Bachelor’s in Planning to see that…

Ya,when I lived at the Y, and when I stay @ my GF’s place, noise was/is a ‘uge issue. @ the Y, it was bar closing, though now the “The Bank” has closed, I’m sure it’s much quieter on 5th @ 2am.@ the GF’s place, which is the Howes building, it’s the street noise off 2nd and echoing effect of the buildings. Not much to be done about that…….

Conner! Dude!
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I enjoy your blogin’. Keep up the good work.

The Flying V.