Three Major Goals Established by Clayton Downtown Development Association

Following several months of research, planning, and discussion the Clayton Downtown Development Association (CDDA) this month has adopted a 2006 Plan of Work that is guided by three major goals. There are several strategies for each goal and numerous action steps within each strategy.

CDDA President Joyce Blackley said, “A lot of information was gathered to produce this work plan.” Including, the 2001 Downtown Master Plan, discussions with downtown businesses and property owners, stated goals and priorities of the Town Council and best practices of downtown revitalization. Mrs. Blackley add that, “This is an ambitious work plan, but a majority of it should be accomplished as more people from the community become involved with the CDDA.” She said the goals will be accomplished by downtown business and property owners, residents and others with an interest in downtown Clayton.

The CDDA has been restructured to include more people in the decision-making process through four, new standing committees: Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring. These reflect the Four-Point Approach to downtown revitalization as developed by the Main Street Program designed to improve all aspects of the downtown, producing both intangible and tangible benefits. The committees and subcommittees are the mechanism for more public involvement in the redevelopment and revitalization process of downtown.

Here are the three goals and the strategies to accomplish each goal:

Goal 1: Position the CDDA as the Agency Charged with Managing Downtown Clayton

· Strategy A: Develop a strong downtown program – ensure that organizational structures are firmly established and following best management practices

· Strategy B: Compile and Maintain Downtown Data – manage and organize information already acquired about downtown. Strengthen relationships with downtown businesses, property owners and partnerships with community leaders to position CDDA as the voice for downtown issues.

· Strategy C: Communication between CDDA and Downtown – Establish regular communication venues to inform the community about the role of the organization and the progress being made to achieve the master plan vision.

Goal 2: Improve Downtown Appearance and Accessibility

· Strategy A: Downtown Basics - Establishing a basis of downtown standards for growth and revitalization

· Strategy B: Entryway Signage and Gateways – Welcoming people to downtown Clayton

· Strategy C: Ordinances – Insure proper ordinances are in place to encourage success in downtown

· Strategy D: Streetscape Planning & Implementation – Putting the 2001 Master Plan to Work

Goal 3: Strengthening the Downtown Economy

· Strategy A: Business Retention & Recruitment

· Strategy B: Marketing Downtown - Helping Clayton residents discover and use their downtown

· Strategy C: Downtown Special Events – Celebrating Downtown Clayton

· Strategy D: Historic Preservation – Utilizing our past to protect our future

There are numerous action steps to take within each strategy which will be accomplished by the people within each committee. For more information on becoming involved with a committee, call President Joyce Blackley at 553-6813; Promotion Committee Chair, Bobbie Joe Turner at 553-5332; Economic Restructuring Committee Chair, Samantha Muncy at 553-7431; Organization Committee Chair, Doug McCormac at 553-6254. For Design Committee and other information, call Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen at 553-1545.