A new 10-year plan charting the future course of downtown Greeley, Colorado, along with possible infrastructure projects, has now won official city approval.
Those infrastructure projects could see new housing and upgrades in parks and sidewalks improvements, among other things. The projects are expected to draw on a reported $250 million in funding the city has received in recent years from a variety of sources.
The plan, officially called Downtown 2023—The Path Forward, is particularly in response to a growing population, which has gone from around 70,000 in the 1990s, to just under 110,000 today.
Additional features in the plan call for enhanced route connections to the banks of the nearby Poudre River; a promenade on 9th Avenue, which cuts through downtown and would feature an open space amenity for walking.
According to the publication NoCoOptimist, the plan additionally envisions “more kid-friendly amenities,” which could include “small playgrounds, potential water features (think splash pads), and other play elements.”
A survey conducted in putting the Downtown 2023 plan together revealed that some 32% of respondents wanted to see the redevelopment and repurposing of vacant structures and lots; while 15% were supportive of maintaining the historic character of the downtown Greeley, whose buildings date to the 19th century.
A smaller 12% emphasized beautification efforts, which might include landscaping, alleyway enhancements, and public art.
The plan has now won the approval of the Greeley City Council and will be used as a guideline for future downtown development and construction.
By Garry Boulard
