Planning for the Future

By Daniel E. Cort

Smart planning will preserve not only our fragile infrastructure, but our fragile historic business district

Dan Cort is the Founder and CEO of Cort Companies, which specializes in urban revitalization with a goal of preserving and reusing existing historical buildings. He and his company have had great success creating mixed use environments in which retail, service, and affordcable housing are combined for quality living. Dan has helped communities nationwide restore and revitalie their neighborhoods and business districts.

Our city and its businesses face greater challenges today than ever before: Regional Big Box Stores and Internet Cyber Stores are siphoning-off customers; Increasing taxes and expenses for services, utilities and materials; Abusive Lawsuits.

To maintain a level of economic stability in these uncertain times, we must work together to create positive solutions. Dan's years of experience in urban planning, management and consensus bulding would bring a new level of professionalism to our City Council.

"Mixed use projects (retail/residential) in the heart of business districts are one example of how communities revitalize business districts and, in some cases, provide low or moderate cost housing." (Dan Cort)

Our streets, parks, recreation trail, and of course our aging sewer system are all part of the infrastructure that holds our city together. Dan Cort is acutely aware of the fact a prosperous city relies on a sound infrastructure. As a council person, he is committed to prioritizing these goals: Commit sufficient resources to adequately address repairing and replacing our City's aging sewer system and implementing our Storm Water Diversion Program; Prioritize repairs to our streets, parks and public facilities; Establish a fair and open review process for any new city projects.