Wellington Downtown Rejuvenation and Main Street Project announces community forum

An independent group of citizens and business people have formed an action committee known as the Wellington Downtown Rejuvenation and Main Street Project. This group is open to all who have an interest in the future of “Colorado’s Northern Gateway.”

Wellington occupies a unique position both geographically and demographically to become an important asset to its citizens and businesses. For all those with an interest in its future, the Main Street Project offers a mechanism for participation and influence.

Working in close collaboration with the town administration and the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce, the project has led an effort to participate in programs that are assisted and supported by Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs. This department focuses on improving communities’ physical conditions, building partnerships and augmenting local leadership and government by offering technical assistance and financial support.

In order for DOLA to accept a community into one of its programs, it requires that a town evaluation be performed by its approved agency, in this case Downtown Colorado Inc. In September, the town board approved $10,000 to help pay for the study. Additional funding was provided by the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce.

A team of Downtown Colorado Inc. urban and local specialists will visit Wellington Feb. 24-25 to study the community. The team will provide oral and written reports of their findings during the trustees’ regular work session at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Leeper Center. This report will provide a framework for town administrators, citizens and businesses to use as they create plans and organizational structures to implement the recommendations. Completing the report also will allow funding to flow to Wellington through DOLA.

An important element of the study is a business survey that was sent Jan. 6 to every licensed business in the town of Wellington. Responses can be returned in writing or submitted online at www.wellingtoncoloradochamber.net. The deadline is Feb. 15. The results of this survey will be provided to DCI prior the team’s visit.

The visit will include tours, and on Feb. 24, focus groups among elected officials and town administration, independent and public service providers, the school system, business and commercial groups and the public at large.

The Feb. 24 focus group scheduled for 7:15 p.m. is open all citizens and will be held at Wellington Middle School.

A copy of the full agenda for the two-day visit is available through the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce.