Rushville, IL – Rushville's Mayor feels the economic future of the city hinges on improving the downtown. Scott Thompson says an improved downtown will help the city market itself to prospective businesses.
Thompson says the hope is to fill in the "retail sales gaps" that exist. Thompson realizes some of those gaps might never be filled, but says the gaps that can be filled, should be filled. Thompson says one of the more noticeable retail gaps is in apparel. He says there is not a true "clothing store" in Rushville.
Thompson says the project includes improvements to the brick streets. Thompson says residents have mixed feelings on whether the brick streets should be kept or updated.
He hopes loans or grants can be made available to businesses to improve building facades. The mayor says it's possible that some city ordinances or zoning could be changed. Thompson says the city is also looking at starting a revolving loan fund to help new businesses start up in Rushville.
A public hearing on the proposed project will be held at 7:00 Wednesday night at City Hall.