2019/02/04 - Mayor's Column: Downtown Keeps Getting Better!
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
Last week’s weather was freezing cold, but the excitement is downtown O’Fallon was sure heating up! This coming year will be very positive for our greatly improving downtown area.
O’Fallon Station, the new community gathering place at the corner of Vine and First Street (212 East 1st Street) is mostly complete. Starting in May, O’Fallon Station will be home to the Vine Street Market, a new farmers market featuring local vendors selling fresh garden vegetables and fruit, culinary offerings, and artisan items. The Vine Street Market will be held on Saturdays beginning with the second Saturday in May and ending on the third Saturday in October. Market hours will be 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Vine Street Market is now accepting vendor applications at www.ofallonstation.com. I highly encourage everyone to attend or participate in the Vine Street Market. And while you are in downtown, visit one of the many stores and restaurants located nearby.
In addition to the Vine Street Market, O’Fallon Station will be home to a number of smaller community events throughout the year. It will also be available to rent.
While the market is just starting to come together, the business owners in the downtown area are also starting to cooperate on upcoming events and attractions. City staff has been meeting with the business owners frequently and we think that this new partnership will pay great dividends for downtown, and anyone visiting the area.
Downtown has a special place in my heart. Across the nation, downtowns have taken a backseat to urban development and interstate commerce. The popularity of online shopping has also created challenges on small businesses. But over the past few years, downtowns have regained their popularity as more people hunger for nostalgia and community identity.
Not only does downtown O’Fallon have great shopping, services and eateries, it also serves as the heart and central meeting place for the community. This is one of the reasons why the City Council has made downtown a priority. We have taken large steps to increase parking and improve walkability. With the opening of O’Fallon Station and the revitalization of the partnership between the City of O’Fallon and business owners in downtown O’Fallon, the next few years are going to be great!
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!