Workshop aims to revamp Elgin's image

Elgin's downtown isn't what it was before the explosion of shopping malls and suburban sprawl, and many avoid it like the plague.

Business owners and residents trying to change that attitude gathered for a brainstorming workshop Tuesday night hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin at the Gail Borden Public Library.

“There's a lingering perception, but that's changed in reality,” said Tonya Hudson, the group's executive director. “Everything discussed here is based on changing that perception. You can't change it overnight.”

So the 65 attendees split into groups to discuss ideas they have for Elgin's downtown in 2011. Long-term vision discussions are planned for next year, Hudson said.

Here's a look a some of the suggestions offered:

New business recruitment: Attendees suggested sending out a survey to residents on the types of stores they want downtown. Some people mentioned a grocery store, pharmacy and coin-operated laundry.Hudson said a store like Trader Joe's locating downtown isn't likely in the next five years, but an indoor cooperative market is. Such a #8220;niche#8221; market could be a destination venue, she said.Retail shopping downtown is difficult because there's not a large #8220;captive audience#8221; of people who live nearby, Hudson said.Special events: Those who attended proposed having more block party events downtown, such as sidewalk sales and flee markets. They also suggested the city host a German Christmas market like the one in downtown Chicago, and a Taste of Elgin summer festival.Arts: Some have previously suggested locating a co-op art program downtown, and Hudson said the Downtown Neighborhood Association will revisit that idea this year.The Downtown Neighborhood Association could serve as a support organization to get the program up and running. Artists would rent space from a storefront location, which would be like a business incubator, Hudson said. Artists have already expressed interest in the co-op, but a volunteer-driven support system would be needed to start one, Hudson said.#8220;The DNA sees arts as an economic development tool. We'd like to do more. We want volunteers to grow that part of the organization,#8221; Hudson said.Additional 2011 planning sessions will be held next month. Hudson said the staff will review the ideas and begin to implement them in January.