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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Stouts fire burns 34 square miles, costs $12 million to fight so far ... Review: Maya Patridge soars in 'Peter Pan' ... Learning to lead ... Stouts fire burns 34 square miles, costs $12 million to fight so far ... Review: Maya Patridge soars in 'Peter Pan' ... Learning to lead ... TALENT As Talent businesses close, council hears economic development plan Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News TALENT — Part of downtown appears to be losing businesses, but the City Council last week learned of an economic development initative that aims to reverse the trend. At least four businesses have left Talent Avenue in downtown over the last year. They include Jupiter Cafe, Inti Restaurant, Simply Sassy hair salon and the Total Picture frame shop. All are located near the newly constructed roundabout that changed traffic patterns. A used books store is located in the former frame shop, but the others spots remain vacant. During citizens input at Wednesday's council meeting, one speaker noted the downtown losses. “It’s seems like there’s a lot of empty buildings,” said Lesley Adams, who commented on Jupiter Cafe’s closing. She said the owner voiced concerns that the recent rerouting of traffic through the roundabout connecting Main Street and West Valley View road may have decreased business in the area. Councilman Ryan Pederson presented the Economic Development Committee’s initiative. New Mayor Darby Stricker started the effort in January. A first step, a survey of local businesses by Talent Chamber of Commerce members, may begin this week. Chamber and committee members hope to have data the will lead to future support efforts by September Pederson, Stricker, Councilman E. J. McManus, Flywheel Bicycle Solutions owner Ian Bagshaw, and Wendy Siporen, executive director of THRIVE, crafted the plan and developed the survey. They used surveys done in Grants Pass and Ashland as models. Collaboration with other groups and donations of time will spark the effort, said Pederson. If there’s a need for funds, that might be worked into the city budget, he said. Four goals are envisioned in the plan. They include an all-in attitude to help businesses succeed, understanding business needs and concerns, connecting businesses with resources and encouraging events to bring people to Talent. In June, the committee will define areas of expertise that volunteers could bring to a rapid-response team to encourage businesses. “The mayor and the Economic Development Committee have envisioned this as a collaboration of different people who are willing to give to this at no charge since it’s such an infrequent things,” said Pederson. An update of the economic development part of the city’s website is planned to begin in January 2016, after the committee looks at survey information. Another objective is streamlining city processes in order to facilitate more events. The city already has the annual Harvest Festival, art and music festivals on Friday evenings during year, and the growers and artisans market. The Grape Fair was launched last year and will continue. Chamber of Commerce member Bobby Townsend said he may begin making contacts with businesses as early as this week. The survey will be aimed at all businesses in the Talent area. Survey information will be gathered in-person or by other methods that work best for respondents, he said. “We want to get business trends … to feel where people are and what they see as working,” said Townsend. “From the chamber’s standpoint we want to create some energy and encourage development in the community.” At least one city policy will get an examination. “The one thing the council has to look at is the (System Development Charges) for new businesses and taxes for new businesses,” said City Manager Tom Corrigan. He characterized the SDC’s as “scary” for businesses. The council directed Corrigan to come back with a report on the charges. “It’s going to take a great deal of energy for us to turn the corner away from the way we are trending right now,” said Sticker. “So be ready to jump in.” Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected] By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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