By Ricky Rieckert
Dear readers,
The article this week is the second of two parts on how Aurora’s government has altered the downtown over many decades. I’ll start with the public park at 27 S. Broadway.
The park, between Galena Boulevard and Downer Place replaced abandoned buildings. They were torn down because they were not up to code.
I was told by City officials that it would cost more to bring them up to code and repair them, than tear them down.
However, it made me wonder if the real reason was because City officials wanted the park there, and if the buildings really needed to be removed.
The removal of historic buildings worries me about Aurora’s future.
I wonder what’s going to happen to the building that was home to Ernie Frantz’s Gym, on the east side of Broadway, between Downer and Benton.
In 1964, City officials tore down the former police department/library building which was west of the GAR building, on the east side of Stolp Avenue. It had a facade like something you would see in Gotham City on the original Batman shows.
I feel it was a waste, to tear down such a beautiful structure.
The property sat idle with a parking lot for several years, until it became what it is now: A parking garage, Subway sandwich shop, and offices.
We need additional attractions to draw visitors to Aurora. The question is what would they be? Downtowns are very important to the livelihood of any city, let alone one with 200,000 residents.
I personally think the City should have shuttles downtown. They would be a wonderful way to show off the downtown, and provide service to seniors and handicapped individuals.
Shuttles on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays could give tours of the scenic downtown, and help promote restaurants, historic buildings, new attractions, and stores. In addition, they would be a great benefit before and after Paramount shows.
Keep in mind, a lot of the Paramount subscribers are from the suburbs and shuttles could run from the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC). In addition, it would be beneficial for concerts at RiverEdge Park and other events throughout the City.
Even Montgomery has shuttles for its three-day Montgomery Fest in their downtown every year.
Lastly, for a successful downtown we need to have events for young people, middle-aged, and seniors, along with representation of the many cultures and nationalities in this great city.
Mayor Laesch, you have a chance to create tangible improvements and create a legacy as a great mayor, if you can make this City thrive without raising taxes and taking funding away from attractions that bring crowds to Aurora.
Food for thought.