Small Town News
Taking it to the streets (of Shelton)
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By now, many of you have likely seen the changes on Railroad Avenue from Second to Sixth streets. These changes are a result of over two years of work and commitment from a variety of partners committed to taking steps to revitalize our city's downtown.
Fifty-four thousand dollars was raised to conduct the process through a partnership with the City of Shelton, the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Green Diamond Resource Co., Simpson and many other local businesses. Nearly 100 people participated in the process, which included a walking audit of downtown Shelton and two public meetings, and the plan was delivered in October 2015.
In January, an advisory committee of private and public stakeholders formed to take a leadership role in ensuring that the plan is used to begin implementing projects in Shelton. The mission of this task force is to identify priorities from the Vision Plan and forward recommendations to the city commission, Chamber board and community stakeholders.
This spring, the advisory group reached consensus to implement a demonstration road diet that began July 14 and should run for approximately one year. The main objectives of the road diet are lower vehicle speeds (traffic calming), add additional on-street parking and increase pedestrian comfort and safety. The road diet modifications have been made using existing street funds. There will be a launch event today at the chamber's Business Expo and Bite of Mason County that will include opportunities for community feedback, demonstrations of back-in angle parking and activities for families and children.
Speaking of the expo — it's today. If a high-energy block party with businesses and community organizations drawing on showmanship and flair to get your attention while sharing what makes their business so dynamic sounds like fun to you, then come downtown from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You will find all those things and more as the expo is the largest business and restaurant event in Mason County, attended by thousands of community members each year.
The expo always boasts a wide variety of interactive activities, food samples showcasing local restaurants and caterers, as well as a beer and wine garden (it'll be on Second Street between Cota and Railroad) to sample local spirits and more for all those of 21 years and older. Collectively, there will be dozens upon dozens of businesses and nonprofits in the same place at the same time.
As always, the community is called to vote for their favorites to receive the coveted "Golden Fork" and "Best Booth" awards. Voting will take place on site and, if last year was any indication, the competition will be intense. Last year, The Strip Steak House won the Golden Fork award and Best Booth was awarded to Hood Canal Communications (for the third year running).
I hope that you come join us as we take it to the streets. With so many new things happening downtown, you'll be amazed — and hopefully delighted.
Heidi McCutcheon is executive director for the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at heidi@sheltonchamber.org.
There will be a launch event today at the chamber's Business Expo and Bite of Mason County that will include opportunities for community feedback, demonstrations of back-in angle parking and activities for families and children.
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