If people are the driving force behind the success of the community, then our downtown is the heart of it all. Downtown Findlay is more than a reflection of our community, it is at the center of everything we do. Next to flooding, I believe that the primary issue we must deal with over the next four years is what to do with our downtown. With the popularity of the automobile, a community is no longer limited to where they could travel or shop; with the number of shopping and restaurants growing down Tiffin Avenue, you can see where businesses decided to move.

Due to the flooding, there has been an emphasis on the number of stores and restaurants that closed or moved. The last time I drove down Main Street, there were still 17 store fronts that were empty and looked like there was no construction going on inside. We know that the commissioners are looking at tearing down some of the county buildings, and questions are still in the air as to what to do about an addition to the jail, a new/expanded library, a find arts center and/or building a new school to the east that would replace Central.

Even though there is uncertainty, that is a good thing. It shows us that we have options, and are in a position where we can make the correct choice. The flood was a horrible disaster, but in the aftermath, we have opportunities to redefine and reshape our downtown. Let’s not forget, however, that before the flood there were several locations along Main Street without businesses. Before this summer, there were still things that needed to be discussed and decided in an effort to revitalize downtown.

In August of 2008, I want to see a downtown area that has recovered from this year’s events; a downtown that will not only be attractive to visitors and tourists, but a downtown that our community enjoys; a downtown that is easily accessible and easily traversed; a downtown that offers shopping, dining and entertainment for all. Over the next several months, I would ask the community, city and government officials, area leaders and downtown businesses to participate in a campaign I call: Bring Findlay Back!

Even though we need to start taking action as soon as possible to Bring Findlay Back!, it is important to get a plan in place so we know where we are going and what we are trying to achieve. Looking ahead, there are many ideas as to what we can do. Some will depend on what we decide to do to take on the flooding issue. Others, such as the continued development of downtown green space, encouraging pedestrian traffic, bringing in a trolley system, finishing the Sandusky & Main park are all ideas we can explore to make things just a little bit better.

I would ask that groups such as the Hancock County commissioners, Greater Findlay Inc, The Chamber, The Community Development Foundation, Findlay Downtown Area Association, Arts Partnership, the library, Findlay City Schools and the community all come together so we can determine what will be part of the new downtown Findlay.

Over the next several months we can put an emphasis on bringing people back to downtown; I challenge everyone to do whatever they can to show the community that the heart of the city is still alive and vibrant. We can ask organizers to temporarily move their events: cruise night, farmer’s market, arts festival, Riverside summer concerts…new ideas such as the ice rink, a winter festival, OctoberFest, Flag City festival… whatever the idea, we can see if it can happen.

As with flooding, developing and implementing our new plans for downtown will not happen overnight…they may not be completed within the next 20 years. However, this is one of the most challenging and complex issues our community will embark on, and it is worth us investing the necessary time, energy and resources. With your assistance and support, we will Bring Findlay Back!