Updates on downtown projects in communities located in four corners of the Buckeye State:

Southeast -- In Marietta, the historic downtown is included in areas under consideration for a renewed Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) project, according to this story in the Marietta Times. Property owners in those areas would receive tax abatements for investment in renovating existing structures or in new construction.

Northeast -- Geneva in Ashtabula County is anxiously awaiting word on whether or not its application for the Ohio Department of Development’s Small Downtown Revitalization Grant is successful. The community is one of nine on the pre-approval list, according to the Ashtabula Star-Beacon.

Northwest -- The Toledo Blade recently profiled the new water taxis that transport Downtown Toledo visitors to restaurants and events on the east side of the Maumee River. Already successful, taxi operators were recently able to secure a contract with the City of Toledo staff docks at the City’s Promenade Park.

Southwest -- The second phase of the City of Mason’s downtown revitalization plan has just begun. For an outstanding online overview of the revitalization project in this Warren County community, including graphics of all five project phases, click here to visit “Imagine Downtown Mason.”

Photo Credit: Downtown Marietta/Preservation Ohio File Photo