"Love thy neighbor" downtown style

Any community trying to develop a thriving downtown area must necessarily learn how to balance the great mixture of people and uses in a small amount of space. Downtown Colorado Springs is no exception, and we are at a very critical turning point in deciding what type of downtown we will have. The right mixture of residential housing, services for residents, retail, museums and entertainment must be reached. In a small geographic space with high density, it is especially important that all of us be good and considerate neighbors--part of a highly functioning and tight knit community.

Unfortunately, much of the press about downtown Colorado Springs of late has revolved around the problematic and rapidly expanding nightlife. Our ratio of nightclubs and bars to residents has risen far above maintainable levels as evidenced by the over-worked police force, the frightened residents and visitors and the recent crime wave. It hasn't done much in the way of promoting neighborliness downtown.

This is not intended to alarm, but rather draw attention to a problem that has been addressed in many major metropolitan areas, and can be adequately handled in Colorado Springs. The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), of which I am a board member, was formed to promote positive growth downtown for the benefit of business owners (including bars) and residents. If the balance between all the elements for a successful downtown has not been struck, it is our job to ensure that we work with local officials to find that balance.

There are a number of ways concerned citizens, business owners, downtown committees, government and residents can be positively involved.

1. We must look at our zoning code and City ordinances to see if they provide adequate protection regarding the density of the downtown districts and nightlife. If not, we must work with other local government entities to enact these ordinances that protect the welfare and safety of everyone downtown.
2. We must continue to encourage growth in other sectors--not just nightlife. We need more housing for permanent residents especially. And then, we need to provide supporting services and a helathy mix of retail and entertainment for them.
3. The city must provide adequate security for a densely populated and heavily used urban area. Conscentious residents, volunteers, and business owners must work with local police to ensure the safety of their neighborhood. Some of these programs have already begun, and further cooperation will only ensure their success.

The growing pains in downtown Colorado Springs do not present insurmountable problems, however, we must continue to have an open dialogue about how to best promote the needs of all our downtown neighbors.