People who live in Atascadero are helping shape the future of their downtown.
Community members gathered Wednesday morning to talk about increasing pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety. They also spoke on enhancing the city's appearance and parking opportunities.
"What's been shown in other communities that have done something similar has been a 30 to 50 percent increase in commerce and also dramatic vacancy rate change. People come in and move in with new businesses," said Phil Dunsmore, the Community Development Director.
City officials have also proposed connecting the downtown businesses on both sides of El Camino Real to the downtown area between Galaxy Theater and Rosario Avenue.
The public can view the conceptual plan, ask questions and add comments at these sessions.
The next meeting is Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall. Two more meetings are scheduled for later this month.
