City gets strategic in developing downtown

‍

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

There’s a new sheriff in downtown, and she’s ready to round up more customers.

In late July, the city council created the position of downtown coordinator and hired Nicolette Allen to fill the position.

“One of my roles as downtown coordinator is to build a program, since we don’t have one,” Allen said.

Her first responsibility is to make a reality the 32 strategies targeted by a consulting group’s year-long analysis. High on the priorities are parking, coordination with property owners and promoting a 4-acre site for development.

Check out all of the strategies: https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6733/Downtown-Mansfield-Development-Strategies-Final?bidId=

“Revitalization is one of their priorities,” Allen said. “We’ve done a lot of public improvement, roads, bridge lights, Pond Branch Trail, lamp posts on South Main, murals and artwork. That’s a good part of revitalization. You feel like you’re in a distinct area, place-making.”

Allen says there’s a lot going on in downtown now, but there’s still work to do to make the historic downtown a destination.

“We want something that will help with revitalization, retail or dining and entertainment,” she said. “We’re hoping someone will come along with vision that will benefit downtown businesses, residents and visitors.

“The ultimate goal will be for people who live in Mansfield, it’s Saturday afternoon and they say ‘Let’s go downtown and see what’s new,’” Allen said. “They want to hang out in their downtown and not drive to Fort Worth or Dallas.”

Residents can help, Allen says. She is looking for old pictures of downtown, memories and stories. Contact Allen at historicdowntown@mansfieldtexas.gov.

‍