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LISBON -- The consulting firm hired by Village Council to develop a plan for revitalizing the downtown business district has begun work without much input from local officials.
When council hired Town Center Associates in September after the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce agreed to split the cost, officials from both organizations talked about the need of forming a committee to work out the details, provide input and determine what role each would eventually play in implementing TCA's plan once it is place.
Nearly four months later, that has not occurred, but Mayor Joseph Morenz expects things to change with creation of an economic development committee that is scheduled to hold its first meeting on Jan. 31. The committee -- consisting of council members Dawn Thomas, Jeff Snyder and Roger Gallo -- was created in December for the specific purpose of working on the mayor's plan to designate Lisbon a Community Reinvestment Act area, but Morenz envisions the committee also overseeing the revitalization plan since both projects go hand-in-hand.
Morenz said he also intends to meet with TCA representatives "to find out what they need from us so we can get the most out of this."
Since being hired in September, TCA representatives have been in town taking photographs of commercial properties for creation of an online database that can be accessed by anyone looking to open a business in town. This online site will also provide additional information about business properties in Lisbon.
"I think they've already started getting things done. I think they want to get the ball rolling," he said.
As part of his overall vision for revitalizing the downtown business district, Morenz has been trying to work with the village zoning board to strengthen zoning and building codes. Morenz has tried to hold monthly meetings, but attendance has been a problem among zoning board members, except for Stosh Marshalek, who he said has showed up on a regular basis.
Getting after residential and business property owners who allow their homes and buildings to fall into disrepair is one of Morenz's key goals and part of his strategy for revitalizing the downtown.
"I want to get things accomplished but I can't do that if no one shows up," he said.
As a result, Morenz had village solicitor Megan Bickerton draft letters he sent to zoning members asking if they were interested in continuing to serve. This was done with council's permission since council is responsible for appointing the five zoning board members, not the mayor. Of the four members whose terms have expired, Richard Henthorne is the only one so far to reapply.
Morenz has also proposed changing how zoning board members are compensated, switching from a flat monthly fee whether they meet or not, to being paid per meeting.
A reorganizational meeting of the zoning board is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 to discuss the changes.
tgiambroni@mojonews.com