Downtown Task Force unveils plans to public
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

PHOTO BY GABE WOLF Jim Rutland, chairman of the Downtown Task Force, and Julie Johncox, a consultant hired to work with the group, spoke to the crowd gathered at the recent event which kicked off fund-raising efforts to restore the downtown area.

Vision Downtown Lampasas! saw the culmination of a dream when a large crowd of supporters joined in a recent kickoff celebration of the Downtown Task Force's revitalization effort at the newly renovated Mesquite Creek reception hall, owned by Johnny and Amanda Wade.

Visitors were given an overview of the action plan developed by the task force and were encouraged to make the dream of a revitalized downtown a reality.

The kickoff included a performance by the Derek Groves and Joe Manuel band, and a buffet of finger foods and desserts.

In 2006, task force members received the goahead from the Lampasas Economic Development Corp. to develop a plan for the historic downtown district, and Julie Johncox of JP Solutions, a consulting firm headquartered in Fort Worth, was brought on board to help develop the plan.

PHOTO BY GABE WOLF Mesquite Creek, a newly renovated reception hall, was packed with supporters of the downtown area during a recent event that presented a plan for downtown revitalization.

Visits around town and a series of focus group meetings took place with more than 100 citizens participating.

Early planning also included a workshop that resulted in an action plan being developed with firstyear projects outlined for the district.

Committees were formed to focus on specific projects, including design and beautification, housing, art, economic restructuring, incentives, and marketing and promotions.

Ms. Johncox said rural heritage is threatened. Some rural regions face shrinking agriculture, forestry and manufacturing employment, which leads to population loss, neglect and abandonment of historic structures and sites.

"Your downtown or traditional commercial district is the most visible indicator of community pride, along with its economic and social health. It is either an asset or a liability in the effort to recruit new residents, businesses and industries, retirees, tourists and others to your community and keep those you already have," she explained.

Ms. Johncox said the downtown district is a visual representation of a community's heritage.

"It didn't deteriorate overnight, and it won't be revitalized quickly either. It will be hard work, but it can substantially improve the health of your commercial district by giving you an effective framework for your revitalization efforts."

With that, Ms. Johncox announced that the task force, which has filled its original goal, is now a board of directors whose job is to oversee efforts to give the downtown area and commercial district a vital shot in the arm.

Mayor Judith Hetherly thanked the Downtown Task Force for a year of hard work. "You did have a vision and made a plan for the downtown area, and now the work begins. We know great things are going to come from this plan."

Jim Rutland, who chaired the task force committee, said the downtown area's reach extends to a large portion of the city.

"It is an expanded area and does not just cover the square," he said.

Rutland said he and other board members have been in contact with developers and builders, and they have expressed an enthusiasm for the plans.

He also announced the board's fund-raising campaign has begun in earnest. Rutland solicited donations from those in attendance to keep the vision going.

"This is not a six-month project. It will be a multi-year project," he said, adding that Preservation Lampasas Inc. will keep funds for the task force. "Donations are 100 percent tax-deductible," Rutland added.

"We are off to a good start tonight," he said. "I want to thank everyone in advance for making Vision Downtown Lampasas! a success now and in the future."

Sheryl Estes, chairman of the Economic Restructuring Committee, said she is amazed by the strength and compassion of Lampasans.

"The strong foundation established is now braced with a new vision, and it takes all of us to make this work," she said. "Together we can make a difference. We have the foundation and passion to succeed."

Citizens can make donations payable to Preservation Lampasas Inc., noting "Vision Downtown Lampasas!" in the memo section to qualify it as a tax-free donation.

Board members include Sally Yancy, Steve Nash, Jack Clark, Ms. Hetherly, Jill Jones, Linda Nash, Maryann Severn, Amanda and Johnny Wade, Nancy Yeary, Rutland and David Whitis.