Fall 2001
PLACES: New Cineplexes Light Up Valley Downtowns
 Momentum
continues to build in downtown Merced. This spring marked the opening
of state-of-the-art 13 screen movie theater in the heart of the
downtown. Responding to the increased foot traffic caused by the
theater, many downtown businesses have extended their evening hours,
according to Merced Redevelopment Agency staff member Rose Stillo.
The City and downtown merchants have joined forces
to install attractive antique street lighting complete with decorative
banners. A streetscape improvement project for the streets leading
into downtown is also underway. The City also completed a beautiful
restoration of its art-deco masterpiece, the Mainzer Theater. (below)
 Merced
joins a number of Valley cities, including Lemoore, Visalia, Davis,
and Lodi that are using downtown movie theaters to bring more energy
and excitement to main street long after the 5:00 o’clock bell
rings. Valley cities have also shown that big cineplexes do not
have to compromise downtown walkability. Lodi and Davis have also
kept blank walls to a minimum by "wrapping" retail around
the movie complexes. Lodi’s new three-story parking garage
will also include 14,000 sq. ft. of retail, providing downtown retailer’s
and the City’s multi-modal station’s users’ need
with sufficient parking without sacrificing downtown Lodi’s
pedestrian -friendly nature.
For more information: Rose Stillo, Merced Redevelopment
Agency: stillor@ci.merced.ca.us,
Rod Bartlam, Lodi Community Development Director, (209) 333-6711.
The Place to Be
New Partners for Smart Growth: Building Safe,
Healthy, and Livable Communities
Presented by the Local Government Commission and
Penn State University
US Grant Hotel
San Diego, CA
January 24-26, 2002
We have learned that smart growth can possibly
impact more than just transportation and open space; it can improve
public health, prevent injuries, and reduce crime. During this conference
we will further explore these benefits and discuss our partnerships
to include educators, realtors, youth leaders, and senior citizen
advocates.
Confirmed speakers include the Honorable Parris
N. Glendening, Governor of Maryland; New Urbanist pioneer Andres
Duany, and Walkable Communities, Inc.’s Dan Burden.
For more information: http://www.outreach.psu.edu/C&I/SmartGrowth
or call Bismarck Obando, (916) 448-1198, ext. 311.
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