News & Events

Urban Revitalization
Saturday, July 04, 2009

TORONTO - Urban revitalization was discussed during Thursday's luncheon meeting of the city chamber of commerce at the Toronto First Presbyterian Church.

Lou Stein, executive director of Valley Ventures, told chamber members revitalization of urban areas was possible with proper planning and the support of city government, local businesses and the community. He also discussed how Valley Ventures was helping small businesses in the Ohio Valley.

"It's very hands-on and goal-oriented," said Stein of the small business advocacy organization. "The key to economic development comes from helping the present businesses expand and starting new ones."

Stein also said he was involved in a downtown revitalization plan for Steubenville involving Valley Ventures and downtown business owners. He said having a realistic plan for urban revitalization was key to its success.

"Master planning is very important," said Stein, adding Toronto was rich in resources. "There are a lot of assets in Toronto that you already have here."

Stein noted the abundance of city parks, historic buildings and access to the Ohio River as important assets to any business revitalization in the city's downtown area.

"What I really like is downtown (Toronto) is surrounded by lots of rooftops," said Stein, adding homeowners in Toronto seem to display "pride in ownership. I'm impressed with how active the chamber is."

Stein said any urban revitalization master plan would have "to show a vision for the entire area being developed. You have to know what the picture is going to look like when you're done. You want to know what it's going to look like in five years. It takes a vision."

Stein briefly discussed Steubenville's plan for revitalizing its downtown area, adding any plan was only as strong as the will to see it through.

"There's no magic to it," he said. "It's just good planning and hard work."

In other business:

Plans were discussed for upcoming chamber activities, including a seminar on estate planning and business after hours Sept. 17; Make a Difference Day Oct. 24; hosting a haunted house tour in Toronto for Halloween in October; Light Up Night activities Nov. 24; and the Dickens Dinner Theater production Dec. 12.

The chamber is seeking volunteers to staff the chamber office during the city's festival of the Arts Sept. 5-6. To volunteer, call (740) 537-4355.