York aims for ‘thriving, bustling downtown’ with revitalization effort
YORK, Neb. (KLKN) — For the fourth time in recent years, York is working to breathe new life into its downtown.
City leaders said this time, it will be bigger and better.
With more businesses at the table and a growing sense of urgency to boost tourism, they’re hoping this latest effort will take York to the next level.
“It continues to be really thrilling for us to work with newer businesses that have seen the great things that the program has done for the properties in downtown,” said Madonna Mogul, executive director of the York Area Chamber of Commerce.
The city council has approved seven business plans.
This phase of the downtown revitalization program includes renovating some local businesses and adding new apartments.
It’s all designed to bring more foot traffic to local businesses and put York on the map for out-of-town visitors.
“It’s really brought new life and really refreshed the community, got people excited to come downtown, shopping at the small businesses,” said Doug Rood, owner of Mack’s Golden Grounds. “And it’s a way to show the pride that York residents really have.”
Mogul said tourists can download an app specific to York County and play in a scavenger hunt to explore the city.
For business owners like Rood, who opened shop last year, the revitalization represents more than a facelift; it’s a shot at giving York an iconic downtown.
“You remember your neighborhoods and your downtowns fondly as a child,” Rood said. “And so those that have been in York for a very long time remember the bustling and thriving downtown, so I think this is our way to bring us back to that thriving, bustling downtown.”
Mogul said it’s a bold attempt, but one city leaders and shop owners are willing to bet on.
They said York deserves to be more than just a stop along Interstate 80.
