Thank you for Bob McDonald’s excellent article on the quest to realize the potential of Uptown SLO (“Get to know me,” Dec. 9).
We chose to take the lead because of the possibility of what Uptown could be.
Initial ideas for funding were to create a cooperative alliance of Upper Monterey Street businesses. Quickly, we realized that any serious movement required the active support of the city and the property owners. The discussion for funding evolved to development of a cooperative model where property owners could proportionately share costs.
Although many civic, city, and business leaders have added valuable input, the other primary mover of this project has been my wife, Dove Daniel, from core vision to research and analysis.
Is a plan for Uptown that includes a walking-friendly corridor, sustainable practices, art installations, and a re-designed gateway for tourists from the nearby hotels a good idea? If so, it requires a creative collaboration of property and business owners and the city.
Our hope is that, as it evolves, the stakeholders will re-create this part of town in a fashion that locals will increasingly adopt and tourists will find fascinating. Compelling vision and bold leadership is required. We would be thrilled to help facilitate this.
Please contact us through facebook.com/UptownSLO.
This article appears in Dec 16-23, 2010.