Burnet establishes downtown district to bolster revitalization
The downtown district will span the encompassing square enclosed by E. Polk, S. Water, League, and Vanderveer streets. Staff photo by Caden Senn
The city of Burnet recently established an official downtown district spanning portions of E. Polk, S. Water, League, and Vanderveer streets. The decision was made at a Tuesday, March 10, city council meeting in an effort to revitalize the historic square.
Assistant City Manager Keith McBurnett told DailyTrib that the creation of the district will assist in a grant opportunity that the city is currently pursuing aimed at roadway renovations.
“This designation ensures all downtown roadways can be included in a downtown revitalization grant application the city is submitting, particularly focused on roadway reconstruction projects in the downtown area,” McBurnett said.
The move will also pave the way for similar grant opportunities, business incentives, and economic development programs on the square in the future.
“The downtown district provides clarity for future municipal initiatives and strengthens the city’s ability to pursue funding and strategic improvements,” reads the item brief (page 77) presented to council.
City officials have focused significant time and money on revitalization efforts as of late, including several individual business parking lots, painting, and signage improvements approved under the Economic Development Corporation’s Business Grant Program, and purchase of downtown property for parking expansion.
Per the EDC’s website, the grant program supports local commercial businesses by improving their visual appearance through a 90/10 grant of up to $10,000. Businesses are liable for the 10 percent side, and can request a larger grant at the discretion of the EDC.