I support the renovation of city owned property, namely the former Martings building and annex, to house city offices on the upper floors and mixed-use space on the main floor and basement of the building. This mixed-use space could include community enhancing activities such as: a) space for local artists to display and sell their work, b) child care facilities, c) a bookstore and/or newsstand, d) a coffee shop or lunch counter, e) a health and fitness area to be managed by a local hospital(s), f) display areas for local businesses and organizations, g) a small stage area for local arts organizations to perform for the general public. This could be referred to as the City Center. I also support moving the police and justice system offices to a newly remodeled or constructed building on the Adelphia site, which offers more room for parking and is closer to the county court house. I feel that moving the justice complex away from the main downtown business district is in the best interest of public safety. This could be referred to as the Justice Center. I support the removal the current aging city building and developing a marketing strategy to sell the city-owned riverfront property to a developer for construction of a new hotel, convention center, restaurant, and/or condominiums. I pledge to support city officials who support this plan for downtown revitalization.

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