Search

[chittlins]

Read in the Arkansas Demo-Gazette where they are going to start the first phase. That usually consists of the utilities and then on to streetscapes and such.

[Junior]

Saw the article as well. Sounds like portions of downtown will be a mess when this gets underway. Gotta tell ya, though, I didn't think there was anything wrong with downtown the way it is.

[Gilligan]

Is this about historic downtown Branson?  If so, I like it just the way it is.

[sanddunerider]

No, its on the "new" strip, on 76 hiway,... they want to widen the roads, matching street lights, all new sidewalks ans so on... i use to have a link ot the new plan, but have lost it somewhere..  it is going to be quite a project..

[chittlins]

No, its on the "new" strip, on 76 hiway,... they want to widen the roads, matching street lights, all new sidewalks ans so on... i use to have a link ot the new plan, but have lost it somewhere..  it is going to be quite a project..

No, Downtown:

Refurbishing set for downtown Branson



$5 million, 5-year plan to improve walkability


JOHN MAGSAM
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE




   Branson's downtown district needs a face-lift. Its sidewalks are narrow and cracking, underground utilities need upgrading, and parking can be a headache.
   The Missouri city is getting ready to map out the first steps of a $5 million downtown revitalization plan that will be phased in over five years.
   Later this month, Branson's Board of Aldermen is expected to finalize a contract with consulting engineers Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Inc. for professional services that will include a parking study and pedestrian access analysis on issues such as sidewalks, drainage, street signs and branding.
   The assessment is expected to be completed in seven months, so planning for the construction can be finished by 2014.
   Fred Mathews, manager of Crawford, Murphy & Tilly's office in Springfield, Mo., said Branson's historic downtown is distinctive and reminiscent of Mayberry, the fictional North Carolina town that was the setting for The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D. The plan is to maintain that atmosphere while polishing and refurbishing the downtown.
   Mathews said input from business owners, tourists, residents and city leaders will be sought in a series of public meetings and an office will be established downtown where interested parties can stop by to review plans and express their opinions.
   "It's an extensive, upfront, public process," he said.
   Garrett Anderson, director of economic development for Branson, said the city isn't suffering from a dying downtown. Instead, the area is thriving with a 95 percent occupancy rate in downtown shops and businesses, he said. But, it is more than 100 years old and in need of modernization, he added.
   "We've never lost our downtown," Anderson said. "It's already plenty alive."
   Anderson and city planners say the downtown is congested and needs better pedestrian access. One of the goals of the redevelopment is to make the area more conducive for shoppers to park and walk around the downtown, rather than simply passing through on the way to other shopping or tourist destinations.
   According to ExploreBranson.com, the town's official tourism website, an estimated 7.5 million people visited the city of 10,500 in 2011.
   Tourism is the primary industry for the area, with an estimated $2.9 billion in tourism spending in Taney and Stone counties for 2011. There are more than 300 shops, 242 restaurants and 207 lodging operations with 22,000 rooms in Branson, according to the website.
   David Mitchell, director for the Bureau of Economic Research at Missouri State University at Springfield, said he couldn't speak directly about the Branson plan, but in general, renovation plans that make downtowns more pedestrian-friendly pay dividends, as long as the project costs are realistic.
   He said the city's congested layout makes it a real challenge for those on foot, since a car is needed to travel almost anywhere and every time a person gets into a car, it's a chance for him to bypass a business or drive out of town altogether.
   The needs of the city's downtown were addressed in the city's Community Plan 2030, which was approved in March by the Board of Aldermen. The plan isn't a legal document but acts as a policy manual providing direction for development within the city limits over the next 20 years.
   According to the "Community Character" section of the plan, the city's downtown should be conducive for walking, as well as provide ready access for cars and trolleys. The plan indicates every effort should be made to maintain the downtown's character and any new construction should fit into the already established design.
   Cris Bohinc, executive director of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association and a city alderman, said it's vital for the downtown area to keep its charm.
   For example, in downtown Branson, visitors can sit down for a meal at a 102-year-old restaurant and be served by someone who has worked there for more than 50 years.
   "We're mom and pop and old-fashioned," she said. "This is where it all started."
   The Community Plan 2030 also notes the existing sidewalks are narrow and the steep slopes downtown create a "challenging walking environment in some locations."
   Anderson said when possible, any downtown construction should be done during times of the year when tourism is slow. He said the work will also be done in phases to limit disruption to businesses.
   "We'll be going block by block," he said.
   Anderson said business owners made it clear that they wanted to keep the downtown area distinct from Branson Landing.
   Branson Landing, built in 2006 near the downtown along Lake Taneycomo, is a $450 million high-density, mixed-use development with 450,000 square feet of retail shops, restaurants and condominiums, according to the 2030 plan and the development's website.
   Branson Landing is anchored by a Bass Pro Shops location and a Belk department store. The development has more than 100 specialty stores, according to its website.
   Joel Hornickel, senior planner with the city, said that the last time the downtown area was renovated was nearly 30 years ago.
   "Unfortunately, they didn't go all the way," he said.
   At the time there were no major infrastructure improvements, although some brick sidewalks were installed. Trees were planted that were not intended for an urban environment, and some trees have had to be removed, Hornickel said.
   He said the new plan will focus on the infrastructure first, assessing the condition and making needed repairs and upgrades to water, sewer and underground utilities. After that will come streetscape improvements like sidewalks, parking, signs and lighting.
   Hornickel said plans for the new downtown include wider sidewalks that meet the standards for of the American's with Disabilities Act. He said widening the sidewalks could mean reducing some on-street parking in front of shops.


Downtown Branson Merchants Association/BRENDA MEADOWS
A downtown street in Branson is seen during early spring in this photo provided by the Downtown Branson Merchants Association.

[sanddunerider]

They are also talking about a revamp of 76, but apparantly not ready to start on the project yet... thanks for clarifying that chitlins..