City Approves New Arts and Entertainment District
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Oct 6, 2010
Story Updated:
Oct 7, 2010
Areas of downtown have been re-zoned, making way for the creation of the Arts and Entertainment District.
It's a move Council members say will help re-vitalize downtown Laredo.
But will it make a difference?
Laredo’s Chamber of Commerce says the title helps define the area for tourists, but there's still a long way to go.
City Council members have unanimously approved the creation of an Arts and Entertainment District.
Within that district are areas of downtown Laredo, which Council members say will soon be the hot spots for locals and tourists to visit.
“We'll start seeing more museums, more art galleries, more restaurants, more entertainment for the entire family,” says Cindy Liendo-Espinoza.
Downtown is currently undergoing many infrastructure improvements and Espinoza says the new title will even help draw business.
“In the next couple of months and years there's going to be a great improvement and it's going to be the lively entertainment spot we've all be waiting on.”
Chamber of Commerce President Miguel Conchas says the move by Council shows they're serious about re-vamping a dilapidated downtown.
“It defines an area you go to other cities you have the 'ol town' in Albuquerque so it really helps,” says Conchas.
While it helps to have a tourist spot, Conchas says downtown is in need of a major facelift, brand new facades and the feeling of a beautiful place to be.
“Laredo needs a good shot in the arm. For some other communities the hardest problem they have is bringing people into the area. We don’t have that problem . What we need to do is keep them downtown.”
One he says will of course take money and owners who are willing to invest in the community.
“It's a baby step. We’ve got to go a long way.”
Some have asked if the new title a zoning makes way for eight liners to open up downtown.
Liendo Espinoza says that’s not what they have in mind for downtown.
