Several communities across Ohio are analyzing their downtown’s health this Summer. These include:

In Celina, city, chamber and business association officials recently conducted an analysis of downtown buildings, complied usage and potential statistics, and also conducted interviews of property owners and downtown visitors. The study recommends specific steps to create a comprehensive revitalization strategy, according to this local news coverage.

In Chillicothe, $50,000 was spent on the creation of a downtown revitalization report from national consultant Hyatt Palma. The plan, recently unveiled to the public and presented to City Council, specified nine specific “catalysts” to trigger economic vitality and growth – including aggressive action to preserve the fire-gutted Carlisle Block and attention to the city’s design review ordinance.  Click here and here for local coverage.

A recent article in the Columbus Dispatch profiled the doggedly optimistic attitude of downtown Delaware merchants as they weather a downturn in sales and activity. Positive signs were noted, including stores planning 2007 openings and the continued health of downtown eateries.

Retained consultants are examining ways to “reinvent” the Main Street and Rossville areas of downtown Hamilton in Butler County. Part of the process includes extensive surveying of residents, business/property owners and local governmental leaders, according to this story in the Hamilton Journal-News.

Photo: Carlisle Block, downtown Chillicothe - Seth Gaines/Creative Commons License