Downtown retailers would like to capture 40 percent of the market in Salt Lake and Davis counties and have presented a plan to the city's Planning and Zoning Commission that would help accomplish that goal.
In its proposal, the Downtown Retail Merchants Association seeks to revitalize the central business district, primarily Main Street between South Temple and Third South streets, by improving the mix of retailers, increasing parking, marketing public transportation and improving cleanliness and security for shoppers.If approved, the recommendations will be incorporated into Salt Lake's proposed Downtown Master Plan. The association submitted its Retail Master Plan Thursday.
The association proposed immediate action in finding a new major retailer or group of stores that would anchor Block 57 on Main Street and Third South. The plan said other "anchor areas" for "major" retailing outlets would be the west side of Main Street between Second and Third South streets and other locations in the central business district.
Addressing the retail mix, the association recommends retaining and attracting "new one-of-a-kind " retail and specialty stores unique to the Wasatch Front.
The plan suggests incentives through the city's Redevelopment Agency to encourage retailers to relocate street level outlets on Main Street, and to establish RDA offices on deteriorating Block 57 "to illustrate commitment to the block."
Concerning parking, the association recommends variances be granted to provide a minimum four stalls for every 1,000 square feet of retail space on each block. To oversee and carry out the proposed parking improvements, the merchants recommend the city appoint a parking authority.
As convenient as access to parking, the retailers said, should be access to a proposed light-rail system carrying shoppers from the suburbs into downtown. The association recommends rail terminals and stations be located no more than a half block away and that planners explore looping the rail around the downtown area.
For existing public transportation, the association urges the city to increase awareness of free-fare zones in the central business district and expand the free service to include bus trolleys and light rail along Main Street.
To increase security, the merchants recommend improving sidewalk lighting by using halide lighting, secondary fixtures and pruning trees. The city should also establish a substation on Block 57 for a police foot patrol, which would "create a non-threatening place emotionally and physically." Merchants also encouraged more police assistance in traffic control during Christmas and other busy times.
Addressing the downtown's cleanliness and "ambiance," merchants proposed: Washing sidewalks weekly during the summer; placing liens on store owners not complying to the city's snow removel ordinance; pursuing "every avenue" to bring quality music and artistic activities to Main Street; encouraging use of horse-drawn carriages; and establishing guidelines for street vendors.
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Highlights of plan
-Attract new major retailers to anchor the east and west sides of Main Street between Second and Third South.
-Provide a minimum of four parking stalls for every 1,000 square feet of retail space on each block.
-Improve sidewalk lighting and cleanliness and increase police foot patrols.
-Encourage music and artistic activities along Main Street and continued use ofhorse-drawn carriages.