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town business district to see what's up.
• Often, we notice all kinds of neat and interesting shops and stores, artsy galleries and unique restaurants. Anyone who's spent time in the Sioux Falls downtown area knows what we're talking about. Same goes for towns like Fargo, N.D., and Fort Collins, Colo.
• In many large towns, the historic business district isn't exactly what it used to be; that's partly a result of business migration to the city's outskirts, along interstates and bypasses. But many places have figured out that with a little help from the city itself, the business district can still be a viable place to set up shop.
• Mitchell's Main Street business district is trying hard to become a unique place to shop, eat and stroll. Niche businesses have sprung up in place of former downtown mainstays, and an association of business owners and other interested parties meets regularly to try to map out a future for the neighborhood.
• What downtown really needs, however, is the support of the city, and the City Council, when ideas arise that could spark even the smallest economic development.
• One of those ideas has again surfaced, and we're again watching from afar to see the expected debate begin. The proposal is to allow the serving of wine on sidewalks adjacent to wine-licensed business in downtown Mitchell, and it's an issue that likely will again draw controversy.
• When the issue arose last year, the council seemed interested in approving it. The council changed course, however, after hearing impassioned speeches from a handful of people who are opposed to allowing alcohol consumption on sidewalks.
• The first reading of the latest version of the ordinance will likely be May 20 at City Hall.
• We urge the council to keep an open mind. We also urge the council to give the OK to serving wine on sidewalks. We note that the proposal limits service to a specific area of downtown Mitchell, and that it prohibits serving wine outdoors during the Corn Palace Festival.
• Participating businesses would be required to pay an application fee and provide the city with detailed plans for service and outdoor furniture.
• This seems fair to everyone.
(Continued on page 26)
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