Councilmen layout downtown vision

The Recorder asked Porterville City Council members to describe what they envision for Downtown Porterville in the near future. Following is their responses:  

— Pete V. McCracken

“The new courthouse will be a catalyst for renovation of the historic Main Street of Porterville and will act as a stimulus for our economic future.
Evidence of such renovation is already surfacing; Bank of the Sierra is expanding, Dickey’s is opening, and downtown merchants are beginning to work together.
With thoughtful planning, attention to financial fundamentals, adherence to rules of law, and cooperation of all, Porterville can look forward to a prosperous future.”

— Greg Shelton

“Up until about 10 years ago, the vision was to pattern downtown Porterville after popular tourist destinations, such as Solvang or San Luis Obispo, with their many small specialty shops and cafes. However, with the adoption of the new General Plan, the vision was changed into more of a “mixed-use” format, with retail businesses intermingled with urban housing. I think that with the addition of the new South County Justice Center, the whole complexion of downtown Porterville will change again into an environment that is geared more toward serving the “business professional” with office buildings and retail establishments that will cater to the many administrators, lawyers, and clerks who will invariably frequent the new facility.”

— Brian Ward

“A state of the art courthouse that will lead to millions of dollars of investment in the area from the county and private enterprises. Santa Fe recreation park/center. A new main street interchange off of the 190 that will give greater access to downtown leading to more commercial development. An online mall comprised of downtown merchants that allows people to specifically shop or access their products electronically. It’s an exciting time to be in Porterville.”

— Ron Irish

“I envision downtown to experience a wonderful metamorphosis that will reflect the history and tradition of our community and accentuate it as the heart of our community. The new courthouse will be in full operation, and many businesses will locate and/or expand downtown. Pedestrian improvements will be done along Oak, Garden and Olive avenues connecting the courthouse to Main Street. Murals, fountains, and other types of public art will be installed that memorialize the history of the city. Main Street planters will be redesigned to include new trees, seasonal flowers and plants, and lighting enhancements. New benches will be installed, and in addition to American flags placed on the light poles to signify our patriotic spirit, banners will be used to reflect the seasons.”

Councilman Cameron Hamilton did not submit his vision for downtown.