Hampshire seeking input on downtown development

A Hampshire committee is seeking input from residents and frequent visitors regarding the future development of the village's downtown business district.

The information gathered from an online survey is expected to assist with the village's business recruitment efforts by determining what types of shops or services are desired, Trustee Ryan Krajecki said. The 20-question poll, created by the business development commission, also could be used to gauge residents' interest in a potential facade program aimed at beautifying the downtown, he said.

"We're going into the toolbox and trying to figure out ways to deliver the residents of Hampshire a more interactive and better place to spend their leisure dollars in the downtown space," Krajecki said.

Since its inception more than a year ago, the commission has been laying the groundwork for its goals of recruiting, expanding and retaining businesses, Krajecki said. The group started implementing the Environmental Protection Agency's smart growth program, which offers strategies for developing a community while being mindful of residents' health and the environment.

The commission also divided the village into various areas, each of which has its own set of needs, and determined the downtown was the most logical place to begin, Krajecki said.

"There's a high level of energy and commitment toward working alongside the village to create the right environment to attract new businesses into town or (get) existing businesses to expand," he said.

Downtown State Street is seeing some new economic activity with the upcoming opening of a new farm-to-table restaurant, Copper Barrel on State, Village President Jeff Magnussen said. Another establishment is looking to sign a lease at the shuttered Palazzolo's Pizza nearby, he said, and the former chamber of commerce building recently was sold to new owners.

For years, residents have been anecdotally offering suggestions for what they'd like to see in the downtown, such as a bakery, a Mexican restaurant, a florist or a small gift shop, Magnussen said. The survey, which is open through next week, allows officials to keep record of those recommendations and use it to lure those types of businesses into the community, he said.

"Hopefully the critical masses are there for some smaller mom and pop (shops) and to keep the downtown as a destination spot," he said.

A link to the survey can be found on the village's website and social media pages.